Indian Star

 

In 1862, German Methodist Reverend Emil Baur bought 740 acres on Wild Fowl Bay, Michigan for an experiment in communal living. He called his venture “The Christian German Agricultural and Benevolent Society Ora et Labora,” (meaning “pray and work.”) Members could join for $25 ($906 in today’s money). Ora Labora started with 140 members, but the colony quickly doubled in size. Most members were immigrants from European cities. They were willing to work, but had little experience with farming. They bought cows, then lost them because they didn’t think to build fences. When the Civil War started, several members enlisted. Most didn’t return after the war. By 1867, the colony dwindled to a dozen members, and was deep in debt. Ora Labora disbanded, and in 1871 a fire erased what was left of the buildings. USPS relocated their post office to nearby Bay Port. Today, all that remains of Ora Labora is the stone markers in the cemetery.