1973 footage from the Mt. Philo Commune in Charlotte, Vermont, about 20 minutes south of Burlington. Shot by Robert Machover and Michael Singer.
Mt. Philo might have been the most influential Vermont commune and had a lasting impact on the state. Members created Burlington food co-ops that became today’s popular City Market / Onion River Co-ops (best grocery store), as well as the People’s Free Clinic which became today’s Community Health Centers, and The Schoolhouse Learning Center which is still a thriving independent school. Former member Bridget Downey-Meyer has talked about how easy it was do these things then because of the lack of regulations relative to today.
After existing as a historic inn off and on for many years, the location is now condos 🫠 but there is still one suite available for short-term rentals. It has as an epic view of Lake Champlain out to the Adirondacks.
Watch the full documentary here.
