This is about my time in a commune. It was called amongst other names the Brotherhood of the Spirt, The location was Turners Falls, MA in the 70s. The leader was Michael Metallica. If anyone knows of this or were a member contact me please.
The Unattainable Vision
He was quite an enigma; strolling down the main street of this small, former industrial town. His gait was one of confidence, smiling as he went, waving to whomever passed. Dressed in a black top hat and tuxedo, his long blonde hair flowed down his shoulders. The people gawked in amazement wondering, who and what this was. He would be described by many adjectives, some very demeaning, however if one took the time they would find out he was one of the most interesting persons of his day. I would soon find that out for myself.
Having heard of this man from many as being the founder of the most prosperous financial commune in the U.S., I decided to take a look. Not having any real cause or purpose in my life at that time, I attained the information I needed to see if this was for me. Having arrived and checked in, I was now awaiting my interview, by the man himself. Drinking a coffee in a dimly lit café; I was wondering if id recognize him from the descriptions I had heard. After what seemed like an eternity, I saw him walk in, all eyes upon him, oozing confidence as he strode. He seemed to light up the room, a definite aura about him. He took a stool next to me and said, ” I hear you’re interested in becoming a member.” My first impression of him was as if I had seen or talked to him before; possibly, if one was to believe, in a previous life. He was the image of what I had pictured him to be. As he talked he seemed to say all the right words or possibly, I was awestruck with his soothing voice and positive outlook.
He was very good at evaluating what skills a person had and how they could be used to further this expanding brotherhood. (The commune was known as the Brotherhood of the Spirit.) They needed a grocery store at that time and he chose me to facilitate its beginning. His flair came through once again; “We will name it Cucumber Grocery.”
He was very much into music, and at his spiritual meeting there would always be a group trying out their new songs. Later I was to find out, a band named Guess, was putting the finishing touches on their stage show before embarking on their first tour. He was into people, expanding their minds, becoming all they could be. He believed that everyone had a hidden talent and was ready to back them, to explore their cultural interests. He would always expound on the values of the extended family, using the children as the key. There would be many people visiting, students, professors, and psychologists and they would see how confident, independent, and intelligent the younger members had become at such an early age.
This was the early 70s, and the news had become flat with constant clips of the war on television. Soon he was to become a television celebrity. Three times on Sixty Minutes, and the subject of many documentaries. They would focus on how he would overcome all obstacles, which were many, often from non-understanding townsfolk and civic leaders. This group had become very successful, accumulating many assets, which included thirty businesses, two airplanes, and many custom buses. One of which they used to take Linda Rondstat on tour filming and editing as they went. Possibly, this being forerunner of the music video.
Having the tax status of a church, he faced many inquiries about the commune finances. Many times the FBI was seen lingering around trying to see or hear something that could put an end to his dream. He would sometimes shock them by bringing them a coffee and introducing himself, thus blowing their much too obvious cover. There was also talk he was harboring some of the fugitives of the 70s counter culture, which I believe at times he did. However he was always one step ahead of them; wanting to preserve the groups existence
People learned not to underestimate him or they would pay the price. One time, he walked into a major car dealership, dressed to kill, and introduced himself to one of the salesman. The former, thinking he was just another strange person quickly took leave of him without asking if he could help. Soon a younger, fledgling apprentice offered his services. Without blinking an eye Michael pointed and remarked, ” I will take 50 of those, (Hondas), in assorted colors.” Tell me when you will have them ready and I will send people to pick them up.” He paid cash, must to the astonishment of all parties within earshot.
Within all dreams reality takes a hold, sooner or later. His classless structure of the family soon began to take on leaders. Thus separating the doers from the followers, hence bringing a downfall to his fledging utopia.
As the malcontent of the young of that era started to abate, there seemed no need for this type of living to go on. People started to drift away from his ideals and his purpose; thus, leaving him a man without the followers he needed to spread his message. His ideas were good; however, not based on sound logic or past histories of civilizations. Seeing himself as the patriarch, more than a leader, he strove for equality among his peers. However, it is not possible to attain, as classes begin to emerge.
So some day when your out driving, viewing the fall foliage or hunting for that fresh spring maple syrup you may pass by this old quaint town. You may see a charismatic older man his long gray hair blowing in the wind, with tired but gleaming eyes. Stop and say hello, for his spirit and vision of life is enlightening even if not attainable.
