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Subject: Bearded Lady Freak Show House of Davis Commune "I'm quitting. I just received an offer to play football with the House of David" The House of David was a religious commune founded in 1902. The group was founded by Benjamin Purnell. Based in and around Benton Harbor, Michigan and High Island (Michigan), the commune required its members to refrain from sex, haircuts, shaving, and the eating of meat. Starting around 1907 the community ran "The Springs of Eden Park" which became a popular Michigan vacation spot in the 1930s. The House of David operated a famous barnstorming baseball team, which toured rural America from the 1920s to the 1950s, playing amateur and semi-pro teams in exhibition games. The organization also fielded nationally known musical bands between 1906 and 1927. During that period these bands toured the country almost non-stop primarily on the three top vaudiville circuits: the Pantages, the Keith and the Orpheum. The House of David also operated a world-famous amusement park and zoo The House of David commune reached the peak of its operations in 1907-1927. Difficulties arose in the 1920s, as the Detroit Free Press and other newspapers began running articles attacking Purnell, who was accused of violating the commune's oath of celibacy. Purnell was tried in Berrien County, Michigan, for "public immorality," and 13 young women, placed under oath, confessed to having had sex with the patriarch. The trial led to Purnell's expulsion from the commune in 1927, and the former leader died in 1929; his body was mummified and kept in a glass coffin in the commune. The group suffered further splintering after his death and ultimately split into two groups. One group, run by Benjamin Purnell's wife Mary, remained successful until her death at 91 in 1953. The group has since declined, but still has a few dozen members. Nice Artwork by E. Simms Campbell Year: 1938 Approximate Size: 9 1/2" x 14" TERMS: Full payment is due within 7 days _____________________________________________________________ This is an old magazine advertisement or illustration. I only sell Ads in Good to Excellent condition. This is NOT a reproduction; it is an ORIGINAL piece of history. · Advertisements go through a natural aging process, and may have a natural color tint due to the age of the piece, which adds character that is only found in authentic and original vintage advertising. · All Ads that I sell are in Very Good to Excellent Condition unless otherwise noted. · All Ads will come with a cardboard backer for support and “DO NOT BEND†on the package Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.
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