The idea for The Vale began in 1946 when Jane and Griscom Morgan invited a family to share their home on 40 acres of land two miles south of Yellow Springs. In 1950 the second house was built and more followed. Now there are 11 homes and 20 members. The group incorporated as The Vale in 1960. Gris and Jane felt strongly that land should be shared, and not used as a commodity, so in 1980 they donated the land to the Community Service, Inc. Land Trust, from which it is leased by The Vale. Seventeen of its wooded acres were put into a conservation easement, so they would never be built upon. Each family lives in its own home, but many share space with additional people. Most families earn their livelihood outside the community. The land, (woods and common areas), utilities, and a half-mile gravel lane are managed together. Gardening is important to many members. Prospective members must live at The Vale for at least one year before applying for membership. At the moment The Vale has no openings for renting or for building.
Business is decided by consensus. Business meetings are usually every month, with the addition of weekly and seasonal get-togethers (potlucks and soup suppers, and an annual retreat).
Learning to live in community.
The membership process is a year-long process including socialization and attendance at monthly business meetings.
If you are interested in visiting our community, please contact us at the email provided. We have weekly soup suppers or potluck style dinners you would be welcome to attend. We would like for you to contact us before hand in case there is a change in venue or time, as well as to give our members a heads-up you will be there. We have no overnight accommodations. You will need to find housing in the village.
A few people (not elected by the broader community) make the major decisions.
Everyone must agree before moving forward.
Power and responsibility are shared relatively equally among members.
Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.
Regular fees: Yes
Labor: Encouraged or suggested
Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Outbuilding(s), Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas
Smaller municipalities with local services but rural character.
Private homes with shared common facilities, designed for neighborly
interaction while maintaining independence.
A residential project: people live here as their primary home.
An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).
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