Stephen Gaskin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Gaskin
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Stephen Gaskin at the Nambassa in New Zealand, 1981
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| Born | February 16, 1935 Denver, Colorado, U.S.
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| Died | July 1, 2014 (aged 79) Summertown, Tennessee, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | San Francisco State College (B.A., M.A.) |
| Occupation | Activist, speaker, writer |
| Spouse(s) |
Carol Groves
(m. 1957; div. 1959)Carol Ladas
(m. 1961; div. 1964)Margaret Nofziger
(m. 1967; div. 1975)Ina May Middleton
(m. 1976) |
Stephen Gaskin (born February 16, 1935 – died July 1, 2014) was an American leader and speaker. He was known for his role in the "counterculture" movement of the 1960s. This movement involved people who wanted to live differently from mainstream society. Stephen helped start "The Farm," a special community in Tennessee, in 1970. He also ran for president in the Green Party primary election in 2000. Stephen wrote many books and worked as an activist, helping people and the environment.
Contents
Stephen Gaskin's Life and Work
Stephen Gaskin was born in Denver, Colorado. He served in the US Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955. In the 1960s, he moved to San Francisco. There, he taught English and writing at San Francisco State College.
The Monday Night Class
Stephen's writing class grew into a large discussion group. It was called the Monday Night Class. Up to 1500 students would attend these talks. The class was first held at San Francisco State University. Later, it moved to a place called "The Family Dog" near Ocean Beach. Stephen talked about his unique experiences and the importance of caring for the environment. Many hippies from the San Francisco Bay Area came to these popular weekly meetings.
Founding The Farm Community
In 1970, Stephen Gaskin and about 60 vehicles traveled across the United States. They settled near Nashville, Tennessee. Here, they created a community called "The Farm." This community became famous for its size and impact. The Wall Street Journal even called it "the General Motors of American Communes."
The Farm was a place to help people and the planet. They worked to improve the lives of poor people and native groups. They also helped protect whales and old-growth trees. The Farm eventually became an intentional community in Summertown, Tennessee.
The Farm's Global Impact
The Farm community did many helpful projects around the world. For example, they built 1,200 homes in Guatemala. These homes were designed to resist earthquakes. They also built public buildings and water lines in five villages there.
After the Three Mile Island accident and the Chernobyl disaster, The Farm sent teams to check radiation levels. They also gave equipment to the Rainbow Warrior ship. This helped the ship escape from a Spanish harbor.
Spiritual Teachings and Books
Stephen Gaskin shared many spiritual ideas. These ideas are found in his books and recordings of his "Sunday Morning Services." These teachings talk about magic, energy, and living together in a community. They also focus on serving humanity and helping others.
Awards and Later Life
In 1980, Stephen Gaskin received the Right Livelihood Award. This award honors people who offer practical solutions to global problems. In 2004, he was added to the Counterculture Hall of Fame.
Stephen continued to work as an international activist, writer, and speaker. He did this until a few months before he passed away. He gave advice on living in a community and farming. He also spoke about modern communication, the counterculture, and environmental issues. He played drums in The Farm Band, which toured in the 1970s and 1980s. His last published works were updated versions of Monday Night Class and The Caravan. Stephen Gaskin died on July 1, 2014, at his home. He was surrounded by his family.
