Quote Originally Posted by Riverkilt View Post
I always get a hoot out of political references to the ideals of the founding fathers...while some of my Mayflower ancestors were for sure merchants bent on making a buck, the Mayflower Compact sure seems like a bit of early commune living...and the Mayflower passengers were brightly dressed and prolific in their love of each other...would fit in well with some 20th century communes...just my opinion...
Ron -- interesting comment, but I'm not sure I agree with it. Have a look at this article on Thomas Morton of Merrymount who gets my nod for the first "commune" in North America:

http://members.aol.com/srasmus/olden...errymount.html

For sure an opportunity for Mayflower descendents to consider the Dutch Friendship tartan for all the help they got in Leyden.
I can't say I agree with this point either: remember the Plymouth Separatists left Holland because they were losing their English identity, especially their children, who were adopting Dutch ways. Yes, the Dutch welcomed them, but the whole reason for the move to New England was to preserve their community.

Sorry to be so academic this morning.

Todd