We step outside the bounds of conventional economics education in this post to enter the intensive boot-camp for libertarians established in 1957 by Robert LeFevre in Colorado Springs. Economics in the Rear-view Mirror’s latest artefact is the 1962 Prospectus for the Freedom School transcribed below.
Like many prophets of new religions, Lefevre brought definite charismatic talent along with a checkered past to his job as entrepreneurial educator.
In the libertarian encyclopedia article about LeFevre, an observer-participant of the movement (Brian Doherty, the leading historian of Libertarianism in the United States) wrote:
“LeFevre worked as an actor, radio broadcaster, door-to-door salesman, real estate speculator and manager, TV newsman, and assistant to a pair of charismatic American cult leaders in a religious movement known as the Mighty “I AM.”
A definitely non-libertarian journalist expands on “assistant to a pair of charismatic American cult leaders” as follows:
In 1940, LeFevre published his first book, I AM: America’s Destiny, claiming that he had once driven his car for twenty minutes with his eyes shut while his soul cavorted with Saint Germain somewhere over California’s Lake Shasta. “Now, as I watched, and listened, Saint Germain talked to me. He was real! The world I lived in was unreal. He was the true reality.”
LeFevre quickly discovered how popular he became by claiming this power. Women made themselves available; crowds would gather in apartments to hear his “dictations” from the spirit of Saint Germain. One married woman he lusted after invited LeFevre to live with her and her husband in their San Francisco penthouse, causing her husband to drink himself almost to death.
It’s hard to tell if LeFevre genuinely anguished over his con job; in his memoirs, his language suggests that more than anything, he feared being found out:
“…What if I suddenly announced to all these good people that the whole thing was a sham? I was tempted to do it.”
“Was I guilty of fraud? Had I (subliminally) perhaps been engaged in some monstrous pretense?”
LeFevre’s stint as cult leader was short-lived. In late 1940, the FBI indicted him and 23 other top “I AM” figures with felony mail fraud. LeFevre immediately turned states’ witness, and charges against him were dropped, while Edna Ballard [note: she was the Tammy Faye Bakker of the I AM cult] and her son were sentenced to prison.
Source: Mark Ames, “Meet Charles Koch’s Brain.”
In a future post we will examine Charles Koch’s personal link to LeFevre’s Freedom School as well as some of the economist friends of the Freedom School.
________________________________
1962 Prospectus
The Freedom School
A Call to Introspection
and Thoughtful Appraisal
Today a whole series of concepts alien to the American ideal of 1776 has become acceptable to a great number of American people.
American business finds its back to the wall, confronted by outrageously high taxes, by regulations which impair its ability to operate and, additionally, by union organizers who not only force wages to rise in a manner disassociated with production but who are now usurping the functions of management in the field of hiring and firing. Without deep and thoughtful study of the economic and moral principles underlying a free market, today’s executive is ill-equipped to withstand union and government interventions.
American workers, caught in a vise between mounting taxes and soaring prices, and conditioned by various public media of education and communications, find themselves individually confronted with what appear to be only two possible alternatives: submit to unionism, or face unemployment and economic strangulation.
American students seeking to acquire an education are confronted with compulsion, illogic and ineptitude. Those who express a love and devotion to the ideas and ideals of the American founders are scorned, and admonished to forget “old-fashioned notions” about the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. They are advised that capitalism is outmoded, that private ownership of the means of production and distribution is out-dated and improper, and that a brave new world awaits them if they will conform to governmental intrusion in their lives, submit to authority at every level and try always to keep in mind that Society has become responsible for everything and everybody.
In a climate sired by big government, enormous taxes, legal intrusions, union violence, the threat of war, inflation and educational paucity. the individual must equip himself with the proper means of combatting false ideas and of standing firm in a sea of confusion. Only YOU can decide where you will stand in the ideological warfare of freedom vs. slavery.
This is a call to all Americans who are in rebellion against the foregoing evils and who wish to discover practical ways and means of meeting the challenge to their businesses and industries. to their families, their jobs and their property, and to their own intellectual integrity.
Robert LeFevre
The Freedom School
In poetic harmony with the setting of tall Douglas firs, the buildings comprising the Freedom School reflect in craftsmanship and rough-hewn simplicity the philosophy of individualism. The American tradition is articulated by the log facades on the buildings.
In such an harmonious setting away from jangle and tension, without the pressures caused by appointments, and undistracted by ordinary routine affairs, rigorous study can be pursued. Reflection and intellectual exploration in the field of human action can best be achieved in a tranquil atmosphere.
The student is encouraged to enter classroom discussions to probe human action philosophically, historically, economically, politically, ethically and morally.
He will sweep back through history examining the bright stars of freedom illuminating the course of human progress. The student will awaken to what governments can and cannot do; to the full impact of the merit of private ownership of property and its relationship to liberty.
The student will discover that there is no conflict between the highest moral beliefs and sound economic understanding.
The student is encouraged to seek self-improvement and his own excellence is pointed out as more important than the needs of societal groups.
He will find that all of these ideas, and more, are encompassed in a modern, intelligent philosophy of individualism, which rests its case on the natural, functional, rights of man.
Classwork convenes daily at 1:00 p.m. and continues until 5:00 p.m. when the student has a free hour before dinner, after which he returns to evening class. Evening class starts at 7:00 p.m, and concludes at 9:00 p.m. The student will discover that the pure mountain air, the brisk atmosphere, the rigorous use of his mental faculties encourage an early retiring.
Breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m. after which the student is free to go horseback riding, hiking, or to relax on one of the verandas and enjoy the vista of nature spread before him. There is available a fine libertarian library in which the student may sit in comfortable chairs and enter into lively discussion with his classmates. Superior reference material is close at hand. Each student’s quarters is equipped with a comfortable and well lighted study table. Books may be removed from the library for the student’s personal use.
Weather permitting, luncheon is held out-of-doors. The famous Sunday morning barbecue breakfast is held outdoors in a wooded glen.
Meals are served informally in the western tradition of hearty food. Most students have proclaimed the cuisine to be among the finest. Mrs. Loy LeFevre, who manages the school’s kitchen, has been urged by students to publish a cookbook comprised of the many savory recipes served at the Freedom School
Many days of sunshine each year provide excellent lighting for camera fans. Some of the pictures which appear in the Freedom School publications were taken by students.
At the Freedom School you will sleep better, eat better, think better, and feel better as you examine each facet of individualism.
One of the most telling statements pointing out a problem present in our country was volunteered by a Freedom School student: “I graduated from an American high school, I’m attending an American university, and I must ask the question: Why is it that I must travel 1100 miles to learn the facts that I have found at the Freedom School?”
Other graduates of the School described their experiences thusly:
* * *
“Before going to the Freedom School I considered myself a staunch supporter of liberty, but after experiencing the exchange of ideas that transpires there I discovered untenable taints of socialism remaining in me. These I have now discarded.”
Engineer, Northwest
* * *
“Your teachings opened up hitherto neglected directions in my thinking. I had been unknowingly utilizing methods of combating the activities of those who would destroy freedom which methods in themselves aided rather than opposed these activities.”
Former state legislator,
Southeast
* * *
“In our class without exception it was agreed that none of us had ever taken a course so thorough and dynamic, so enlightening as this one. We received inspiration and knowledge in the two weeks that would normally not be found in a quarter century. The professor from Milwaukee stated that it was more than a semester of college work so far as study goes.”
Businesswoman, Southwest
* * *
“It has provided me with the strongest philosophical underpinning that I have ever experienced. Since returning. I have had much more confidence in my politico-economic discussions and arguments.”
Graduate student, East
* * *
“The greatest intellectual challenge I ever encountered.”
Business executive — attorney,
Midwest
Comprehensive Course
This is an intensive, hard-hitting course of general instruction which is useful to any American of mature outlook who wishes to explore and discuss some of the basic questions of our time. The banalities of socialism are exposed. Our heritage of individual liberty and the philosophy of freedom and free enterprise are openly discussed. This course is particularly useful for instructors, ministers, editors, commentators, columnists — concerned with the dissemination of ideas. It is also well adapted for the businessman or for serious-minded students generally.
The Comprehensive Course is open to men and women, regardless of present academic rating, who are willing to work and apply themselves in a pursuit of philosophic and economic truths.
The 1961 Annual available upon request (limited supply).
Explorations in Human Action
(for Executives)
This is a special and definitive course of instruction reserved for executives only.
Executives may bring their wives if they choose; however, wives are excluded from class discussion, tho they may sit in as observers.
The instruction in this two-week period will place special emphasis upon economic problems to be found in today’s business and industrial operations.
Write for illustrated booklet. Do it today. Space is limited and only a few carefully selected executives are chosen each year.
This course is more intensive than the Comprehensive Course and is particularly adapted to the executive who is somewhat familiar with management and labor relations problems.
Explorations in Human Action brochure available upon request.
Workshop
One session is scheduled during 1962 for the accommodation of graduates, instructors in the libertarian philosophy, economists, philosophers, and others, so that they can meet in the atmosphere of the school for the purpose of discussion, sharing ideas in depth and the presentation of papers on a selected topic.
This four-day session will feature a number of the nation’s outstanding leaders in libertarian thought. They will be on hand to confer with students or guests, and to lecture on various phases of the understanding of liberty and economics. Their names will be announced later.
The topic will be: “Are Labor Unions Necessary?”
Graduates wishing to enroll in the Workshop are urged to prepare a formal paper on any phase of the labor union topic and may take any position they wish. A prize in the sum of $100 will be awarded for the best paper, plus a refund of tuition.
Graduates wishing to enroll without making a formal presentation may do so, altho they will not be eligible for the competition. Only graduates of the Comprehensive Course may compete.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for the Comprehensive Course under three plans.
- Full scholarships are available on the basis of a competitive examination. These examinations will be mailed from the Freedom School upon request beginning January 15. All competitive examinations will be judged the week of April 1, 1962, and awards announced thereafter. Winners will receive full tuition for any Comprehensive Course they select, tuition covering all room and board, books, instruction, recreation, and so on.
- Full scholarships may also be obtained AFTER April 15, 1962, by application to the Board of Directors of the Freedom School. These scholarships will be awarded on the basis of sincerity and personal worth of application when financial need is demonstrated. In a limited number of cases, outright awards will be made. In other cases, a student loan fund can be utilized with the student agreeing to return funds borrowed without interest.
- Partial scholarships may sometimes be obtained by any student who is willing to pay a part of his tuition himself.
Full-tuition scholarships will be presented to 1962 winners of the Freedom School competitive examinations from
The Arthur M. Hyde Foundation
The Rose Wilder Lane Scholarship Fund
The Campaign for the 48 States
The Spruille Braden Scholarship Fund
The Freedom School Alumni Scholarship Fund
and from other interested groups and individuals.
Local committees, such as the Sacramento (Calif.) Freedom School Scholarship Committee, will select candidates and present full-tuition scholarships to their winners.
NOTE: The school does not provide scholarships for either the Workshop or the Explorations in Human Action courses.
1962 Schedule
All courses of instruction at the Freedom School take two weeks. A minimum of six hours per day is spent in classroom work. Customarily, mornings are devoted to study, recreation and free time. Classroom sessions occur in the afternoon and evening.
Here is the schedule of all classes for the 1962 season:
| May 20 – June 2 incl. | Explorations in Human Action (for Executives) |
| June 3 – 16 incl. | Comprehensive |
| June 17 – 30 incl. | Comprehensive |
| July 1 – 14 incl. | Comprehensive |
| July 15 – 28 incl. | Comprehensive |
| July 31 – August 3 incl. | Workshop* |
| August 5 – 18 incl. | Comprehensive |
| August 19 – Sept. 1 incl. | Comprehensive |
| Sept. 2 – 15 incl. | Comprehensive |
| Sept. 16 – 29 incl. | Comprehensive |
| Sept. 30 – Oct. 13 incl. | Explorations in Human Action (for Executives) |
| (Graduates and top-flight teachers and students only) | |
Pre-season or post-season courses can be arranged for special groups who wish to obtain exclusive use of the school for a stated period with instruction tailored to any particular business or industrial problem. Write for information.
Instructors
Associate instructors who have served at Freedom School:
R. W. Holmes
Design engineer, Boeing Aircraft, Seattle, Washington
Frank Chodorov
Editor, author, New York City, N.Y.
Elgie C. Marcks
Professor of economics, University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee
V. Orval Watts, Ph.D.
Economist, author, Altadena, California
Oscar W. Cooley
Professor of economics, Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio
Ruth Alexander, Ph.D.
Nationally syndicated columnist, New Canaan, New York
James L. Doenges, M.D.
Surgeon; past president, Association of American Physicians & Surgeons, Anderson, Indiana
Ruth S. Maynard, Ph.D.
Professor of economics, Lake Erie Women’s College, Painesville, Ohio
Leonard E. Read
Founder-president, Foundation for Economic Education, Irvington-on-Hudson, New York
Rose Wilder Lane
Author, journalist, Danbury, Connecticut
F. A. Harper, Ph.D.
Economist, author, Burlingame, California
Salvatore Saladino, Ph.D.
Professor of history, Queens College, Flushing, New York
Wm. J. Grede
President and chairman of the board, J. I. Case Co., Racine, Wis.; past president, National Association of Manufacturers; chairman of the board, Grede Foundries
Wm. A. Paton, Ph.D.
Economist, professor of accounting, School of Business Administration, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Chas. E. Stenicka, III
Labor relations consultant, Midwest Employers Council, Lincoln, Nebraska
Transportation
Make your travel arrangements to come to Colorado Springs. It is serviced by leading airlines, bus and train companies. The school management will not guarantee to pick up students at any other destination.
You will be expected to be waiting at the Antlers Hotel in downtown Colorado Springs by 5 p.m. on the Sunday before your course begins. The school station wagon will pick you up from the lobby. You’ll be returned to the lobby of the Antlers Hotel on the Saturday following the conclusion of the course.
On your drive to the school (about 27 miles) you’ll glimpse the colorful rugged Colorado countryside, with Pikes Peak towering off to your left.
After registering, a delicious dinner with your fellow students will introduce you to life at the school, with your first night’s sleep in the pine-scented foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Meals
All meals are served buffet style. With the exception of the Sunday morning picnic, breakfast and dinner are eaten in the school dining room. Weather permitting, luncheon is eaten out-of-door at the tables adjacent to the kitchen.
Top-right: Following one week of intensive study, weather permitting, a barbecue breakfast is held Sunday at 8:30 a.m. in a wooded glen.
Lower-left: In the foreground is Thunderbird residence cabin, which is duplicated by Falcon cabin (not shown). The building in the upper right portion of the photograph is the dining room. Adjacent to the dining room is the school’s library.
Clothes
There will be no formal functions requiring “dressing up.” On nights when “open house” is held, ordinary street wear is appropriate. Otherwise, comfortable western clothes are preferable. Students who like horseback riding are encouraged to bring at least one pair of jeans. Sturdy shoes which give support to ankles are necessary if you are interested in either riding or hiking.
Resort wear is in keeping for recreational activities. For class, sport shirts and cotton dresses are suitable, with slacks and sweaters for cooler evenings. Clothes should be warm and serviceable. The elevation of the school is at 7,000 feet in the foothills of the Rockies. Days are warm but evenings are always cool.
Accommodations
The Freedom School is placed in a remote setting of woodland beauty. Accommodations are delightful and fully modern. Buildings are finished in natural logs to provide an atmosphere of early American simplicity. Most rooms accommodate from two to four students. There are ample porches, desks and chairs for study or relaxation.
Recreation
The school owns a small string of fine saddle horses which the students may ride during the morning hours. On the property are many fine hiking trails. There is a badminton court, a volleyball court and an archery range. All equipment is furnished by the school.
Library
In the school library is a fine collection of books on libertarian philosophy.
Included is a wide selection of titles on political science, history. biography, economics, philosophy and kindred subjects.
Philosophy
The Freedom School provides an intellectual avenue toward economic truths. From the primary and basic definitions of truth and freedom, the student moves rapidly through the philosophy of socialism, communism, and interventionism to individualism.
The course of instruction is intensive and demanding. It isn’t a “snap” affair. Ideas presented are far-reaching and challenging. To complete the course successfully, it is not necessary to agree with points of view offered. But individual effort is necessary even though conformity is neither required nor sought.
Accreditation
The school is not interested in issuing credits or diplomas.
Certificates of proficiency are presented to those who successfully complete any of the school’s courses. No certificates are awarded during Workshop attendance.
How Do I Enroll?
Make use of the appropriate enclosed enrollment form.
Await confirmation of your enrollment. We will be as prompt as possible.
Enrollment agreements are made for the FULL TWO-WEEK SESSIONS. No reduction or refund is made where a student withdraws during the session or is absent for part of the session, unless upon certification of a physician.
The school reserves the right to ask the withdrawal of a student whose health, in the judgment of the school’s medical advisor, is such as to endanger the student himself or the other students; or of a student who, in the judgment of the school administration, is not in sympathy with the standards, objectives and ideals of the school. A student who is asked to withdraw by the school will receive a pro-rata reduction in charges.
Who Can Attend?
The school is particularly designed for the enrollment of businessmen, executives, branch managers, department heads and others who carry the burden of free enterprise. Special courses limited to executives have been provided. However, executives may also enroll in any of the other courses offered.
The school is also eager to attract young men and women who are at least 16 years of age and who have a mature outlook.
Any American is eligible, man or woman, who is concerned with the conflicting philosophies apparent in our society and who wishes to study the economic truths respecting these philosophies. Prior scholastic achievement is not necessary.
The directors will make every effort to place applicants in courses with enrollees of similar backgrounds and interests. The right to approve or reject applications for enrollment is unconditionally reserved by the Board of Directors.
Tuition
| Explorations in Human Action (for Executives) |
$350.00 |
| Wives who wish to accompany husbands | $175.00 |
| Comprehensive Courses | $275.00 |
| (Scholarships are available for some of the Comprehensive sessions) | |
| Workshop | $ 60.00 |
| NOTE: No scholarships are available for any sessions at Freedom School except the Comprehensive sessions. |
|
What Tuition Covers
Whether the student elects to pay his own tuition or obtains a full or partial scholarship, all tuitions listed are full-expense tuitions. There are NO extras required.
Tuition includes transportation to the school from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and return to Colorado Springs. It includes all meals and lodging while at the school. It includes all required books and study materials. Certain books will be presented to the student for his permanent use. It includes all costs of instruction and recreation, including horseback riding.
Students wishing to provide notebooks for themselves, to buy extra books, tape recordings of meetings, or photographs of the scenery, do so at their own expense,
How is School Supported?
To begin with, the school is NOT supported by tax money or by government handouts.
Its primary income comes from tuitions paid by students.
In addition, it receives grants, contributions and benefactions from individual Americans.
It has several scholarship funds which assist in providing tuition for students.
It receives assistance from certain business and professional groups, and has been remembered in several last wills and testaments.
All contributions to the Freedom School are exempt from the federal income tax.
Publications
“This Bread is Mine” … $4.95
Robert LeFevre (American Liberty Press)
“Rise and Fall of Society” … $3.95
Frank Chodorov (Devin-Adair Co.)
“Why Wages Rise” (paperback ) … $1.50
F. A. Harper (Foundation for Economic Education)
“Mainspring” (paperback) … $1.50
Henry Grady Weaver (Foundation for Economic Education).
“Liberty – A Path to its Recovery” (paperback) … $1.50
F. A. Harper (Foundation for Economic Education).
“The Nature of Man and his Government” (paperback) … $1.00
Robert Lefevre (Caxton Printers, Ltd.).
“The Law” (paperback) … $1.00
Frederic Bastiat (Foundation for Economic Education)
“Should We Strengthen the United Nations?” (paperback) … $0.75
V. Orval Watts (Pine Tree publication).
“Jobs For All — Who Want To Work” (pamphlet) … $0.35
F. A. Harper (Pine Tree publication) [The Writings of F. A. Harper. Volume 2: Shorter Essays, pp. 184-206]
“Flight to Russia” (pamphlet) … $0.25
Frank Chodorov (Pine Tree publication)
“Liberty Defined” (pamphlet) … $0.25
F. A. Harper (Pine Tree publication).
“Anarchy” (pamphlet) … $0.15
Robert Lefevre (Pine Tree publication)
Quantity purchases are available for discount in some cases. Write for information.
Pine Tree
The Pine Tree is the Freedom School’s tabloid newspaper published every two weeks, with the exception of the period from December 15 through January 15. Subscription rates are $10.00 per year, two years for $17.50, single copies free on request.
It acts as a forum answering questions sent in by its subscribers. Regular columnists include: George Boardman, Ph.D., Chloride, Arizona; Roger Lea McBride, Esq., New York, N.Y.
Robert LeFevre, editor of the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph. Libertarians and economists of note will contribute guest columns.
Board of Directors
Ruth Dazey
William J. Froh
Lois Lefevre
Robert Lefevre
Marjorie Llewellin
Edith Shank
Robert B. Rapp
Board of Trustees
Robert W. Baird, Jr.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
James L. Doenges, M. D.
Anderson, Indiana
Wm. J. Grede
Racine, Wisconsin
Harry H. Hoiles
Colorado Springs, Colorado
R. W. Holmes
Bellevue, Washington
Ned W. Kimball
Waterville, Washington
Board of Graduate Fellows
| Mrs. Mabelle Acorn Colville, Washington |
Mr. Ira T. Langlois, Sr. Madison, Wisconsin |
| Mr. C. W. Anderson Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
Mr. J. Dohn Lewis Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Mr. Harold Angier San Francisco, California |
Prof. Elgie C. Marcks Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Dr. Lyman W. Applegate Colorado Springs, Colorado |
Mr. John H. Marsh New York, New York |
| Mrs. Hermona C. Beardslee Woodstock, Illinois |
Rev. Warren L. Norton Greeley, Colorado |
| Mr. Robert E. Borchardt Rockford, Illinois |
Mr. Rodney H. Peck Seattle, Washington |
| Mr. George A. Brightwell, Jr. Houston, Texas |
Mr. Fred C. Petersen Mexico City. Mexico |
| Mr. Thomas C. Buckley Los Angeles, California |
Mr. Sartell Prentice, Jr. Pasadena, California |
| Mr. John J. Callahan, Jr. Reading, Massachusetts |
Mr. Bryson Reinhardt Cloverdale, Oregon |
| Mr. William J. Colson Palm Springs, California |
Mr. George Resch Burlingame, California |
| Prof. Oscar W. Cooley Ada, Ohio |
Mr. O. R. Riddle Eagle Pass, Texas |
| Mr. Jim Dean Houston, Texas |
Mr. Pat O. Riley Lima, Ohio |
| Mr. W. Dewey DeFlon Colorado Springs, Colorado |
Mr. Richard D. Schwerman Hales Corners, Wisconsin |
| Mr. Dan Foley Fairmont, West Virginia |
Mr. Roland R. Selin Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Mr. R. N. Gatewood Samnorwood, Texas |
Mr. Elwood P. Smith Chicago, Illinois |
| Mr. Robert M. Gaylord, Jr. Rockford, Illinois |
Mr. R. J. Smith Menlo Park, California |
| Mr. Frederick C. Gosewisch Elm Grove, Wisconsin |
Mr. Charles E. Stenicka III Lincoln, Nebraska |
| Mr. G. F. Grant Colorado Springs, Colorado |
Mr. R. J. Sumners Muskegon, Michigan |
| Mr. J. W. Greene Spartanburg, South Carolina |
Mr. Leonard A. Talbot Santa Rosa, California |
| Mr. Gene Hausske Palmer Lake, Colorado |
Mr. John E. Tate Omaha, Nebraska |
| Mrs. Evis S. Mays Pueblo, Colorado |
Mr. Herman A. Tessmann Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| Mr. James D. Heiple Pekin, Illinois |
Mr. Walter B. Thompson Fort Worth, Texas |
| Mr. Roland H. Hennarichs Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
Mr. Ross Thoresen Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Mr. Frederick M. Hoagland Chicago, Ilinois |
Mrs. Louise Young Pasadena, Texas |
| Mr. James Kolb Edmond, Oklahoma |
These graduates are among those who serve as a point of reference for the school. Their own experience enables them to vouch for the work being done at Freedom School.
Source: Images and text from the 1962 Prospectus of the Freedom School found in the Hoover Institution Archives. Papers of V. Orval Watts, Box 4.
