House of David

House of David The name for a religious commune founded in 1902. The group was founded by Benjamin Purnell. It encouraged refraining from sex, haircuts, shaving, and the eating of meat. Starting around 1907 they ran "The Springs of Eden Park" which became a popular Michigan vacation spot in the 1930s. However their notoriety mostly came from their barnstorming baseball team which toured small town America from the 1920s to the 1950s.

Related Topics:
Commune - 1902 - 1907 - Michigan - 1930s - Barnstorming - 1920s - 1950s

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Difficulties arose as Ben began to call himself "King Ben" and the Detroit Free Press began running highly critical articles. Although the group continued to thrive Benjamin did not. The trial led to his expulsion in 1927 and he died in 1929. The group suffered further splintering after his death and ultimately split into two groups. The group ran by his wife Mary remained successful until her death at 91 in 1953. The group has since declined, but still has a few dozen members.

Related Topics:
Detroit Free Press - 1927 - 1929 - 1953

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External Links

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• Southwest Michigan Directory Article
• Agile writer on HOD
• Israelite House of David Homepage
• Britannica article on them