Discourse of Benevolence
In Margaret Crawford’s book on company towns “Building the Workingman’s Paradise”, she describes a discourse of benevolence that informs the design and benefits of living in a master planned company town.
Catalina Island is wholly owned and managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy.* On the west end of the island is the town of Two Harbors, population 217, owned and operated by the Conservancy. The town consists of a restaurant, snack bar, general store, coin laundry, ATM, bar, outboard repair shop, a B&B, and a dive and kayak rental concession. One can be sure that every cent spent in Two Harbors goes to the conservancy. In addition, all the housing is provided by the conservancy to those working in the town. You have to be employed by the conservancy to live in Two Harbors.
Like most of those who work in the hospitality business, wages are on the low side. However, one of the many benefits to persons living and working in Two Harbors is that almost everyone has a view of the harbor from their house.
*Except for some privately owned portions of the main town of Avalon.
Catalina Island is wholly owned and managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy.* On the west end of the island is the town of Two Harbors, population 217, owned and operated by the Conservancy. The town consists of a restaurant, snack bar, general store, coin laundry, ATM, bar, outboard repair shop, a B&B, and a dive and kayak rental concession. One can be sure that every cent spent in Two Harbors goes to the conservancy. In addition, all the housing is provided by the conservancy to those working in the town. You have to be employed by the conservancy to live in Two Harbors.
Like most of those who work in the hospitality business, wages are on the low side. However, one of the many benefits to persons living and working in Two Harbors is that almost everyone has a view of the harbor from their house.
*Except for some privately owned portions of the main town of Avalon.
