AGREEMENT TO DIVIDE AND REORGANIZE

"We, the undersigned, members of the Oneida Community, hereby covenant and agree with each other to abide by the following terms of division of ownership of property, real and personal, and of reorganization of our business and domestic affairs, whether such property be held in joint-tenancy by the four Property-Holders or in any other manner, except personal property acquired by individuals legitimately by means of the personal appropriations authorized by the Community, to wit:

A change of tenure of our property such that each adult member of the Community shall hold, in shares of stock of a Joint-Stock Company to be organized under the law of New York State passed June 21, 1875, for the formation of business Corporations, that portion which shall be given or awarded to him or her.

And it is understood to be part of this plan and agreement that the manufacturing business at Wallingford, Conn., now owned by us, shall be moved to Niagara Falls as fast as it can be done by the sale, rental, or lease of the Wallingford property, which sale, rental and lease are hereby authorized, excepting one-half acre of land and the new Cottage at Cozicot. And it is agreed that a sufficient waterpower at Niagara Falls shall be secured at once, for which and other expenses involved in starting the business there, the Community is to make an advance of cash, to an amount not to exceed two thousand dollars. ($2,000). Carried in evening meeting, Aug. 31, 1880. O.H. Miller dissenting.

That now until the first of January next, if the division and re-organization are not sooner effected, the control of our business and internal affairs be and hereby is committed to the four present property-holders of the Community and such persons as they may associate with them said persons to be acceptable to the Commission--and the four and their associates are to have supervision of all existing boards and committees, with power to suspend any or all of them. If the re-organization should not be fully completed by the first of January next, the power of the four and their associates can be prolonged by a vote of the Community. (Carried unanimously in evening meeting Aug.31st, 1880.

To divide the present property according to some plan to be agreed-upon among ourselves if, after due and earnest effort, this is found possible. For that purpose we agree that if any plan shall receive the votes of nine-tenths of the members we will adopt it without appeal, and make the vote unanimous. If, after such effort, it is found impossible to agree upon a plan of division among ourselves, the question shall then be referred to arbitors outside the Community. These arbitors are to be chosen by the Commission. (Carried unanimously in evening meeting August 31, 1880.

In order to make the dividends of the new Company as large as possible, we agree to do all we can, both as stockholders, and (if elected) as directors, to keep the wages paid to officers of the Company, and to superintendents, agents, and other employees, as low as is found consistent with the most efficient management. (Carried.Aug31.)

We will do all we can to secure to the present members of the Community and their children now living in the Community, wherever located in homes established by the Company, certain privileges and immunities to be conferred by the Company, e.g.,

The right to employment by the Company in preference to others, not now members of the Oneida Community, other things being equal.

The right to inhabit the dwellings belonging to the Company, at a rent no higher than will, in the total, cover their maintenance, superintendence, insurance, taxes, and general care.

The right to purchase goods for their own individual or family consumption through the Company at wholesale rates, paying only actual cost, including transportation and legitimate expenses in buying and distribution.

The right to the use of a common kitchen, dining-room, laundry, library, the use and enjoyment of the lawns and common grounds, together with such other common immunities and privileges as may be found expedient to retain. (Carried unanimously, Aug.31, '80.)

6. Opportunity will be given at the time of reorganization for certain aged and invalid members of the Community to secure, instead of stock, a guaranty from the new Company binding it, under suitable conditions, to support them and give them a home for life, including care in sickness, in one or another of the homes of the Company, together with a reasonable sum for clothing and incidental expenses; the said guaranty to be secured by bond and mortgage on so much of the real estate of the Company as may be necessary for this purpose, or in some other satisfactory manner, until such time as the Company can establish a fund which shall furnish equal security. Or, if these persons desire to live elsewhere on a guaranty, they shall be entitled to receive in quarterly installments, a sum equal to the annual cost of their living in the homes of the Company. (Carried unanimously in evening meeting, Aug.31, 1880)

7. The new Company shall make a suitable annual appropriation for the support and education of every child now born and belonging to members of the Community, until they become (16) sixteen years of age; said appropriation to be paid in advance in equal quarterly installments, and to be expended by the parents or guardians. In case of death under sixteen the appropriation shall cease. (Carried unanimously.)

All members of the Community who are or may be absent from O.C. during the course of this reorganization may empower others to vote for them as substitutes or proxies; but no minor has the right to vote on the terms of this reorganization. (Carried unanimously in evening meeting, Aug.31, 1880.)