Claude C. Williams, and a series of fines imposed by the local government for charges such as failing to fly the American flag, for displaying a hammer and sickle, and for “anarchy”. Weakened ties with traditional supporters and shaky finances led to proposals for merger with the Highlander Folk School or the operation of a drama center affiliated with the New Theatre League of New York City. However, these plans were thwarted by influential right-wing figures, legislators, and the American Legion. Ultimately the property was sold at a Polk County auction to satisfy fines levied against the institution. Material from the college's library deemed radical was confiscated, while other literature was donated to other local instutitions. Other labor schools were: Denver Labor College, Work People's College, Brookwood Labor College, Seattle Labor College, and Highlander Folk School. Commonwealth differed by offering college-level instruction. Campus Due to a lack of funds, Commonwealth College lacked electricity and running water in its early days. During this time, classes were taught in the outdoors, or in the simple cottages which the school's faculty lived in. Student life Students at Commonwealth College would typically take four hours of classes per day, labor at the school for an additional four or five hours, and spend the remaining time studying or partaking in recreational activities. Common recreational activities for students at Commonwealth included baseball, tennis, and volleyball, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and foraging. On Saturday nights, the school held a dance, which attracted youths from nearby areas. Folklorist Vance Randolph noted that these dances were remarkable in that their participants danced in traditional southern styles, but due to the influx of northern students, also included dances common in northern cities, as well as various European folk dances. On Sunday evenings, the college's faculty and visiting socialists gave lectures to Commonwealth students, which were also open to the local public. Students and faculty at Commonwealth College often grew much of their own food, with much of the remaining food sourced from local farms. Many students at Commonwealth were in their twenties, with significant work experience, leading to students and faculty typically having a relationship "as equals". Students typically ate dinner together, alongside faculty. These dinners were often the medium for extensive political and philosophical debates. Faculty Faculty at Commonwealth College were unpaid, simply receiving room and board. Notable faculty include F.M. Goodhue (mathematics and statistics), Covington Hall (labor history), William