A utopian commune in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley known for its harsh living conditions
Skymont was an early community of the Subud spiritual movement located in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Founded in Indonesia in the 1920s by Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, Subud centers around a spiritual exercise called the latihan kejiwaan, which involves unrestrained movement and vocalization to foster a closer connection to God. In 1969, Skymont hosted the Subud World Congress, drawing around 750 followers, including the movement’s founder. The event was chaotic, akin to Woodstock without the rock stars, with participants living in makeshift conditions, ultimately leaving the camp bankrupt.
Despite financial troubles, a group of dedicated followers pooled their resources to purchase the camp, transforming it into a year-round community. Life at Skymont was challenging; the facilities lacked basic amenities such as heat, electricity, and running water, making winters particularly harsh for residents, many of whom were unaccustomed to cold climates. Economic opportunities were scarce, leading to significant hardship for the community members.
The commune is notably associated with the Arquette family. Actors David and Patricia Arquette spent part of their childhood at Skymont. Their father, Lewis Arquette, moved the family from Los Angeles to join the Subud community. The Arquettes lived in a primitive cabin without modern conveniences, and the children experienced a difficult upbringing marked by their parents’ struggles with alcoholism and the community’s isolated lifestyle.
Although the community’s utopian aspirations were high, Skymont could not sustain itself in the long term. By the 1970s, the project had largely fallen apart due to its impractical living conditions and internal challenges. Despite its eventual decline, Skymont remains a significant chapter in the history of the Subud movement and the lives of its participants.
image via Virginia Living
