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Robert Schalkenbach: Advocate of Henry George’s Vision and Benefactor of the Progress and Poverty Institute

Robert Schalkenbach’s enduring legacy in Georgism is a testament to his deep commitment to advancing economic justice and improving the human condition. His journey into the Georgist movement began serendipitously in the spring of 1884, when his wife’s riding lessons at James R. Brown’s stable introduced the family to the transformative ideas of Henry George. This chance encounter sparked a lifelong passion that would culminate in the establishment of the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation, now the Progress and Poverty Institute, an institution dedicated to perpetuating George’s vision.

Discovering Henry George and Progress and Poverty

Robert Schalkenbach’s exposure to Georgist philosophy began when his wife learned about George’s seminal work, Progress and Poverty, during her riding lessons. Intrigued, Schalkenbach purchased the book and was captivated by its compelling arguments and lucid exposition. So engrossing was the work that he read it through the night, an experience that profoundly shaped his worldview. This initial engagement led to his personal acquaintance with Henry George and his family, as well as his active support of George’s educational initiatives and political campaigns.

In 1897, Schalkenbach served as president of the Manhattan Single Tax Club, providing crucial support for George’s second mayoral campaign. Following George’s untimely death during the campaign, Schalkenbach lent his efforts to the candidacy of George’s son, Henry George, Jr. His leadership within the movement highlighted his commitment to advancing the principles of economic justice articulated in Progress and Poverty.

A Life of Hard Work and Integrity

Born in Manhattan’s Chelsea district on June 15, 1856, Robert Schalkenbach’s life exemplified resilience and industriousness. As the eldest of eight children, he began working at the age of twelve to help support his family. His early jobs included work in a silk mill and for a jeweler before he entered the printing trade under Isaac J. Oliver, New York City’s first steam printer. Schalkenbach’s career flourished, and by 1904 he became associated with the John C. Rankin Corporation, where he served as president for many years. His leadership extended to the Typothetae, a prominent association of employing printers, now part of the Printing Industries of America.

Contemporaries remembered Schalkenbach as a man of “sturdy uprightness,” lauding his high-mindedness, generosity, and patience. His ethical principles were evident in his personal and professional life, from his refusal to exploit legal technicalities to his efforts to reimburse friends for losses incurred from his investment advice.

Advancing Georgist Ideals

Schalkenbach’s philosophical alignment with Georgism stemmed from his belief in economic justice as a means of improving society. Though he approached religious matters with skepticism, he found a spiritual purpose in advancing Henry George’s theories. This alignment of values informed his decision to dedicate his wealth to the Georgist cause. Upon his death on November 13, 1924, Schalkenbach’s last will and testament reflected his unwavering commitment to George’s vision.

As he stated in his will:

“Being firmly convinced that the principles expounded by Henry George in his immortal book entitled Progress and Poverty will, if enacted into law, give equal opportunity to all and tend to the betterment of the individual and of society by the abolition of involuntary poverty and its attendant evils, I give, devise, and bequeath all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate… for teaching, expounding, and propagating the ideas of Henry George.”

This declaration encapsulates Schalkenbach’s profound belief in George’s principles and his desire to ensure that those ideas would continue to inspire societal reform long after his passing.

The Progress and Poverty Institute

The Progress and Poverty Institute (originally the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation), established with his endowment, stands as a living monument to his dedication. Its mission to promote economic justice and advance the ideals of Henry George has ensured that Schalkenbach’s legacy endures. At his funeral, the last chapter of Progress and Poverty, which contemplates humanity’s spiritual aspirations and the mystery of existence, was read—a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to the pursuit of a more equitable world.

Conclusion

Robert Schalkenbach’s life was marked by hard work, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of Georgism. His establishment of the Progress and Poverty Institute Foundation has left an indelible mark on efforts to achieve economic justice. Through his vision and generosity, Schalkenbach ensured that Henry George’s transformative ideas would continue to inspire generations to come. The Institute’s work serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that one individual’s dedication to justice can profoundly impact the world.