Originally named the “Robert Schalkenbach Foundation,” the Progress and Poverty Institute was established in 1925 through the provisions of Robert Schalkenbach’s last will and testament as a lasting legacy to one man’s commitment to advancing the ideas of Henry George. Schalkenbach, a devoted supporter of George’s economic theories, envisioned the Institute as an organization that would perpetuate these ideas long after his death. His will provided clear and thoughtful instructions, not only establishing the Institute but also outlining its purpose and naming a founding Board of 21 colleagues and thought leaders of the Single Tax Movement.
The success of the organization’s early years was due in no small part to the knowledge, vision, and connections of its founding Board of Directors, a group of distinguished individuals who were well-positioned to carry out Schalkenbach’s vision. This article, released in conjunction with the Institute’s centennial year, explores the language in Schalkenbach’s will that gave rise to the organization, and the roles played by several notable figures on its founding board.
Schalkenbach’s Will: Creating an Organizational Legacy
Robert Schalkenbach’s will expressed a clear intent to create an institution that would promote the economic and social ideas of Henry George, particularly the Single Tax theory. In the will, Schalkenbach stated his desire to establish an organization “for the purpose of securing justice in the distribution of wealth, by the diffusion of knowledge of the true causes of poverty and social inequality.” This language reflects his deep commitment to economic reform and his belief that education and public discourse could lead to systemic changes in society.
Schalkenbach articulated the Foundation’s role in publishing and distributing Henry George’s works, particularly Progress and Poverty, which had become the cornerstone of the Single Tax movement. His will directed the newly created nonprofit to “promote the distribution of George’s writings and their translation into other languages,” ensuring that George’s teachings would remain accessible to people worldwide and continue to influence discussions on economic justice.
Schalkenbach recognized that the dissemination of George’s writings alone was not sufficient to achieve meaningful reform, however, and also described the organization’s role in encouraging public debate, supporting research, and fostering education on the principles of land value taxation. As benefactor, he envisioned the new organization as an active force in engaging with policymakers, academics, and the general public to deepen understanding and promote the practical application of George’s economic principles.
This dual focus reflects Schalkenbach’s comprehensive approach to sustaining and advancing the ideas he and George championed.
Robert Schalkenbach’s Vision and the Role of the Board
Robert Schalkenbach’s will expressed a clear intent to perpetuate the ideas of Henry George, and the Foundation’s early success depended heavily on the leadership of its Board of Directors, who were entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out Schalkenbach’s vision.
The founding board was composed of individuals who shared Schalkenbach’s commitment to economic reform and social justice. Many of these individuals were directly involved in the Single Tax movement or had personal or professional connections to Henry George and Robert Schalkenbach. Board Members’ diverse backgrounds in law, journalism, politics, and social activism made them well-suited to guide the organization’s efforts.
Notable Members of the Founding Board
Louis F. Post (1849–1928)
One of the most distinguished members of the founding Board of Directors was Louis F. Post, an influential social reformer, lawyer, and journalist. Post was a lifelong advocate of the Single Tax theory and a close associate of Henry George. He served as Assistant Secretary of Labor under President Woodrow Wilson, where he was known for his defense of civil liberties during the Red Scare of 1919–1920.
Post’s involvement with the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation was a natural extension of his commitment to George’s ideas. As a founding board member, Post played a crucial role in ensuring that the Foundation remained true to its mission of promoting economic justice. His legal expertise and experience in public service provided valuable guidance in shaping the organization’s early activities. Post’s leadership on the board helped solidify the new organization’s reputation as a serious advocate for social reform.
Jackson H. Ralston (1857–1945)
Another key figure on the founding board was Jackson H. Ralston, a prominent attorney and legal scholar known for his expertise in international law. Ralston is perhaps best known for representing the United States in the Pious Fund of the Californias case, one of the earliest international arbitrations, which he won in 1902. His commitment to justice extended beyond his legal work; Ralston was a strong supporter of Henry George’s economic theories and was active in the Single Tax movement.
Ralston’s legal acumen and his dedication to the principles of fairness and equity made him a valuable addition to the board. His experience in navigating complex legal and political landscapes helped the organization establish itself as a credible and influential voice in economic reform circles.
Bolton Hall (1854–1938)
Bolton Hall, an American lawyer, author, and social reformer, was a founding board member who played a significant role in promoting Henry George’s ideas. A dedicated disciple of George, Hall was a vocal advocate for the Single Tax theory and actively supported land reform initiatives. He was instrumental in founding several organizations, including the New York Tax Reform Association and the Longshoremen’s Union. In addition to his legal and reform work, Hall prepared the expurgated text of the King James Version of the Bible, known as The Living Bible, and wrote extensively on social reform and political economy. He was also known for his advocacy of model tenement housing and his involvement in the back-to-the-land movement, which encouraged urban residents to embrace rural living and self-sufficiency as solutions to poverty.
Hall’s involvement with the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation was a continuation of his lifelong commitment to economic and social reform. As a founding board member, Hall brought a wealth of experience in organizing and advocating for land reform initiatives. His leadership helped the organization build networks with other reform organizations and expand its influence beyond the immediate circle of Single Tax advocates.
The Impact of the Founding Board
The founding Board of Directors of the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation was instrumental in shaping the early direction of the organization. The board members’ diverse backgrounds in law, public service, journalism, and activism allowed the Foundation to approach its mission from multiple angles, ensuring that Henry George’s ideas would be promoted not only through academic discourse but also through practical advocacy and public outreach.
The board’s collective experience and dedication to economic justice were critical in establishing the Foundation’s reputation as a serious advocate for land value taxation. Under their leadership, the organization began publishing and distributing Henry George’s works, organizing educational initiatives, and engaging with policymakers and reformers to promote the Single Tax theory.
Conclusion
The founding Board of Directors of the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation played a pivotal role in carrying forward the vision of both Robert Schalkenbach and Henry George. Composed of notable individuals like Louis F. Post, Jackson H. Ralston, and Bolton Hall, the board brought together a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for social reform. Their leadership helped establish the organization as a key player in the promotion of land value taxation and economic justice, ensuring that George’s ideas would continue to influence public policy and social thought throughout the 20th century and beyond.
