Our History
Our Mission
Our Bios

The Shanty is about many things. Physically, it is a small cabin located on Dave and Anna Geyer's farm near Oxford, Iowa. Several of us live there seasonally-- when the weather permits it in the spring, summer, and fall months. It has running water, electricity, refrigeration, two lofts for sleeping, a great view, and sometimes surround sound. It doesn't have air conditioning, a two car garage, or a TV. For the past two summers we've given it some renovations, and it's reciprocated, serving humbly as base of operations for our cob project. Which leads right to the next point.

This website is about much more than the walls and roof that define the Shanty.

It's about the environment. We've all heard the concerns about "global warming." You may believe that our world is severely threatened by a rise in carbon dioxide. Or you may believe that this is complete hippy propaganda. Whatever your belief, it's hard to argue with the idea that we interact and respect the earth as much as we should. We can argue that we are in no threat from a supposed climate change, but we cannot argue that we are damaging our world. Species of animals are vanishing. Topsoil is diminishing. Increasingly violent storms are destroying many coastal areas internationally. Our landscapes are losing their charm (would you rather drive through a state park or get lost in suburbia?). Let's call this notion "Environmental Negligence." The Shanty is about reducing our Environmental Negligence. It's our way of reconnecting with the world around us, of paying homage to things greater than ourselves, and of serving our role as earthly stewards.

It's about simplicity. We believe that there are broader trends at work behind Environmental Negligence. We are living with more luxury than ever before. We have finely honed our ability to make and spend money. Our cars are bigger. Our houses have more bedrooms. Our bellies are fatter. We are reveling in extravagance. We believe this comes at a price. We could take time and words to explain our connection between extravagance and a compromise of morals, a weakening of the family, a spiritual bankruptcy, and a doldrum lifestyle, but we won't. Instead, let us just say that we believe extravagance decreases our quality if life-- and that simplicity makes things better.

It's about being smart. Maybe you hate the environment. Maybe you love the fact that you love your excessive wealth. OK. That can be your thing. But the Shanty is also about living intelligently. Most intelligent people have insurance, or at least recognize its benefits. When we go to the grocery store in our gas powered vehicle and spend money buying food to bring home to our constructed house, we are placing our trust in things beyond our control. We are trusting our infrastructure's agricultural sector to provide readily available food. We're trusting the oil industry to power our transportation. We're trusting the dollar to buy our food. And we're trusting an artificial housing process to provide us with not only shelter but also peace of mind. The Shanty is about providing insurance against these supposed givens. How is it insurance? It is insurance because it provides a sustainable alternative. We (that includes you) can grow our own food. We can support local markets that don't require so much gas. We can rely less on dollars and more on giving to others (what was it someone said about what you give will come back to you...). We can build our own homes that are better than just houses.

And that's our spiel. If you're tired of hearing the abstract and want to get on with the practical details, check out the "Learn More" section on the left.