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Financing & Economics
After fleeing from Germany, due to the financing of their emigration and the settling in Ohio, the settlers needed help. The Quakers in both Great Britain and Philadelphia were able to aid in their goals. The Quakers had much in common with them, like their similar ideas of pacifism and religion. In 1817, the settlers bought roughly 5,500 acres of land from Godfrey Haga. The Quakers loaned them money to support part of the purchase. Joseph Bimeler vowed to pay $15,000, the remaining balance of the purchase, off within 15 years. The following years of the society was not met with economic prosperity. In the early years of the village, community leaders required celibacy among their residents. The additional cost of bearing many children in a communal society was too large. In the 1830s, the Ohio and Erie Canal was being constructed. To accumulate money from the state, Zoarites constructed part of the Canal on their own, and received $21,000 from the state. During this period, blacksmithing and tin shops were flourishng in the village, as well as flour and wool mills. In 1853, after Joseph Bimeler's passing, the village was worth around $5 million. Preceding Joseph Bimeler's death, the village peaked. After 1853, the village began it's decline. In its dissolution in 1898, there were 222 members of the community with an estimated worth of $3.5 million.

Buildings
As construction of the village began, the buildings were subsequently numbered in the order that they were built. Many of the original buildings are still completely original.

Number One House
Originally built, in 1835, to house the elders of the village, Joseph Bimeler and his family made this building their home.

Town Hall
The Town Hall for the Society was built in 1887. Since the Society disbanded in 1898, this building was actually one of the last ones to be constructed. Restoration of town hall took place in 2002 with help from private funds. On the lower level, is is used as a governmental chamber and the two upper floors house artifacts that were commonly used throughout the village.

The Zoar Hotel
Built in 1833, the hotel is said to have been a home for anyone- rich or poor. President William McKinley had a favorite room here, even. He is said to have enjoyed the German cuisine and he favored staying here. It is currently only open on special occasions, unlike most other museum buildings. Renovations have been made on the outside of the hotel, but the inside is worn down and unsafe for regular use. The preservation committee, Zoar Community Association, is currently waiting on funding for inside renovation.