King of the Harem Heaven

<p><strong>King Of The Harem Heaven</strong> first published in 1960 is the fascinating although likely somewhat sensationalized story of the House of David religious cult and its leader Benjamin Franklin Purnell. Based in Benton Harbor Michigan the group also owned a large tract of land on High Island in Lake Michigan and eventually developed a number of successful enterprises including farms timber a vegetarian restaurant amusement park roadside service station and a motel. Notable was their having several baseball teams the Flying Rollers famous for their long hair and beards (they did not believe in cutting their hair) which toured the U.S and played against other semi-pro teams. The group was rocked by scandal when members alleged that leader Purnell while enforcing celibacy among the members was engaging in sex with the women - including underage teenagers - of the group and also for massive financial irregularities. Legal battles ensued ending only upon the death of Purnell in December 1927.</p>