Roughly 40 miles from New York City and in the center of Long Island, Brentwood has always been an area undergoing struggle, change, and development. From its founding under the name Modern Times by the anarchists Josiah Warren and Steven Pearl Andrews in 1852 to its rapid and extensive growth as a suburban bedroom community in the 20th century, Brentwood has a rich history. In the first half of the 20th century, the Long Island Rail Road ushered in Irish, Italian, and Russian families that influenced the once utopian society; by the century's end, Brentwood would be home to a notable Hispanic diaspora community. The construction of St. Joseph's Convent, Pilgrim State Psychiatric Hospital, and the Brentwood School District brought jobs to the area and bolstered population growth.

The future Brentwood began to change more than a century ago when 300 wild acres of brushy canyons and rabbit and coyote habitat along with sheep-grazed mesas were contributed to the cause of needy veteran soldiers. Landowners Sen. John P. Jones of Nevada and Arcadia Bandini de Baker turned the land over to the board of managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The Pacific branch of this national hospice organization opened its doors to patients in 1888. Soon families and staff began to purchase lots and build homes near the gates. Businesses began to open to service the new residents. Through the late 20th century, this western area of the city of Los Angeles became known for beautiful neighborhoods, movie star residents, and a relaxed lifestyle--it became Brentwood.

This text examines the Modern Times community which championed every kind of reform from abolitionism, women's rights and vegetarianism to hydropathy, pacifism, total abstinence and the bloomer costume. It relies on primary sources such as land deeds, census entries and eyewitness accounts.