35 Facts About Bohemian Grove

What is Bohemian Grove?

Bohemian Grove is a private, mysterious retreat that has intrigued many for over a century. Located in California, it is known for its exclusive gatherings of influential men from various fields. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this enigmatic place.

1. Location and Size
   Bohemian Grove spans 2,700 acres of virgin redwood forest in Monte Rio, California. This secluded spot, about 75 miles north of San Francisco, offers a serene backdrop for its annual gatherings.

2. Founding and Early Years
   The Bohemian Club was founded in 1872 by San Francisco journalists, writers, actors, and lawyers. The first encampment took place in 1878, and the club purchased the land in 1899 from Melvin Cyrus Meeker, a successful logger.

3. Membership and Structure
   The club is all-male, boasting around 2,000 members. These members are primarily wealthy and influential men from politics, business, and entertainment. A strict no-camera policy ensures privacy.

4. Notable Members
   U.S. Presidents like Herbert Hoover, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush have been members. Other notable figures include business leaders, government officials, and senior media executives.

Annual Encampment and Traditions

Each July, Bohemian Grove hosts a two-week encampment filled with unique traditions and activities. This section explores some of the key events and rituals that take place during this exclusive retreat.

5. Annual Encampment
   Every July, the Grove hosts a more than two-week retreat for some of the world's most prominent men. The event features lectures, concerts, performances, and leisure activities, with the "Cremation of Care" ceremony as the highlight.

6. Cremation of Care Ceremony
   This dramatic production occurs on the first Saturday of the encampment. It involves burning an effigy of "Care," symbolizing the release of worldly concerns. Music and speeches emphasize camaraderie and brotherhood.

7. Facilities and Amenities
   The Grove includes two large stages among the redwoods, sleeping quarters, a clubhouse overlooking the Russian River, and a 1,500-person dining area. An artificial lake hosts informal talks and afternoon lectures.

8. Entertainment and Activities
   Members enjoy plays, variety shows, song fests, shooting contests, art exhibits, swimming, boating, and nature rides. The Spring Jinks in June and the main July encampment are the most elaborate events.

9. Lakeside Talks
   The artificial lake is the venue for daily "Lakeside Talks" by notable figures like entertainers, professors, astronauts, business leaders, and former presidents.

Symbolism and Rituals

Bohemian Grove is rich in symbolism and rituals that add to its mystique. These traditions reflect the club's emphasis on camaraderie and the arts.

10. Club Motto
    The motto "Weaving Spiders Come Not Here" implies that outside concerns and business deals should be left outside. This reflects the club's focus on camaraderie and the arts.

11. Membership Perks
    After 40 years, members earn "Old Guard" status, granting reserved seating at daily talks and other perks. This status honors long-term commitment and dedication.

12. Symbolism and Rituals
    The club's patron saint is John of Nepomuk, symbolizing secrecy. A large wood carving of St. John stands at the lake's shore, reminding members of the confidentiality upheld throughout the club's history.

13. Conspiracy Theories
    Despite the club's focus on camaraderie and the arts, conspiracy theories abound. Some believe clandestine discussions and decision-making occur, but these claims have been widely debunked.

14. Protests and Activism
    In 2016, the Bohemian Grove Action Network protested for more transparency and accountability from the club’s members. This highlighted ongoing concerns about the club’s secrecy and potential influence on global affairs.

Historical Significance and Cultural Impact

Bohemian Grove has played a role in significant historical events and has had a lasting cultural impact. This section delves into its historical significance and influence on public policy.

15. Historical Significance
    The Grove hosted a planning meeting for the Manhattan Project in 1942. This underscores the club’s role in shaping major historical decisions.

16. Cultural Impact
    Bohemian Grove has inspired books and documentaries, including the 2000 film "Dark Secrets: Inside Bohemian Grove." These works have fueled public fascination, often blurring fact and fiction.

17. Exclusive Nature
    The club's exclusivity and secretive nature make it a captivating enigma, inspiring questions about its role in shaping world events.

18. Redwood Forest Setting
    The Grove’s redwood forest is breathtaking. Journalist William Henry Irwin described it as a place where "you come upon it suddenly. One step and its glory is over you."

19. Artistic and Cultural Events
    The Grove hosts artistic and cultural events, including plays, concerts, and performances by members and guests. These events reflect the club’s commitment to the arts.

Membership and Guest Policies

Bohemian Grove has strict membership and guest policies that ensure its exclusivity. This section explores these policies and their implications.

20. Guest Policy
    Members may invite guests to the "Spring Jinks" in June or the main July encampment. Female and minor guests must leave by 9 or 10 pm.

21. Day-Use Events
    Members can schedule private day-use events at the Grove when not in use for club-wide purposes. Female and minor guests must adhere to the evening curfew.

22. Cultural and Social Cohesion
    The Grove fosters cultural and social cohesion among its members, creating a sense of community among men from diverse backgrounds and professions.

23. Historical Research
    Research on the Grove includes membership network analysis, archival searches, interviews, and participant observation. This multi-method approach provides a comprehensive understanding of the club’s history and traditions.

Influence on Public Policy

Bohemian Grove has been a venue for significant public policy discussions. This section explores its influence on public policy and the role of its members.

24. Influence on Public Policy
    The daily "Lakeside Talks" feature speakers on various public policy issues, providing a platform for influential figures to share insights and perspectives.

25. Symbolic Effigy of Care
    The effigy of "Care" used in the "Cremation of Care" ceremony symbolizes the concerns and woes that important men must bear in their daily lives.

26. Greek Mythology Influence
    The hamadryad, a "tree spirit" from Greek mythology, sings about beauty, strength, and peace during the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of nature and the redwood trees.

27. Shakespearean Influence
    A line from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Come not here!" reminds members to leave worldly concerns outside the portals of Bohemia.

28. Priestly Roles
    Priests make speeches and recall deceased friends who loved the Grove, emphasizing camaraderie and the release of worldly cares.

Nightly Activities and Historical Landmarks

Bohemian Grove offers a variety of nightly activities and has been the site of several historical landmarks. This section explores these aspects of the Grove.

29. Climax of the Ceremony
    The climax of the "Cremation of Care" ceremony involves burning the effigy of Care, symbolizing the banishment of worldly concerns. Music and speeches create a dramatic experience.

30. Nightly Activities
    Members engage in storytelling and drinking around campfires or wander from camp to camp, renewing old friendships and making new ones. This atmosphere of camaraderie is a hallmark of the Grove’s annual encampment.

31. Historical Landmarks
    The Grove has been the site of several historical landmarks, including the Manhattan Project planning meeting in 1942, underscoring its role in shaping major historical decisions.

32. Architectural Significance
    The main encampment area includes a multi-purpose building designed by Bernard Maybeck in 1903. This building has hosted numerous significant events.

33. Artificial Lake
    The artificial lake is central to the club’s activities, hosting noon-time concerts and the "Cremation of Care" ceremony. The lake also hosts the daily "Lakeside Talks."

34. Membership Overlap
    The membership lists for the Bohemian Club and the Pacific Union Club overlap significantly, reflecting the club’s connections to other upper-class clubs and its role in shaping social structures within San Francisco’s elite circles.

35. Controversies and Criticisms
    Despite its historical significance and cultural impact, the Grove has faced controversies and criticisms, including allegations of secrecy, exclusivity, and potential influence on global affairs. However, these claims have been largely debunked by historical research and firsthand accounts from members and observers.

The Enigma of Bohemian Grove

Bohemian Grove remains a captivating mystery. Nestled in Monte Rio, California, this 2,700-acre retreat has hosted influential men since 1878. With its exclusive membership, secrecy, and unique traditions, it’s no wonder the Grove sparks curiosity and conspiracy theories. From the Cremation of Care ceremony to the Lakeside Talks, the Grove blends camaraderie, the arts, and leisure in a secluded redwood forest.

Despite its controversies, the Grove’s historical significance and cultural impact are undeniable. It’s a place where world leaders, business moguls, and artists gather, leaving their worldly concerns behind. Whether you see it as a secretive enclave or a haven for the elite, Bohemian Grove continues to intrigue and inspire. Its blend of history, mystery, and exclusivity ensures it will remain a topic of fascination for years to come.