Bohemian Grove: Origins

Bohemian Grove: Origins

In 1867, Mark Twain wrote a letter to Charles Stoddard about the soon-to-be publishing of Stoddard’s book; a collection of poems, it would be. Twain expressed interest in endorsing Stoddard’s work and requested a copy of the book—in exchange, Twain would return his most recent project to Stoddard. Twain and Stoddard likely met a few years prior in San Francisco during a time in which both men were writing for the Californian. The west coast in the late 1800s was a hub for the world of literature and the liberal arts. California, specifically, offered many opportunities for writers, musicians, artists, and others of the like. In his letter to Stoddard, Twain used the phrase, “…we of Bohemia…” in reference to himself, Stoddard and possibly Bret Harte who was mentioned in the same paragraph. 5 years later—The Bohemian Club was formed.

The 1870s served as the beginning origins for the club with 1872 marking the official formation of the group, and 1878 pinning the year of the first grove retreat. In fact, throughout the whole century there would be a long list of secret societies formed all over the world. It seems likely the industrial progression along with the global decentralization of power was pushing particular groups to either preserve their well-being or plot their stake in the new world order.

In the early years, the annual retreat was reported as nothing more than a gathering of men with an interest in literature, art, music, and drama. The secluded spot amidst the lush redwoods was home to musical performances, plays, poetry, booze, recreational drug use, reported prostitution, and other forms of substance, ritualistic, and sexual debauchery. It was, indeed, an immersion into bohemian antics—unapologetic indulgence in the desires of the flesh. The likely initial intent of this club was to create an environment where liberal-minded men could feel welcome, and their interests could be affirmed. For reasons I’ve yet to understand or conspire about, the powerful men of the west took interest—they wanted in.

By the time of the William Howard Taft presidency in 1909, the Republican party basically owned the club on the basis of resource access and financial prowess. An annual trip to the 2,700-acre campsite in northern California became standard procedure for politicians, artists, writers, and corporate leaders who were tapped to be Bohemian Club members. In fact, since 1923, every single Republican president has been to the grove—with one notable exception: Donald J. Trump.

Enrollment in the Bohemian Club is still open to the everyday man—as long as that man can make it to the top of a 10+ year waitlist and can afford a hefty annual financial due (some sources have reported over $20,000 a year). However, it seems likely that those parameters can be selectively applied according to the value tag attached to the candidate.

In order to better understand the actions and rituals of a particular group, it’s important to go back to the beginning. Bohemian Club was a very exclusive fraternity amidst a time period that was flooded with secret societies at the professional and university level. Any man who aspired to hold a position of power was much more likely to accomplish that goal with the assistance of his respective “club.” If you don’t think so, reference the Republican presidential list, or the list Supreme Court Justices, oil company owners, CEOs of F500 companies, etc. Something in the early 1900s made these people pursue association with the writers and artists of their generation—individuals who would be shaping the culture for generations right in the Grove’s backyard: Engineering & architecture, Hollywood, the art district, and Silicon Valley.