Bohemian Grove: Where the Rich and Powerful Go to Play

MONTE RIO, CALIFORNIA — Nestled in the redwood forests of Northern California, about an hour north of San Francisco, lies a secluded and exclusive retreat known as the Bohemian Grove. This 2,700-acre campground has been the annual summer gathering place for some of the world’s most influential and powerful figures since 1872. Here’s an in-depth look at the Bohemian Grove, its history, members, and the controversies that surround it.

History and Origins

The Bohemian Club, the organization behind the Bohemian Grove, was founded in San Francisco in 1872 by a group of journalists, artists, and writers who sought to create a space where they could escape the city’s hustle and bustle and indulge in creative pursuits. The club’s name was inspired by the bohemian lifestyle, a term used to describe artists and intellectuals who lived unconventional lives in pursuit of creative expression.

In 1878, the club purchased the land in Monte Rio, which would become the Bohemian Grove. The first encampment was held in 1880, and it has been an annual tradition ever since. Over the years, the Bohemian Grove has evolved from a simple gathering of artists and writers to an exclusive retreat for the rich and powerful, with a membership roster that includes prominent business leaders, politicians, and even a few Hollywood celebrities.

Membership and Selection

Membership in the Bohemian Club and, by extension, the Bohemian Grove, is highly exclusive and invitation-only. To be considered for membership, a prospective member must be sponsored by two existing members and undergo a thorough vetting process. The club’s membership is predominantly male, with a few notable exceptions, and the average age of members is said to be around 60.

Some of the most prominent figures who have been associated with the Bohemian Club and the Bohemian Grove include:

• U.S. Presidents: Herbert Hoover, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush
• Business Leaders: Henry Kissinger, Caspar Weinberger, George Shultz, and William F. Buckley Jr.
• Media Moguls: Rupert Murdoch and Walter Cronkite
• Hollywood Celebrities: Clint Eastwood and Victor Borge

The Encampment

The Bohemian Grove encampment typically takes place over two weeks in mid-July, with members staying in rustic cabins and participating in various activities, including hiking, fishing, and attending lectures and performances. The encampment culminates in a ritual known as the “Cremation of Care,” a symbolic ceremony in which members burn a effigy of “Care” (representing their worries and anxieties) in a large bonfire.

One of the most famous features of the Bohemian Grove is the “High Priest” statue, a 40-foot tall concrete owl that serves as a meeting place for members and a symbol of the club’s secrecy and exclusivity. The owl is said to represent wisdom, knowledge, and the mysteries of life.

Secrecy and Controversies

The Bohemian Grove is shrouded in secrecy, with members swearing an oath of silence regarding their experiences at the encampment. This secrecy has led to numerous conspiracy theories and allegations of clandestine activities taking place within the grove’s walls. Some of the most common claims include:

• Illuminati Connections: Some conspiracy theorists allege that the Bohemian Grove is a meeting place for the Illuminati, a secret society said to control world events from behind the scenes.
• Child Abuse and Ritual Sacrifice: In 2000, a documentary called “Bohemian Grove: Where the Powerful Go to Play” was released, which included footage of a mock human sacrifice ritual performed during the Cremation of Care ceremony. While the club has dismissed the footage as a harmless prank, some have interpreted it as evidence of more sinister activities taking place within the grove.
• Political Manipulation: Critics have accused the Bohemian Grove of being a hotbed of political manipulation, where powerful figures conspire to shape global events and maintain their grip on power.

Defenses and Denials

The Bohemian Club and its members have consistently denied any wrongdoing or clandestine activities, insisting that the encampment is nothing more than a harmless retreat for like-minded individuals to enjoy each other’s company and engage in creative pursuits. They argue that the club’s secrecy is simply a means of protecting its members’ privacy and preserving the unique atmosphere of the encampment.

Legacy and Influence

Despite the controversies that surround it, the Bohemian Grove has undeniably played a role in shaping the political and economic landscape of the United States. Many of the country’s most influential figures have passed through its hallowed halls, and the bonds formed between members have undoubtedly had an impact on the course of history.

Whether the Bohemian Grove is a harmless retreat for the rich and powerful or a hotbed of political manipulation and clandestine activities remains a matter of debate. What is clear, however, is that the grove’s secrecy and exclusivity have only served to fuel the fires of speculation and intrigue that surround it.

Quotes

Alex Jones, conspiracy theorist and filmmaker of “Bohemian Grove: Where the Powerful Go to Play”: “The Bohemian Grove is a place where the rich and powerful go to make deals, to conspire, and to plan their next moves in their never-ending quest for more power and more control over the world.” Bohemian Club member, speaking on condition of anonymity: “The Bohemian Grove is a place where you can let your hair down, relax, and be yourself without the pressures of the outside world. It’s a chance to recharge and reconnect with old friends and make new ones.”

In the end, the Bohemian Grove remains an enigma, a place where the rich and powerful go to play, and where the truth may be hidden behind a veil of secrecy and intrigue.