Bohemian Grove checks all the conspiratorial tin foil hat boxes: An elite membership including former politicians (including presidents), businessmen and journalists, a secretive California campground location protected by a legion of ex-military personnel, and tales of strange, annual plays that have featured burning owls, excessive flowers and Hollywood-grade sets.
While us mere mortals will likely never experience exactly what goes down in this Weirdotown, we have something at least: A few telling snapshots taken inside.
From hoisted crosses to blazing stages, here are 22 cultish pics from the infamous Bohemian Grove.
1
Bohemian Grove members performing a High Jinks performance, date unknown.
2
Bohemian Grove members participate in the Cremation of Care ceremony, 1931.
3
Bohemian Grove members attend a concert, 1912.
4
Bohemian Grove members perform during the late 1930s.
5
Bohemian Grove members in a 1952 performance of “Tandem Triumphans."
6
Bohemian Grove members participate in a play, 1934.
7
A Bohemian Grove member rides a prop elephant during a play, circa 1930.
8
Bohemian Grove members put on a performance, 1934.
9
Bohemian Grove members participate in a performance, date unknown.
10
A Bohemian Grove play, 1921.
11
Bohemian Grove members during a performance, date unknown
12
Bohemian Grove members eat a meal, 1924
13
Bohemian Grove members participate in the burning of the owl, date unknown.
14
A program for Bohemian Grove’s Midsummer Encampment, circa 1985.
15
Bohemian Grove members attend a dinner, date unknown.
16
Bohemian Grove members enjoy a piano performance, date unknown.
17
Bohemian Grove members pose outside a tent, date unknown.
18
Members Porter Garnett, George Stirling and Jack London pose outside their tent, date unknown.
19
Bohemian Grove members during the Cremation of Care, 1907.
20
Harvey Hancock addresses visitors at Bohemian Grove, 1967.
21
Bohemian Grove members lean against a fence during Spring Jinx encampment, date unknown.
22
Bohemian Grove members participate in a dress rehearsal, 1909.
23
A ceremony takes place in Bohemian Grove, circa 1922