When it comes to secret societies and exclusive gatherings, few are as intriguing as the Bohemian Club San Francisco. Founded in the heart of San Francisco in 1872, this private, members-only club has long been a sanctuary for the world’s most influential leaders, artists, and thinkers. But what really goes on in this elusive club, and why have so many U.S. presidents chosen to walk its mysterious path?
The Origins: San Francisco’s Bohemian Movement
The Bohemian Club was born in the early 1870s, inspired by the “Bohemian” culture that had taken root in cities like New York and San Francisco. In the mid-19th century, “Bohemianism” referred to a free-spirited lifestyle that drew together journalists, artists, and intellectuals who valued creativity and unconventional living. San Francisco’s own writers, such as Bret Harte and Mark Twain, helped establish the city as the “Bohemia of the West.” For this group, art and intellect took precedence over social norms, creating a tight-knit community of “Bohemians” who celebrated creative expression.
The club’s official founding came in April 1872, led by journalists from the San Francisco Chronicle, including Michael Henry de Young, Tommy Newcombe, and Dan O'Connell. They envisioned a fraternal organization where they could unwind and connect over shared artistic interests after long days at the paper. Initially, journalists were the core members, with artists and musicians invited as honorary guests. Their gathering spot on Sacramento Street quickly became a hub for conversations on art, culture, and society—a rare haven in San Francisco’s bustling business scene.
From Artistic Haven to Elite Retreat
As word spread, the Bohemian Club attracted a diverse membership, eventually including successful businessmen and community leaders. With the club’s rising reputation and financial support, its original “Bohemian” spirit of modesty and creativity evolved. The early Bohemian members were soon outnumbered by affluent patrons, shifting the club’s identity toward a blend of art and elite status. Though some purists, like poet George Sterling, lamented the move away from true Bohemian ideals, many remained loyal to the club’s unique mix of intellect and influence.
Oscar Wilde famously noted this transformation when he visited in 1882, remarking, “I never saw so many well-dressed, well-fed, business-looking Bohemians in my life.” The Bohemian Club had grown into a symbol of exclusivity where San Francisco’s elite could connect with artists, fostering a relaxed environment that transcended conventional class divides.
Establishing the Bohemian Grove Tradition
In 1899, the club acquired a 2,700-acre redwood forest in Sonoma County, founding what is now the famous Bohemian Grove. This annual retreat provided members with an escape into nature, bringing the Bohemian spirit of art and camaraderie to life through outdoor gatherings. Members enjoyed theatrical performances, musical productions, and the iconic “Cremation of Care” ceremony, which allowed them to “leave their worries behind” in a symbolic fashion. The Grove’s gatherings soon became the defining tradition of the Bohemian Club, attracting an impressive array of high-profile attendees.
At Bohemian Grove, influential leaders from politics, business, and the arts found an atmosphere free from public scrutiny. It became a place for presidents, CEOs, and intellectuals to unwind together, solidifying its status as one of the most exclusive retreats in the country.
Presidents Who Joined or Attended the Bohemian Club San Francisco
While the Bohemian Club San Francisco maintains a strict privacy policy, historical records reveal that several U.S. presidents have attended the club’s events or gatherings. Here are a few presidents known to have participated:
Herbert Hoover – Hoover was an active member of the Bohemian Club and often attended the summer gatherings at Bohemian Grove.
Dwight D. Eisenhower – Eisenhower attended events at Bohemian Grove, where he mingled with other political and corporate leaders.
Richard Nixon – Nixon was a longtime attendee at Bohemian Grove and even mentioned it in his memoirs, referring to the importance of the connections formed there.
Ronald Reagan – Reagan, then Governor of California, was also a frequent guest at Bohemian Grove and continued attending even after his presidency.
Other Famous Members and Attendees
Aside from presidents, the Bohemian Club San Francisco has attracted a range of influential figures across various industries. Some of the most notable members include:
Mark Twain – The famous author and humorist was a member of the Bohemian Club during its early years and helped shape its reputation for creativity and intellect.
Jack London – Another iconic author, London was a frequent attendee and enjoyed the club’s vibrant artistic and literary environment.
Henry Kissinger – The former Secretary of State has been a recurring guest at Bohemian Grove, reflecting the club’s allure for those in global politics.
Walter Cronkite – The legendary broadcaster was also a member, showing the club’s appeal to influential media figures.
David Rockefeller – An influential banker and philanthropist, Rockefeller represents the club’s long-standing attraction to powerful business elites.
These gatherings allowed members to take a break from their professional lives, blending high-profile networking with an atmosphere that encouraged creativity and relaxation. The San Francisco clubhouse, meanwhile, served as the Bohemian Club’s primary base for members to meet throughout the year.
Rituals, Redwoods, and Secrecy: The Unique Appeal of the Bohemian Club
One of the most talked-about traditions at the Bohemian Club San Francisco is the “Cremation of Care” ceremony, which kicks off each retreat at the Grove. This theatrical ritual involves a massive owl statue—a symbol of wisdom—under which members perform a symbolic ceremony to “leave their worries behind.” Though it sounds mysterious, the ritual has become an iconic part of the Bohemian Club’s lore, symbolizing a temporary escape from the cares and pressures of daily life.
For presidents, CEOs, authors, and other high-profile attendees, this ritual holds an undeniable appeal. It’s a space where they can let go, unwind, and, for a moment, set aside the responsibilities that come with public life.
The Bohemian Club’s Lasting Allure
The Bohemian Club San Francisco remains one of the city’s most enigmatic institutions. Despite its reputation as a sanctuary for the influential, its secretive rituals and private gatherings continue to spark curiosity—and sometimes controversy. While its original “Bohemian” spirit has evolved, the club’s allure lies as much in what’s unknown as in what is known. For decades, it has been a place where presidents, CEOs, artists, and intellectuals gather out of the public eye, leaving us only to imagine what stories and secrets are exchanged under the towering redwoods of Bohemian Grove.
Even today, the Bohemian Club San Francisco stands as a testament to a world shrouded in exclusivity and guarded traditions, where membership is more than a privilege—it’s an invitation into a society defined by secrecy and mystery.
Curious to dive deeper into San Francisco’s hidden history? Check out my blog for more stories about the city’s secrets and unusual societies!
