This artificial collection consists of 397 photographic prints of Bohemian Grove (Sonoma County, Calif.) activities from 1890 to 1950. The Bohemian Grove is a secret society annual gathering place in the redwoods in Northern California for members of the Bohemian Club in San Francisco. The collection of photographs was assembled by the San Francisco Public Library over the years from donations. Some photographs were in the library’s Reference Department before 1965. Photographs in the collection include many group portraits of gatherings at Stow Circle, in the Bohemian Grove as well as campfire views at night, banquet tables in concentric circles, play productions, and Russian River activities.

The Bohemian Club of San Francisco was founded in 1872 as an all-male, private club. Originally its membership was artists, musicians, and writers and it grew to include elite businessmen and prominent politicians. Each summer a two-week gathering in the Bohemian Grove still takes place where the “Cremation of Care” ceremony initiates the activities. Dramatic play performances, outdoor dinners, orchestral performances, and other activities and rituals are part of the happenings in the 2,700 acre campground in Sonoma County. Only active members of the Club and their guests may visit the Grove. Guests may be invited to the Grove for either the "Spring Jinks" in June or the main July encampment.

3 manuscript box ; 397 albumen and gelatin silver photographic prints

All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours.