The Bohemian Club 1973 Little Red Book - History, Former Officers, In Memorium, Rules

This rare book, similar to previous editions of the Bohemian Club's Little Red Book, offers a detailed snapshot of the club’s governance, culture, and inner workings during the early 1970s. While maintaining many of its long-held traditions and secretive customs, this edition includes updated details on by-laws, committees, and officers. Here is a structured overview of the key elements:

By-Laws
This 1973-1974 edition continues to emphasize strict governance and decorum within the club. The by-laws detail procedures for addressing disputes, disciplining members, and managing the club’s finances. Penalties like suspension or expulsion are clearly outlined for breaches of decorum, with emphasis on maintaining confidentiality and order among members. Members are expected to adhere strictly to all regulations to protect the club's reputation.

Appeals processes are in place, similar to previous editions, allowing members a formal path to contest decisions, reflecting a tightly structured hierarchical governance. The by-laws also regulate how the club interacts with the outside world, strictly limiting any publicity or third-party access to club functions.

Membership and Fees
Membership rules remain stringent, as outlined in previous years. There are specific limits on guest privileges, including the number of visitors a member can invite and the procedures for obtaining guest cards. This edition also continues to highlight the exclusivity of key events, such as the Midsummer Encampment, by requiring special fees and outlining detailed procedures for attendance.

Fees for club services and events, including the initiation fee and membership dues, are discussed. These financial obligations are mandatory and critical to retaining membership, with financial penalties for non-compliance.

Committees
The 1973-1974 book provides updated information on committees, which are essential for the club’s internal management. Committees such as the Grove Committee, Jinks Committee, and House Committee oversee various operational aspects from property maintenance to event organization. The Grove Committee, in particular, plays a crucial role in regulating events held at the Bohemian Grove, the club’s famous retreat, while the Jinks Committee is responsible for organizing theatrical performances, including the club's secretive rituals such as the Cremation of Care.

New mentions of administrative positions such as Assistant Secretary and Manager reflect evolving administrative structures within the club.

Officers and Leadership
A key feature of this edition is the list of current and past officers, which highlights the leadership roles held by prominent members from the club's long history. These positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Directors. The book traces several years of leadership changes, demonstrating the continuity of the club's governance. The 1973-1974 edition also provides a historical overview of former officers dating back decades, underscoring the club's long-standing elite membership.

Special Events
The Midsummer Encampment remains one of the most significant club events. As in previous editions, the book strictly outlines who may attend, how guests are to be managed, and the need for maintaining secrecy throughout the event. The Cremation of Care ritual, a central feature of the Encampment, is discussed, continuing to serve as a symbolic event where members cast away worldly concerns.

House and Grove Rules
The House Rules detail daily operations at the San Francisco clubhouse, specifying rules around guest introductions, meal services, and quiet hours. Photography, interviews, and any form of publicity remain strictly forbidden to protect the club’s privacy.

The Grove Rules offer specific guidelines on the use of the Bohemian Grove property. The rules cover everything from camp construction to the organization of private parties. Notably, the Grove Rules still prohibit women and minors from entering certain areas, maintaining a men-only policy in particular spaces. Strict rules against photography, filming, or any kind of public documentation at the Grove are reiterated, protecting the sanctity and secrecy of the property.

In Memoriam
This section includes an In Memoriam section, which solemnly honors deceased members. It lists members by name and provides the year of their death, offering a reflection on the club’s storied past and acknowledging those who contributed significantly to its legacy.

This 1973 edition of the Bohemian Club’s Little Red Book offers a structured view of the club’s governance, rules, and events. It maintains many of the traditional elements of past editions but also provides important updates on membership fees, officers, and committee functions. The emphasis on privacy, exclusivity, and tradition remains paramount, while the rules governing both the San Francisco clubhouse and the Bohemian Grove ensure the club’s operations continue to be strictly controlled and shrouded in secrecy.

1969's Little Red Book:
The Bohemian Club 1969 Little Red Book - By-Laws & Officers:
https://rumble.com/v5jsujl-annals-of-bohemian-club-vol.-ix-music-and-musicians-in-bohemia-the-first-on.html

Annals of Bohemian Club Vol. IX - Music & Musicians in Bohemia The First One Hundred Years [A Symphonic Summary], by Richard P. Buck:
https://rumble.com/v5jsujl-annals-of-bohemian-club-vol.-ix-music-and-musicians-in-bohemia-the-first-on.html