There was a German club called The Hermitage that featured “French dancing girls” that may have been inspired by the Moulin Rouge in Paris. This Beer Garden was located in Fruit Vale, a haven for German immigrants. My kindred had a fruit orchard there.

Above is the Marriage Certificate of Alice Lillie Stuttmeister of Oakland, who married William Frederick Broderick of Fruit Vale, in 1897. Their daughter, Melba Broderick, married Victor Hugo Presco. whose father came from Bohemia Germany. Did William go to see the French dancing girls, and lewd sex acts performed in the gazebos?  This may constitute the first Bohemian scene for adults looking for a alternative lifestyle. Here is a Garden of Earthly Delights in the New World, that was closed down by the clergy and Temperance Movement. Here is the model for the Ghost Ship and other places I have blogged on. It is my intent…