Imperial Valley press., 1936-09-06

SPENT the last week Lend at nudist colony
and I'm ashamed In fact I'm very much
ashamed because I confess that I went there
with the idea firmly in my mind that nudsts
were freaks people who a little
touched" on the sun and fresh air, the back to
nature idea, and generously dipped in rnedioc-
\ rity of mind and background.
aOrony.
admit it freely, and hope that the people I
met at the colony when they read this will find
it in their hearts to forgive me- Among them I
found people who were striving for new kind
of success, a success not in dollars and cents
but in physical and mental we'll being. met
prominent DOCTORS lawyers, writer's, artists and
Observation-Disclosures, mothers, children whole
families. have never seen people with more
zest for life, more genuine Wholesomeness. Men
and women who had been sitting in the cities
were learning to play in the sunshine like
children. The hard shell of cyncism had dropped
away, boredom vanished, and they really
living. And had gone down to "see the show!"
That's a0hy feel guilty and ashamed
But let me tell you the story of Eysium and
nudiSm in a new light about a beautiful
garden in the sun that set me to thinking, as I
hope this story will my readers.
Nestled in verdant valley in the foothills
of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California about
three miles from Los Gatos, the colony is ap-
propriatey called Elysium. Completely noun
tain-locked the sylvan glades stretch across 112
acres, which form the bottom of a cup-like val
ley. This valley is virtually impenetrable except
by road leading into the valley from the main
\ highway at the little town of Alma.
Approaching the entrance, I came upon a
tall gate the top of which appeared the
single word Elysium No in sight, so
climbing out of the car, pushed the gate open
and was startled for a moment by the ringing
of bell. The opening of the gate breaks
electric circuit and the bell rings both at the
gate and in the Office about quarter mile up
one-way road. This not only announces visitor,
but warns other cars against starting down the
road until the one that has passed through the
gate makes it appearance at the Office No one
but members are allowed in the colony except
on special invitation from the management. Be-
ing the possessor of an invitation from the
founder himself drove boldly up the road
and parked in front of building which sign
indicated was the office. was in great sunny
valley, completely surrounded by high noun
tains. Great trees spread their shade gener-
ously through the valley, myrtle climbed over
the hills, and there was quiet peacefulness,
sereneness, that made cities, traffic, and teem-
ing crowds seem in another world.
I HAD hardly brought the car to stop when
| a young man, clothed only with a friendly
smile, emerged from the office to greet me. He
was George Marcellus Spray founder of
Elysium Foundation and active manager of the
colony. I was little surprised had expected
Jan older man. Mr.. Spray looked about 28 Ac-
tually, he is 80, has spent fourteen years in the
promotion of nudism for the attainment of
healthy bodies and be called one of the
American pioneers of the movement He is mar
ried, and, with his wife and daughter makes
his home at Elysum.
I was not asked to shed my clothes. more
than half suspected that this would be expected
of me Immediately upon my arrival But no men
Of clothing was mar ftora
friendly greeting, my host began conducting me
about the spacious grounds. Everywhere were
men, women and children at play, all nude of
course; their bodies tan and glowing with health
There were tennis courts an archery volley
and handball courts a driving range for golf
and putting green ping pong tables
basketball court and two fine swimming pools