History of the Houses
Note: As House Historian in 1980, I wrote this history of the Lothlorien Houses:
History of 2405 and 2415 Prospect Street
By: Enric Teller
Lothlorien House Historian: Fall 1980
corrected: 1/16/1981
2405 Prospect Street
Original Owner George H. Maxwell
Built 1883
Contractor Smilie
Architect Clinton Day
One of the first architects in Berkeley. Clinton Day sited many of
the early University of California at Berkeley buildings as early
as 1868 (sited the Chemistry Building in 1889). Mr. Day designed
the City of Paris building in San Francisco. And, is noted
for various other architectural accomplishments in the Bay
Area.
Owners
1924: Founded as a fraternity in the Alpha Chapter.
about 1967: Leased to the One World Family commune probably by Victor
Constantine (2415 Prospect Street is included, most likely
initially in this lease).
Miscellaneous 2405 Prospect Street was originally located on around Channing
Street or Piedmont Avenue between Channing and Dwight Streets.
This building was moved to it’s present location (2415 Prospect
Street) probably before 1920.
The third floor originally probably consisted of servants
quarters. And the facing right hand staircase was probably
at one time the servant’s staircase.
2415 Prospect Street
Original Owner undiscovered
Built undiscovered, before 1920.
Contractor undiscovered.
Architect undiscovered.
Owners
1919: H. L. Day
1927: Pi Signa Gamma (sorority)
The sorority spent about $5,000 in building changes and/or
improvements.
The building was then a eight-bedroom house of 2 1/2 stories.
1933: Pi Sigma Gamma rd
Founded at the University of California on November 23 1919.
Alpha Chapter established on November 23 rd 9 1919.
Two chapters.
The sorority spent an additional $9,500 on house improvements and/or
changes.
At this time the building consisted of three stories.
1940: Beta Sigma Omicorn (fraternity?)
Founded at the University of Missouri in 1888.
Alpha IOTA Chapter established in 1929.
Fifty four chapters.
One World Family to 1980
2405 and 2415 Prospect Street
One World Family
2405 and 2415 Prospect Street was leased to the One World Family commune from about 1968 to spring of 1975 by, most likely, Victor Constantine. The O.W.F. was certain to be leasing the houses from Victor Constantine in the spring of 1975.
Background information on the O.W.F.
Leader: Allen Michael
Philosophy: A mystical, semi religious belief with philosophical precepts
and ideas extracted and combined from Christianity, eastern
religions and philosophies, capitalism ideas along with
communist notions, vegetarianism and apparently these views
were centered around a belief in UFO’s that are designing
a better life on earth.
The O.W.F. constructed the sauna in the basement of 2415
Prospect street.
The O.W.F. is said to have used room 2 as a nursery at one
time. Room 7 is believed to have been used for a print shop.
The garage of 2415 Prospect street is said to have had wood
work done and was used at one time as a bookstore. Room 301
is believed to have been a natural childbirth room. And,
the “Infinity” room in the basement of 2415 Prospect street
(off of the entrance to the sauna area) was possibly a art
room and/or a mushroom growing area in a section behind the
room and/or an orgy room (mattresses and Vaseline oil was found
in this area supposedly when the U.S.C.A. took possession
of the houses).
1974: The following is said to have been true. Drugs were used, especially
acid. Nude sunbathing occurred frequently. There was a sauna
practically every night. The O.W.F. made tie dye shirts. And, on
Friday night’s Tantric sex was practiced in the living room of
2405 Prospect street. This is said to have occurred in the following
manner: The women formed a circle sitting in the lotus position.
Then, the men entered them while the women remained still. It was
believed that one could recognize ones “soul partner” in this manner,
Furthermore, at one point a group that were practicing Tantric sex
contracted a venereal disease, and for some time they refused to treat
it in any other manner (such as seeing a doctor or taking medicine)
than with herbs and natural remedies.
1975: In the summer of 1975, the U.S.C.A. bought 2405 and 2415 Prospect
street from Victor Constantine probably due partly to the O.W.F.
supposedly being unable to continue to pay it’s lease. At this
writing, according to a source, part or all of the One World
Family now lives on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Lastly, paintings,
drawings, literature and other remnants of the One World Family
residence in 2405 and 2415 prospect street are located in the attic
of 2415 Prospect street.
U.S.C.A.Ownership
The U.S.C.A. bought 2405 and 2415 Prospect street in the Summer of 1975.
First Quarter Fall 1975
First House Manager Garry Martin
Background on “Lothlorien” name
The name “Lothlorien” for the co-op located
at 2405 and 2415 Prospect street originates
from J.R.R. Tolkiens’ The Lord of the Rings
trilogy, especially the the sixth chapter of
the Book II in the novel, The Fellowship
of the Ring . Lothlorien in J.R.R. Tolkiens’
novels, is the den of the elves (the members
of the Lothlorien co op are, thus, often
referred to as “elves”. and previous members
are sometimes called “old” and/or “former
elves”).
First Lothlorien Talent Show Spring 1978
Note: Further research is open to be filled in, especially in the area of Managers, officers, events, background information, lifestyle and miscellaneous information on the Lothlorien co op. And, for information previous to 1976, one could start researching through the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association, Victor Constantine, who is at this writing, located in the Oakland phone book, and the One World Family, if locatable, on Maui, Hawaii.
Sources
The Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association
A former member of the One World Family commune
A former member of the Lothlorien co op Various One World Family literature
University Student’s Cooperative Association employees
