Oregon nudists win increased exposure

Squaw Mountain Family Nudist Club member Phil Moriarty sums up his attraction to nudism in three words: "I hate clothes."

Moriarty's simple philosophy is more illuminating than it might seem. It points to the essential component of a lifestyle far removed from the preconceptions of nudist organizations that have existed in the past. As the number of nudists in Oregon grows, the stereotypes are crumbling and a growing number of people are shedding more than their inhibitions.

As of today, there are eight clubs in Oregon officially affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation, the largest nudist organization in the United States. AANR represents 240 clubs and nearly 50,000 individual members.

The organization's name alone proves an increasing acceptance of nudist lifestyle. Until recently, the AANR was known as the American Sunbather Association, a much more ambiguous title that afforded its members a little secrecy in their nudist practices. But a more vocal defense of the lifestyle has perhaps resulted in less reason to hide.

Nudist clubs basically fall in to one of two categories, landed and non-landed. A landed club is a nudist organization with its own property and
facilities. Non-landed club members are nudists who meet in private residences and often organize trips to landed clubs.

Squaw Mountain is the oldest nudist camp west of the Mississippi -- the 19-acre retreat, located 40 miles southeast of Portland in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, was established in 1933. Nudity might still elicit giggles from clothing-bound elitists, but after a short glance of the facilities and activities offered by Squaw Mountain, one can't escape the impression that nudist clubs are nothing more than summer camps for people without clothes.

The ranch has hiking trails, a private lake, paddle boats, a club house, volleyball courts and a miniature golf course -- pretty innocuous stuff. And that suits Moriarty just fine. He said committed nudists are not interested in any "inappropriate" behavior.

"It's not a sexual thing in any way, shape or form," he said. "I just prefer to be nude. I guess I was always a closet nudist. I was always interested in this lifestyle but my two wives weren't interested. So as soon as I got divorced, I joined."

Moriarty, who was also the president of Squaw Mountain for a short period, is retired and said nudism primarily attracts older people. He said he has seen a rise in members as young their early 30s and added they always welcome younger nudists.

"We'd love to have more college-age members because they represent our future, just like any other organization," Moriarty said.

The closest locale for practicing nudists in Eugene is available at The Willamettans, a 40-acre club in Marcola. The Willamettans -- members call themselves the Willies -- is a co-op founded in 1953. Willamettans President Sharon Bower said her club is living proof that the popularity of nudism is on the rise and the stigmas of nudism are falling.

"When I joined 32 years ago, we had 73 members. We now have nearly 500," Bower said. "We don't feel as encumbered as in the past. Back when I joined, we didn't even use last names because people could lose their jobs. That can't happen anymore, and people feel more free."

In the club's 50-year history, members have worked almost exclusively in the construction of the facilities, which include everything from tennis courts to a restaurant and tavern. Such amenities have helped to create a safe, tight-knit community, which Bower said is one of the location's main attractions.

"We don't have to worry about a lot of the things people worry about," Bower said. "I don't even lock my door."

Bower added that she hasn't seen a huge problem with people joining the Willamettans for the wrong reasons. Since joining, she said there have been perhaps 10 incidents in which people had to be escorted from the property due to questionable conduct.

One final destination worth mentioning is Restful Havens Health Club in North Plain. This nudist resort is the largest landed club in Oregon -- a whopping 104 acres of clothing-optional fun.

Bower offered an interesting tidbit that may sway the remaining skeptics of nudism. She said that Benjamin Franklin was known for taking "air baths" -- he'd essentially sit outside in the buff. So there you have it. If it's good enough for our forefathers, it couldn't be bad -- even if the image of a naked Benjamin Franklin doesn't exactly make your day.

Contact the senior Pulse reporter
at ryanbornheimer@dailyemerald.com.

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