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'''UNDER CONSTRUCTION'''<br>
'''Eugene W. Munson''' was a member of the [[American Theosophical Society]] and lecturer for the [[Krotona in Hollywood|Krotona Institute of Theosophy]].
'''UNDER CONSTRUCTION'''<br>


[[Helena Petrovna Blavatsky]] has frequently been mentioned in literature, art, film, and other forms of popular culture. Here are some examples.


== Books ==


=== Dean Koontz, ''Odd Apocalypse'' ===
== Personal life ==


'''Koontz, Dean. ''Odd Apocalypse''. New York: Random House, 2012.'''
On [[November 9]], 1877, Eugene Munson was born in Marshall, California to Miron Munson and Fannie Aldrich Munson.<ref>1926 Passenger list...........</ref> He had two older sisters and one younger brother. By 1880, the family had moved to Spokane, Washington.<ref>1880 United States Federal Census.</ref> Little is known of the life of Miron, but by 1900, Fannie had remarried to Joseph E. Cohenhour. They lived in Chicago with three of the children, including Eugene, who at age 23 was working as an electrician.<ref>1900 United States Federal Census.</ref>


This novel is one of an excellent series about Odd Thomas, a young man who can see and communicate with dead people whose spirits have not passed over to the next phase of existence.  
At some point Eugene moved to Roswell, Idaho, a small town near Boise, where he was part owner of a general store, and regarded as "one of the substantial citizens of that community."<ref>"A Roswell Wedding" ''Caldwell Tribune'' 29 (August 1, 1908): 2.</ref> On August 1, 1908, he married Mattie Doll of Saugatuck, Michigan, and they moved into a well-furnished bungalow.


Here he is discussing Constantine Cloyce, a wealthy newspaper mogul and film studio owner, who built an estate called Roseland based on time-travel equipment designed by Nikola Tesla. While Odd Thomas is visiting Roseland, he encounters a ghost woman on a ghost stallion who seeks his help; strange machinery controlling a mysterious flow of energy through the property; evidence of numerous murders; and vicious creatures from a dystopian future that resemble feral pigs.
Mr. Munson died on [[October 31]], 1952 in Los Angeles.<ref>1952 California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997.</ref>


== Theosophical Society activities ==
Munson joined the San Buena Ventura Lodge of the American Theosophical Society on October 10, 1904. In 1909-10 he became president of the newly formed branch in Salt Lake City.<ref>"Salt Lake City" ''The Theosophic Messenger'' 11 no. 10 (July, 1910): 633.</ref> He was temporarily lodging in Utah and working as a draftsman, while lecturing weekly at Theosophical meetings.<ref>1910 United States Federal Census.</ref> In late 1912, he disposed of his Idaho property, including a ranch, and in early 1913 moved to [[Krotona in Hollywood]].<ref>''Caldwell Tribune'' 29 (December 20, 1912): 4. </ref><ref>''Caldwell Tribune'' 30 (January 10, 1913): 7. </ref> As the local newspaper reported:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
Cloyce had also been an enthusiast of unusual – even bizarre – theories ranging from those of the famous medium and psychic Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky to those of the world-renowned physicist and inventor Nikola Tesla. (page 21)
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Munson will soon leave for Krotona, California, near Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Munson are moving so as to be near the new headquarters of the Theosophical society. They are thoroughly devoted to the Theosophical cause and feel it their duty to take a move active part in the work at Krotona.<ref>''Caldwell Tribune'' 30 (January 3, 1913): 4. </ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


Some believed that Cloyce, here at Roseland, had once secretly financed research and development into such things as death rays, contemporary approaches to alchemy, and telephones that would allow you to talk to the dead. But then some people also believe that Social Security is solvent.
He wrote articles for Theosophical periodicals, such as "Tesla's Wireless Power and Mr. Leadbeater's Prophecy"<ref>"Eugene W. Munson, "Tesla's Wireless Power and Mr. Leadbeater's Prophecy" ''The Messenger'' 3 no. 6 (November, 1915): 164-165.</ref> He demitted to the Krotona Lodge in 1917.<ref>Membership Ledger Cards roll 5. Theosophical Society in America Archives.</ref> Beginning in 1917, he served as treasurer of the national Society.<ref>Eugene W. Munson. "Treasurer's Report" ''The Messenger'' Statistical Year Book supplement 5 no. 4 (September, 1917): 4.</ref>
Odd Thomas finds the blueprints and engineering drawings of the buildings, and encounters the spirit of Nikola Tesla.  
 
When the Besant Lodge of Krotona was established in October 1920 with 56 members, he was a charter member and vice president, with [[Marie Poutz]] as president.<ref>"Besant Lodge, Krotona" ''The Messenger'' 8 no. 7 (December, 1920): 577.</ref>
 
=== Lecture tours ===


After Krotona had become established in Hollywood, Munson was more active in the national organization. George H. Hall, Manager of the Krotona Estate, wrote:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
Page 252:
Later he entered the service of The Theosophical Society in America as a National Lecturer, and traveled throughout the United States lecturing and organizing study classes and lodges. He was one of the best lecturers for the Society and made many friends all over the country. It was from this work that I called him in 1923 to help me at Hollywood before we moved to Ojai. When we sold the Hollywood property, he and Mrs. Munson were the first to move to Ojai, and for nearly thirty years we have worked together to build the new Krotona in the Ojai Valley.<ref>"Mr. Eugene W. Munson" ''The American Theosophist'' 40 no. 12 (December, 1952): 240.</ref>
And on my first day in Roseland, chatting with Henry Lolam at the gatehouse, I learned that Constantine Cloyce had been interested in cutting-edge science and in the supernatural, having been friends with an unlikely spectrum of people that included the psychic and medium Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, and at the extreme other end, the famous physicist and inventor Tesla.
</blockquote>


Finding Madame Blavatsky’s famed name on the blueprints would have been strange, but it was nowhere to be seen. Whatever might be going on at Roseland, I suspected now that it might have nothing to do with the supernatural and everything to do with science. Weird science, but science nonetheless.
During the years 1916-1922, Munson worked as a National Lecturer of the [[American Theosophical Society]], touring for months on end. His presentations received excellent reviews from local newspapers. After speaking in Pueblo, Colorado, a reviewer wrote:
In the wide, shallow drawers of the map chest, I found many sets of mechanical-systems plans, all signed by Nikola Tesla. Among them were drawings of – and engineering specifics related – the spheres, the flywheels standing on the bell-shaped machines, the intricate arrangements of gears I’d see in the subcellars of the mausoleum, and much more.  
<blockquote>
Mr. Munson has just competed a very successful course in Denver, speaking to capacity houses. He is a pleasant speaker  and uses anecdotes, stereopticon and blackboard illustrations freely in demonstrating the more unfamiliar phases of his subject.


I felt pretty sure that I knew the identity of the tall, gaunt, mustachioed man who had spoken to me on three occasions. Mr. Nikola Tesla. Considering that he died decades ago but wasn’t a lingering spirit like any I’d previously encountered, I knew who he was but not what he was.
He appears practical and level-headed, being an engineer by profession.<ref>"Lecture Course in Theosophy" ''Pueblo Chieftain'' (March 12, 1922): 6.</ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


=== Peter Ackroyd, ''The Last Testament of Oscar Wilde'' ===
During the First World War, he often lectured about topics related to current events, such as an occult view of the war and the rebirth of those who died in wartime in his lecture "What Comes Out of the War;" "The Occult Relations of France, Great Britain, and the United State;" and "The New International Ship of State" [referring to the League of Nations].


'''Ackroyd, Peter. ''The Last Testament of Oscar Wilde''. New York: Harper & Row, 1983.'''
Usually Munson spoke more directly about Theosophical subjects, using the stereopticon slides of [[Thought-Forms|thought forms]] and the [[Astral Body|astral body]] developed by [[C. W. Leadbeater]]. Titles included "How Many Lives Have You Lived?," "Do the Dead Return," "The Path of Achievement," "The Inner Gates of the Soul," and "The Science of the Borderland" [Theosophical explanations of spiritualistic experiences]. A reviewer in Great Falls, Montana, wrote of "The Hidden Side of Things":
<blockquote>
In the course of his address, which was heard by a large gathering of interested men and women, Mr. Munson described how telepathy is possible, explained what thoughts are, showing them as tangible objects, with shape and color visible to the occult eye. Mr. Munson also dealt somewhat at length on the evolution of the soul toward perfection.


In this novel designed as a diary of Oscar Wilde, he said of his wife Constance and his mother: "They became close friends: they would shop together and on the evenings when I was not at home, evenings which became too frequent, they would sit and talk about the children, or about Madame Blavatsky." (page 76)
The lecture was the first of a series of four to be given here... The purpose of the lectures is to arouse interest in the science of theosophy with the idea of perfecting an organization in this city.<ref>"Theosophists Plan to Organize Here" Great Falls Daily Tribune (September 12, 1921): 9.</ref>
</blockquote>


== Short fiction ==
In addition to his extensive travel in the United States, Munson toured lodges in Canada from Vancouver to Toronto.<ref>See multiple references in ''The Canadian Theosophist'' 1 no. 1-4 (March-June 1920).</ref>


== Games ==
=== Work at Krotona Institute of Theosophy ===


=== Heir of Light ===
At the time of his death in 1952, Munson was a member of the Krotona Board of Trustees.
 
== Other activities ==
 
George Hall wrote:
<blockquote>
In addition to his interest in Krotona and its activities, he took a keen interest in public affairs, and was always generous with his time and contributions to many outside interests. He did much to acquaint the people of the Valley with Krotona an to win for us the respect and friendliness of the community.<ref>"Mr. Eugene W. Munson" ''The American Theosophist'' 40 no. 12 (December, 1952): 240.</ref>
</blockquote>


Heir of Light is a digital role playing game. It offers a character named Blavatsky. (See [https://www.reddit.com/r/HeirofLight/comments/b2usu4/just_pulled_blavatsky_any_suggestions_on_how_to/ this Reddit thread)
Eugene Munson was a 32° [[Co-Masonry|Co-Mason]].


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
<references/>
<references/>


[[Category:Reading lists]]
[[Category:Lecturers|Munson, Eugene]]
[[Category:TS Adyar|Munson, Eugene]]
[[Category:Nationality American|Munson, Eugene]]
[[Category:Krotona Hollywood|Munson, Eugene]]
[[Category:Co-Masons|Munson, Eugene]]
[[Category:People|Munson, Eugene]]

Revision as of 13:57, 31 October 2023

Eugene W. Munson was a member of the American Theosophical Society and lecturer for the Krotona Institute of Theosophy.


Personal life

On November 9, 1877, Eugene Munson was born in Marshall, California to Miron Munson and Fannie Aldrich Munson.[1] He had two older sisters and one younger brother. By 1880, the family had moved to Spokane, Washington.[2] Little is known of the life of Miron, but by 1900, Fannie had remarried to Joseph E. Cohenhour. They lived in Chicago with three of the children, including Eugene, who at age 23 was working as an electrician.[3]

At some point Eugene moved to Roswell, Idaho, a small town near Boise, where he was part owner of a general store, and regarded as "one of the substantial citizens of that community."[4] On August 1, 1908, he married Mattie Doll of Saugatuck, Michigan, and they moved into a well-furnished bungalow.

Mr. Munson died on October 31, 1952 in Los Angeles.[5]

Theosophical Society activities

Munson joined the San Buena Ventura Lodge of the American Theosophical Society on October 10, 1904. In 1909-10 he became president of the newly formed branch in Salt Lake City.[6] He was temporarily lodging in Utah and working as a draftsman, while lecturing weekly at Theosophical meetings.[7] In late 1912, he disposed of his Idaho property, including a ranch, and in early 1913 moved to Krotona in Hollywood.[8][9] As the local newspaper reported:

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Munson will soon leave for Krotona, California, near Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Munson are moving so as to be near the new headquarters of the Theosophical society. They are thoroughly devoted to the Theosophical cause and feel it their duty to take a move active part in the work at Krotona.[10]

He wrote articles for Theosophical periodicals, such as "Tesla's Wireless Power and Mr. Leadbeater's Prophecy"[11] He demitted to the Krotona Lodge in 1917.[12] Beginning in 1917, he served as treasurer of the national Society.[13]

When the Besant Lodge of Krotona was established in October 1920 with 56 members, he was a charter member and vice president, with Marie Poutz as president.[14]

Lecture tours

After Krotona had become established in Hollywood, Munson was more active in the national organization. George H. Hall, Manager of the Krotona Estate, wrote:

Later he entered the service of The Theosophical Society in America as a National Lecturer, and traveled throughout the United States lecturing and organizing study classes and lodges. He was one of the best lecturers for the Society and made many friends all over the country. It was from this work that I called him in 1923 to help me at Hollywood before we moved to Ojai. When we sold the Hollywood property, he and Mrs. Munson were the first to move to Ojai, and for nearly thirty years we have worked together to build the new Krotona in the Ojai Valley.[15]

During the years 1916-1922, Munson worked as a National Lecturer of the American Theosophical Society, touring for months on end. His presentations received excellent reviews from local newspapers. After speaking in Pueblo, Colorado, a reviewer wrote:

Mr. Munson has just competed a very successful course in Denver, speaking to capacity houses. He is a pleasant speaker and uses anecdotes, stereopticon and blackboard illustrations freely in demonstrating the more unfamiliar phases of his subject.

He appears practical and level-headed, being an engineer by profession.[16]

During the First World War, he often lectured about topics related to current events, such as an occult view of the war and the rebirth of those who died in wartime in his lecture "What Comes Out of the War;" "The Occult Relations of France, Great Britain, and the United State;" and "The New International Ship of State" [referring to the League of Nations].

Usually Munson spoke more directly about Theosophical subjects, using the stereopticon slides of thought forms and the astral body developed by C. W. Leadbeater. Titles included "How Many Lives Have You Lived?," "Do the Dead Return," "The Path of Achievement," "The Inner Gates of the Soul," and "The Science of the Borderland" [Theosophical explanations of spiritualistic experiences]. A reviewer in Great Falls, Montana, wrote of "The Hidden Side of Things":

In the course of his address, which was heard by a large gathering of interested men and women, Mr. Munson described how telepathy is possible, explained what thoughts are, showing them as tangible objects, with shape and color visible to the occult eye. Mr. Munson also dealt somewhat at length on the evolution of the soul toward perfection.

The lecture was the first of a series of four to be given here... The purpose of the lectures is to arouse interest in the science of theosophy with the idea of perfecting an organization in this city.[17]

In addition to his extensive travel in the United States, Munson toured lodges in Canada from Vancouver to Toronto.[18]

Work at Krotona Institute of Theosophy

At the time of his death in 1952, Munson was a member of the Krotona Board of Trustees.

Other activities

George Hall wrote:

In addition to his interest in Krotona and its activities, he took a keen interest in public affairs, and was always generous with his time and contributions to many outside interests. He did much to acquaint the people of the Valley with Krotona an to win for us the respect and friendliness of the community.[19]

Eugene Munson was a 32° Co-Mason.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1926 Passenger list...........
  2. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census.
  3. ↑ 1900 United States Federal Census.
  4. ↑ "A Roswell Wedding" Caldwell Tribune 29 (August 1, 1908): 2.
  5. ↑ 1952 California, U.S., Death Index, 1940-1997.
  6. ↑ "Salt Lake City" The Theosophic Messenger 11 no. 10 (July, 1910): 633.
  7. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census.
  8. ↑ Caldwell Tribune 29 (December 20, 1912): 4.
  9. ↑ Caldwell Tribune 30 (January 10, 1913): 7.
  10. ↑ Caldwell Tribune 30 (January 3, 1913): 4.
  11. ↑ "Eugene W. Munson, "Tesla's Wireless Power and Mr. Leadbeater's Prophecy" The Messenger 3 no. 6 (November, 1915): 164-165.
  12. ↑ Membership Ledger Cards roll 5. Theosophical Society in America Archives.
  13. ↑ Eugene W. Munson. "Treasurer's Report" The Messenger Statistical Year Book supplement 5 no. 4 (September, 1917): 4.
  14. ↑ "Besant Lodge, Krotona" The Messenger 8 no. 7 (December, 1920): 577.
  15. ↑ "Mr. Eugene W. Munson" The American Theosophist 40 no. 12 (December, 1952): 240.
  16. ↑ "Lecture Course in Theosophy" Pueblo Chieftain (March 12, 1922): 6.
  17. ↑ "Theosophists Plan to Organize Here" Great Falls Daily Tribune (September 12, 1921): 9.
  18. ↑ See multiple references in The Canadian Theosophist 1 no. 1-4 (March-June 1920).
  19. ↑ "Mr. Eugene W. Munson" The American Theosophist 40 no. 12 (December, 1952): 240.
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