Presented by Carl Abbott, Professor Emeritus of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University

In October 1985, a four-year effort to construct a utopia in Wasco County collapsed in a flurry of criminal charges and arrests of its leaders, including Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. At its peak, Rajneeshpuram housed or hosted 15,000 followers of the Bhagwan. What ended the city so soon? Hostility from other Oregonians? Legal entanglements? A flawed business model? The failures of its leaders and residents? This presentation tries to understand how an effort that was positive for thousands of individuals failed so spectacularly as a community.

About the Speaker:

Carl Abbott is Professor Emeritus of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University, where he taught in five decades (not fifty years!). He is the author of numerous books on American cities, regional planning, and the American West.

These monthly, free events are open to everyone interested in Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Co-sponsored by like-minded historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who expound on topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and far, far beyond. It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp