had a very large main hall for microscopic work, facilities for biological preparations, a
mouse room, and a room completely encased with sheet iron, lightproof, and equipped with
many special instruments for the observation of orgone energy. It was a very beautiful place
to work, with large windows overlooking the mountains and lakes, and it was to be the cen-
ter of orgonomic conferences, lectures, and courses for many years.
In 1946, Reich developed his world at Orgonon still further by building a winter-
ized family cabin on the property. This enabled him to stay on in Maine well into the fall in
the atmosphere he loved so dearly.
Reich’s most elaborate structure was built in 1948-49: the Observatory. This was
constructed on top of a high hill, with marvelous views. The Observatory reflected Reich’s
growing interest in astrophysical studies. Since it was intended to carry a heavy telescope, the
foundation was laid on solid rock. In Listen, Little Man!Reich had used the line: “Build your
life on rock!” I recall Reich watching the masons laying rocks for the Observatory building
and saying, “You see, I mean what I wrote: Build your life on rock.”
Reich was deeply involved in the actual building process. He watched the progress
daily and admired the workers’ skill. He was especially fascinated by the work of the stone-
masons—their almost intuitive knowledge of which stone to place where. The workmen in
turn responded to Reich’s keen interest. He treated them as equals, without pretense, and
they appreciated it. He talked with them about their families and children, and to this day
some of them have retained their warmth and loyalty toward him.
A few further words should be said about Reich’s relations with the Rangeley work-
men. The first important relationship was with Herman Templeton, who had sold him the
cabin at Mooselookmeguntic and built the first accumulator. Over and beyond their work
relationship, Reich found in the Maine guide a sympathetic and understanding audience:
We had come close to each other when I told him about the nature of the
bions.This simple man disclosed a spontaneously acquired knowledge of the liv-
ing with which no academic biology or physics can compete. I asked him whether
he wanted to see the life energy under the microscope. I was flabbergasted when
my friend,even before looking into the microscope, gave me a correct description
ofthe bions.For decades,he had been observing the growth of seeds and the char-
acter ofthe humus with the unerring instinct of somebody who has always lived
close to nature. There are, he said, very small vesicles (“bubbles”) everywhere.
From these, everything develops that is “life.” They were so small, he said, that they
could not be seen with the naked eye. Yet, the moss on the rocks developed from
them:the rock,always exposed to the weather, “softens up” on the surface and
forms these life bubbles. He said he had often tried to talk about this with academ-
ic tourists, but had only met with a peculiar smile. Nevertheless, he said, he was sure
that he was right. I had to admit that he was right, for how could moss “germs”
“strike root”in the rock?^12318 Myron SharafFury On Earth