A History of
Ken Castro XSNGH
CLAMPER
EPIC-in-PROSE May, 1994
Submitted in keeping with request by
Joe Allison, Mighty Clamp-bastard, on occasion of 13th annual
meeting of PxP’s May 28, 1994 at
A very brief history in three parts:
ECV -- Clampheritage
ECV Redivivus -- 1930 to present (updated by Frank Houdek)
PxP’s
I. ECV -- Clampheritage
The
ancient and honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus in
Gold
was discovered in Alta California on March 9, 1842, by Francisco Lopez y
Salgado at
(Platrix Chapter No. 2, whose members did historical
research, erected a plaque to "Oak of the Golden Dream" on November
15, 1992, to mark the first authenticated discovery of gold in California.) Six years later, on January 24,
1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill, Coloma,
And before that....
· Year: 1845. Place:
Bee was a
practical joker, raconteur, teller of tall tales. He was a blacksmith and
keeper of a tavern at Meat House Fork of Middle Island Creek,
Early Lodges East of
· The Order spread from
1847
1849
1852
"We are not
aware of the objects and purposes of your society but if a ‘tree be known by
its fruit’ they must be of a high order, and worthy the respect and confidence
of the community." (Gold was discovered in Georgia in
1829; many miners moved to California in 1849.)
By 1849 the
western end of the overland ECV trail had reached
They Came by Land....
· Joe Zumwalt currently is credited as founder of ECV in
"It is now
known that Joseph left
But... was Zumwalt the founder of ECV in
Or did he find ECV already in
They Came by Sea
· About
one year after Ephriam Bee commenced carrying out his
commission to extend the work and. influence of the Order of E Clampus Vitus,
two of his young apostles sailed for California -- the Apostolic Succession—and
changed the course of world history: Benjamin Park Kooser
and James H. Carson.
Kooser hailed from
Kooser, after receiving his army discharge, reportedly worked on
"the first newspaper in
April 27, 1878,
shortly after Koosers death:
It seems to be not
generally known that it was a letter from Mr. Kooser,
then a discharged soldier of the army in
James H. Carson
was from
Early Western Lodges
· The ancient and honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus soon became
the force that literally ran the mining camps. The damper mining populace was
in the majority, and could effect-ively boycott
anyone who refused to join. Credo: "Clampers only patronize Brother
Clampers." Bar tenders, store keepers, blacksmiths, lawyers soon saw the
economics of joining. Word circulated rapidly among drummers—the first act a
non-damper salesman performed when he arrived in town was to petition for
immediate admission into the confraternity. Clampers were also
voters—politicians were their next target. Membership in ECV became a prerequisite
for every office seeker from county sheriff to
"Per caritate viduaribus orphanibusque, sed prime viduaribus." Accidents in mines and other mishaps
frequently left children fatherless. (The Ninth Annual Report of Superintendent
of Public Instruction to State Legislature in 1859 reported there were 2167
children in Calaveras County, 1227 were native born, 882 were under 4 years of
age, there were 64 orphans.) clampers performed many
and varied philanthropic deeds, usually unheralded.
Clampers needed a
source of revenue to support their charitable acts, since they functioned
without dues, and proceeds from initiates were immediately converted into
liquid assets for the pleasure of those assembled. Most popular means of fund
raising was hosting a grand ball, a method particularly compatible with Clamper
philosophy—raising needed cash and having a rip-roaring time while doing it.
Anyone who was anyone was compelled to attend for fear of social or economic boycott.
The lodge
fulfilled its fraternal niche in the 35 years between 1850 and 1885. It is said
the lodges boasted more than 50,000 members from every walk of life and
endeavor. Miners began drifting away as assay reports predicted dwindling
profits and new claims were not discovered. With the coming of civilization to
mining camps, and organization of a formal society, the Order began its long
slide toward obscurity— the end of a historical drinking society.
The following dates refer to activity of lodges reported in
publications, and
not necessarily to year of organization:
1850
San Joaquin Republican, Stockton,
5/14/1852
and weekly for several weeks thereafter: announces meetings at
Lodge Room at Angelo House; SNG, Joseph Miles. (Several notices contained a
symbol: a bare foot, two crossed scythe blades, three
"7"’s and the letters "ECV." (Two letters
from Murphys signed "Cincinnatus" were published in San Joaquin
Republican 1853-54 expressing strong sentiments against acts of a legislator.)
"E Clampus Vitus.A
special meeting of this benevolent institution will be held at Angelo House
this evening. A large attendance is particularly requested."
ECV donation of $100 to
re ECV. ... while some of its
mysteries are of the most ludicrous character the obligations are solemn and
the purpose, in the greatest degree, beneficent. There is a lodge at every
principal settlement in
"We are informed that a bogus
branch of the ancient and honorable Order’ of ECV has been established at a
ranch in the country. The NGH of this lodge has received no dispensation from
the Grand Lodge in this city, and we understand that an injunction has been
issued by the Order to restrain the clandestine encampment. It is truly strange
that persons can be found in this county to practice so serious a fraud on the
people."
"This venerable institution is
still in a prosperous condition in this city. We learn that quite a number of
prominent and influential citizens have recently been initiated into its
mysteries."
1851 Mokelumne Hill
In
Tuolumne Courier,
Reports Mokelumne Hill lodge
"in session."
Ghost
Town.
The E Clampus Vitus, it was a
universal order, with an imaginary Grand Lodge and Grand Treasury at Mokelumne
Hill; but each town had its special lodge
Ghost
Town, 1941, by G. Ezra Dane (co-founder of ECV Redivivus and first NGH);
reprint 1948, p. 242.
1852
"The members of the Branch
Lodge No. 25 of the ancient and honorable Order of ‘ECV’ at
Daily Union,
refers to "newly created secret society of E Clampus
Vitus" at
"The ECVs in
1852
"History of
1852
refers to ECV.
"A branch lodge of the ancient
and honorable order of S Clampus Vitus has been established at
Ghost
Town. "Over at
1853
Australia (?)
A letter written by James H. Carson,
from
1853 Benecia
(then State Capitol of
Reports Senate
discussion 3/17/1853. Senator Antonio
de La Guerra from Santa Barbara introduced the following resolution:
"Resolved: That the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus have
the privilege of using the Senate Hall, when not otherwise in use, for their
regular meetings." (The Asst. Secy. of the Senate, S.
Love, reported "Indefinitely postponed, 17 of March, 1853.")
Meeting notice for Haidee Lodge No. 89, in their hall on
1853
"
Ghost Town: refers to Gobbler’s
Lodge No. 107,368. Ibid, p. 243.
1853
Mariposa
"There are at present four
societies here (Mariposa), all I believe in a flourishing condition to-wit:
free masons, odd fellows, and an order yclept, the E.C.V.’s—Pembroke
Pinckney."
1853 Murphys
"A society called the ECV at
Murphys, donated the sum of $150 to a poor lady, to enable her to establish a
school at that place. This liberal act cannot be too highly commended."
Official Records of
Boundary marker for the lot being
deeded refers to ECV. Saloon located "on the north side and west end of
reprints article from Calaveras Chronicle of Mokelumne Hill
describing ECV celebration 3/4/1853 (
1853 Shasta
Shasta Courier, 2/8/1856.
Lodge owned its hall.
1855 Downieville
Mountain Messenger: refers to ECV in
Downieville in 1859.
Mountain Messenger, 6/20/1891
announces
regular meetings of LaBroke
Lodge No. 107,303 "every Tuesday evening at their
1855
Established
11/28/1855; first NGH—D. N. Newell. A formal invitation to Washington Ball, to be held at Orleans
Hotel,
"We learn that Rev.E. Hurlburt and wife
gratefully acknowledge donation of $20 from the Placerville Lodge of this
venerable order."
1855 Weaverville
Lodge meeting in upper story hall of
Golden Gate Saloon (
1856 Coloma;
1856 Knight's Ferry
"A lodge of the ancient and honorable
order of F Clampus Vitus has been established at Knight’s Ferry, and is in a
flourishing condition. "
1856 Red Bluff The
Beacon, 7/11/1860
Lodge had its own building in 1859.
1856 Yreka
Published a Clamper paper called
"Royal Platrix"
1857
Mountain Messenger, 6/20/1891
meeting announcement for Balaam Lodge No. 107,304 "meeting
every Saturday night at their Hall,
1858
Ghost Towns of
1850s Camptonville
Mountain Messenger, 6/20/1891
meeting announcement for King Soloman
Lodge No. 107,307 "every Monday evening at their Hall at
Camptonville."
1850s
The Saga of Old
1850s Timbuctoo;
Ophir
1860
The Beacon, Red Bluff, 5/7/1860
1861 lone
History of
1863 Susanville
Changed name to Loafer's Society in 1873.
1863
1869 Howland Flat
1875
Carson City Daily Appeal, 7/1/1875:
refers to Thumpers of Winnemucca.
1878
1885
Gibsonville--Frank Schoomaker, NGH7 12/24/1885
Rabbit Creek (now LaPorte)--John A.Davis, NGH,
12/24/1885
Spanish Flat -- Jas. Crawford, NGH,
12/24/1885
1880's
"The Clamper: 8/1984: "By
the 1880’s there were ECV Lodges in Cedarville,
1880’s Comanche Camp, Freeze Out,
Hell’s Delight, Morristown, Nelson Point, Portwine,
Saw Pit Flat, Stewart Flat, Yankee Jim’s
1908
1911 Marysville
1913 Colusa, Williams
1915 Oroville
1916
1917
(The previous info
was gathered beginning in the 1960’s by three dampers: Dr. Al Shumate (SNGH
1963-65); Hobart "1k" Lovett (first Grand Council Archivist); and
myself (Grand Council Clamplaquero).)
"The Quincy Plumas National
Bulletin of April 5, 1917, used half of the front page describing a Clamper
parade. The other half of the paper was devoted to the U. S. Senate’s voting
for war against
II. E.C.V.
REDIVIVUS -- 1930 to Present
1930 Idea for reviving ECV conceived
by Carl I. Wheat (12/5/1892-6/23/1966),
"Ezra and I, while driving down
the long grade to the river, north of
Lest we forget their names;
1931 Organizational meeting, held at Clift House, Yerba Buena (
George D. Lyman, Frederick Clift,
Francis P. Farquhar, Douglas S. Watson, Edwin Grabhorn,
Colonel Wheat, as prime moving
spirit, mounted the hogshead and expounded the purpose of the gathering -- to
raise from the mead the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus." (from archives of Eric A. Falconer, XNGH, Yerba Buena
Redivivus Capitulus No.1.)
4/1932
Charter Meeting, Clift Hotel. The Great Charter, forty feet long, signed by Adam Lee
Moore (5/15/1847 - 1946). Charter members and their respective offices—every
member should be an officer and all offices of equal indignity:
Clampatron, St. Vitus; Clampatriarch, Adam Lee Moore; Noble Grand Humbug,
Carl Ignatius Wheat; Clamps Petrix, Francis P. Farquhar; Clamps Vitrix, Edgar
B. Jessup; Clamps Matrix, Ernest A. Wiltsee; Royal Platrix, Leon 0. Whitsell;
Grand Surgeon, George D. Lyman; Grand Farmer, Thomas Norris; D. F. Doorkeeper,
Douglas S. Watson; Grand Captain, James D. Stewart; Royal Grand Musician &
Guardian of the Hewgag, Edwin Grabhorn; Bald Knight, Charles P. Cutten; Grand
Iscutis, Jesse M. Whited; Noble Grand Chiseler, Lee L. Stopple; Noble Grand
Steward, Frederick C. Clift; Noble Grand Hangman, William T. McSorley; Grand
Royal Historian, Henry R. Wagner; Royal Crier, Phil T. Hanna; Grand Noble
Recorder, G. Ezra Dane; Grand Honorary Humbugs, William Bull Meek, John
McSorley, and George N. Napoleon. (--from The
Enigmatical Book of Vitus.)
It was determined to hold an annual
dinner meeting at the Hall of Comparative Ovations to honor the anniversary of
discovery of gold by James Wilson Marshall, and an annual Pilgrimage to the
Diggings.
5/1932 First Pilgrimage, to the Northern Diggings, to Camptonville, and to
Downieville where the mystic sign was given, the cryptic
"satisfactory" was shouted and the ancient
symbols (the Sword of Mercy tempered with Justice, and the Blunderbusket) were
discovered and carried off in triumph.
1/1933 First annual dinner, at the Red Room of the Bohemian Club, San Francisco. A
throng of Poor Blind Candidates was inducted. The second Pilgrimage was to the
Southern Diggings: Mokelumne Hill, Volcano, Pine Grove (and Helvetia), San
Andreas, Angels Camp, Murphys,
1934 Second annual dinner, at Yerba
Buena. A delegation from the Cow Counties
joined in the induction of PBC’s. Carl I. Wheat became first Noble Grand Humbug
of Platrix Chapter No. 2. Then a new Hall of Comparative Ovations opened its
doors in the Pueblo of Los Angeles, for Platrixes in
Exile.
Platrix Chapter No. 2 was the first chapter in ECV to dedicate a plaque: San
Gabriel Canyon Gold Discovery,
The Order spread; new chapters
started. Initially, Yerba Buena Redivivus Capitulus No. 1 covered the entire
territory. Then its domain was divided with Platrix Chapter No. 2, with further
subdivisions by both chapters and by the chapters formed from them, etc.
The plaques above were dedicated
before December 31, 1992. The year 2000 marks 66 years since 1934 when the
first ECV plaque was dedicated by Platrix Chapter No. 2.
Miscellaneous
Notes
1. BY-LAWS
Traditional and
historic damper by-laws--an organization with an absolute minimum of
organization.
1. All members are officers.
2. All offices are of equal
indignity.
3. Etc., etc.
Revised By-Laws were adopted
6/1/1957, and later amended.
2. MOTTO
Credo quia
absurdurn
Also: Per caritate
viduaribus orphanibusque,
see prime viduaribus
3. SYMBOL
Braying Jackass. Designed by Clamper Holling C. Holling in 1941 (he signed "H" on one of the
rocks), originally for the letterhead of Platrix Chapter No. 2. The Grand
Council adopted it as the official symbol of ECV.
4. COAT-of-ARMS
Designed by Don
Luis Percival, Platrix Chapter No. 2, who presented it to Sid Platford. The
original painting is at the Huntington Library, collection of Sid Platford (SNGH 1965-67). The Arms of ECV.
has been copyrighted by Yerba Buena Redivivus
Capitulus No. 1.
5. STAFF OF RELIEF
Used at the opening of all Grand Council
convocations. When not in use in its official capacity the
Staff is on display at the Old Timer's Museum, Murphys "unofficial capitol
of Clamperdom." The Staff of Relief was made by Clamper Lou Osborne
and presented to Archie D. Stevenot (SNGH 1961-63).
It was passed on in 1963 to Dr. Al Shumate, incoming SNGH, who gave it to the
Grand Council.
6. ECV RITUAL
Printed by
7. MAP OF TERRITORIAL DOMAINS
Original map drawn
up by George Washington (SNGH 1973-5).
8. PRESIDENTS AND SNGHs since 1940,
When Yerba Buena Redivivus Capitulus
No. 1 commenced action to form a corporation:
Lee
L Stopple President Leon 0. |
5/18/1940
- 11/9/1945 |
|
Whitsell
President |
11/9/1945
- 2/27/1954 |
|
Carl
I. Wheat President |
2/27/1954
- 8/20/1955 |
|
Edgar
B. Jessup President (Sublime
Noble Grand Humbug) SNGH |
8/20/1955
- May 1957 May
1957 - May 1961 |
|
Archie
D. Stevenot SNGH |
1961
- 1963 |
|
Albert
Shumate SNGH |
1963
- 1965 |
|
Sid Platford SNGH |
1965
- 1967 |
|
Charles
L. Camp SNGH |
1967
- 1969 |
|
John
E. Porter SNGH |
1969
- 1971 |
|
Hal
Goodyear SNGH |
1971
- 1973 |
|
George
Washington SNGH |
1973
- 1975 |
|
Max
M. Johnson SNGH |
1975
- 1977 |
|
Bill
Byars SNGH |
1977
- 1979 |
|
Earl
F. Schmidt SNGH |
1979
- 1980 |
|
Carl
Briggs SNGH |
1980
- 1981 |
|
Alan
Wilson SNGH |
1981
- 1982 |
|
Duff
Chapman SNGH |
1982
- 1983 |
|
Richard
B. Hoegh SNGH |
1983
- 1984 |
|
Robert
Tobey SNGH |
1984
- 1985 |
|
Dail Turney SNGH |
1985
- 1986 |
|
Ron
Cox SNGH |
1986
- 1987 |
|
Sid Blumner SNGH |
1987
- 1988 |
|
Al Menshew SNGH |
1988
- 1989 |
|
Cappy
Cook SNGH |
1989
- 1990 |
|
C.
W. Jones SNGH |
1990
- 1991 |
|
Bill
Dore SNGH |
1991
- 1992 |
|
Verne
Cole SNGH |
1992
- 1993 |
|
Ron Zaitz SNGH |
1993
- 1994 |
|
H.O
"Buck" Jones SNGH |
1994
- 1995 |
|
Rod
Stock SNGH |
1995
- 1996 |
|
Geno Fambrini SNGH |
1996
- 1997 |
|
Loren
Wilson SNGH |
1997
- 1998 |
|
Rick
Hilgers SNGH |
1998
- 1999 |
|
Harrison
Barton SNGH |
1999
- 2000 |
|
Frank
Houdek SNGH |
2000
- 2001 |
|
John
Magnuson SNGH |
2001
- 2002 |
|
Tom
Barry SNGH |
2002
- 2003 |
|
Wes
Beavers SNGH |
2003
- 2004 |
|
Sonny
Marshall SNGH |
2004
- 2005 |
Dave
Holmes SNGH |
2005
- 2006 |
Tom
Tompkins SNGH |
2006
- 2007 |
Gene
Brown SNGH |
2007
- 2008 |
Dan Stark SNGH |
2008
- 2009 |
Tom
Crawford SNGH |
2009
- 2010 |
Glenn
Thornhill SNGH |
2010
- 2011 |
|
Gary
Glud SNGH |
2011
- 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9. CORPORATION -- in perpetuity
A Chapter of ECV in
10. DEPOSITORY OF E.C.V. MATERIAL
The California Historical Society
San Francisco, in 1959 was made the official depository (later changed to
University of the Pacific, Stockton). The new office of Clamparchivist
was created in 1965, and
11. WALL OF COMPARATIVE OVATIONS
The long-time dream of William
Gordon Huff (1903 - 2/3/1994), appointed Honorary Clampatriarch in 1969, of a
monument to all Clamperdom became a reality with the Wall of Comparative Ovations.
Erected in Murphys, "unofficial capitol of
Clamperdom," on the exterior wall of The Old Timer's Museum. The
first ten plaques were affixed on April 7, 1970. There were seventy-nine
plaques by December 31, 1992. Bill did all the work in designing, making, and
installing the plaques.
12. OFFICIAL NEWSPAPERS
"Mariposa Gazette: was the
first official newspaper of ECV Redivivus in the 1930's.
"The Clamper," Vol. I, No. 1 -- January 1961.
13. T.R.A.S.H.
Transierra Roisterous
14. PxP's
Full name: The Immutable Order of
the Past Clamproctors of the Grand Council of the Venerable Clampatriarchs of E
Clampus Vitus. PxP for short. First meeting, May 1982.
See below, Part III, for further developments.
15. EMPEROR NORTON BRIGADE
Five flatland Chapters meet every
January in memory of Emperor Norton, Emperor of the United States and Protector
of Mexico--Yerba Buena Redivivus Capitulus No. 1, Joaquin Murrieta Chapter 13,
Sam Brannan Chapter 1004, Monterey Viejo Chapter 1846, Mountain Charlie Ch.
1850.
16. J.U.N.K.
Julia's Unequivocal Nevada Clampouts An annual visit to
17. ORDER OF THE ICHTHYOSAUR
Dedication at Ichthyosaur Park,
Nevada (near Berlin)8/20/1966 of a cathedral-like structure covering fossil
remains of giant marine reptiles uncovered near the 7200-foot elevation by
paleontologist Dr. Charles L. Camp (SNGH 1967-69). (A plaque
by William Gordon Huff was dedicated to Dr. Camp at the Park in 1961.)
Those who attended the dedication became members of "Revived Order of the
Ichthyosaur -- 103 signed. The roster was printed in "Pony Express."
18. SERVICE TO THE NATION
With Clampers as witnesses, Chief
Fuller, G.H., hereditary chief of the Mi-Wuks, at the Cherokee Reservation near
19.
ECV SALOON 1853 Site
The site of the ECV Saloon of 1853
in Murphys on Lot 47 Block 11 (it is officially recorded in Book A of Deeds,
Calaveras County, p. 134) was marked with a plaque by William Gordon Huff
5/29/1965. The monument housing the plaque was constructed with rocks from all
Chapters then in existence, each rock with a historic background, which was
mapped and recorded.
20. ECV TIME CAPSULE
A time capsule was buried in 1976 at
the Archie D. Stevenot Memorial Bridge, State Highway
49, over the
21. 'UNOFFICIAL CAPITOL OF
CLAMPERDOM
The Grand Council in 1967 declared
Murphys "unofficial capitol of Clamperdom." All Grand Council
convocations were held in Murphys 1957 (possibly earlier), 1959, and 1961 -
1993. The 1994 meeting will be at
III. PxP's
(Elmer Tuschhoff
was appointed Proctor in 1974 to fill a vacant seat. Elmer and Tom Hagelstein were elected Proctors in 1975, for a six-year
term.)"Tom and I both finished our term on the Grand Council last year.
During the winter months we have talked about how much we enjoyed being
Proctors and how much we will miss the fellowship, fun and ribald humor of that
annual conclave. Then we had an idea--why not get together for a meeting of our
own. While the Grand Council is slaving... making their earth quaking decisions
and solving the complex problems of ECV, we could be having breakfast. We could
relax in quiet solitude and reflect on the magnificent accomplishments achieved
when WE were on the Council." --Elmer Tuschhoff
(co-founder).
When PxP
organized in 1982, Carl Briggs (SNGH 1980-81) wrote:
"I always thought there is
nothing more forgotten nothing lower on earth than an
ex-Proctor. Boy, am I glad to know there is life after
Clampretirement from the Grand Council." First
meeting met in May 1982, presided over by Elmer Tuschhoff,
Top PP. Meeting held at Murphys Hotel, Murphys. (Best meetings were those held
at the residence of Pat and Earl Schmidt, Murphys, 1987-1993 -- will never be
forgotten. We met in Mariposa in 1994,95) and in
Charter Members: -- all Members are
past Proctors, Grand Council
Louis Beaupre,
Paul Bailey,
Ray Carlisle,
Kenneth Castro, Murphys
Hal Goodyear, Weaverville
Tom Hagelstein,
William Gordon Huff, Honorary,
Mac Kinton,
Earl Schmidt,
Dr. Al Shumate,
Elmer Tuschhoff,
By-Laws, adopted May 1984, written
by Al Shumate and Hal Goodyear
Officers: Mighty Clambastard
-- Tom Hagelstein
Lowly Clambastard
-- Ken Castro
Keeper of the Stuff-- Hal Goodyear
Charter Class of '84 -- Max Johnson
and Carroll Pepperdine
Initiation -- first ceremony devised
and performed by Ken Castro, Tom Hagelstein, Earl
Schmidt
Insignia and Accouterments:
The Official Past
Proctors Badge of Leather Designed by Alan Wilson
The Bejeweled
Manzanita Gavel Made by Ken Castro. Encrusted with seven precious polished stones, embellished with a
brass plate reading "Top PP - ECV."
The Black Bottle of Inca Pisco
Pisco adopted at first meeting as PxP
historic drink. In the ancient Quechua language of the Incas, Pisco meant, "flying bird." (
The
"Big Tom". Gravy
Bowl
The "licked clean again"
gravy bowl with Tom Hagelstein's Special Recipe
stirred up by him.
Official Bulletin: PxP Hewgag. Vol. 1, No. 1, December 1984. Editor: Elmer Tuschhoff.
What say
the Brethren?