Sierra Sun Times

The Clampers Assemble at Midpines, California by Linda Gast
 

Scroll down for the slide show!


Before the dedication a large group of Clampers gathered around.


'Officials' lined up with the monument

As the sun broke over the Midpines Country Store the Clampers from the Matuca Chapter 1849 E Clampus Vitus began to assemble.  By nine o'clock the parking lot was filled with men in red shirts and 'unique' hats.  They had gathered to dedicate a monument to the Whitlock Mining District in Midpines, CA.  A group of new prospective members, with their heads bent looking down at the pavement, lined up against the wall of the store.   The ceremony led by Grand Humbug, Scott Nelson, took only a few minutes.
 
According to Clamper, Jack Webb, the group that covers three counties, has about 1500 members and dedicates one monument each year in Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties.

Following such a dedication, or Plaquing as it is called, there is a traditional party still called a doin’s. As one writer noted, these party gatherings of red shirted pranksters wearing vests covered with pins, medals, ribbons and badges lead to the organization’s reputation as either a "Historical Drinking Society" or a "Drinking Historical Society". While there is no denial that distilled and fermented beverages freely flow, the group is officially and vehemently opposed to public intoxication and require that those who partake have a "Brother of sobriety holding the reins". 

To find out more about the Clampers go to 'History and Ritual of E Clampus Vitus  A Non Clampers Guide to Clamperdom" http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/e_clampus_
vitus.htm



Linda Gast
www.hummingbirdmountain.com
www.mariposaspca.org
www.goldrushcam.com
 




 

 

<previous next> view play stop

Slideshow image


Since your web browser does not support JavaScript, here is a non-JavaScript version of the image slideshow:

slideshow image
Before the dedication a large group of Clampers gathered around.


slideshow image
Some of the many clampers at the 'Plaquing'


slideshow image
The unveiling


slideshow image
The monument


slideshow image
'Officials' lined up with the monument


slideshow image
Grand Humbug, Scott Nelson, dedicates the monument


slideshow image
Jack Webb, Clamper


slideshow image
One of the 'unique' hats.


slideshow image
Prospective Members


slideshow image
The Ancient & Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus


 


Click the banner or Here for the Children's Book By Mariposa Residents Linda Gast & Rochelle Frank


All photos and articles - Copyright Linda Gast/Rochelle Frank

Sierra Sun Times  / Goldrushcam Home