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- 1866Both our chapter's number and the year that Kern County was incorporated. It is not the year that Peter Lebeck met both the bear and his maker. That happened on October 17, 1837.
- Adam Lee MooreNot long after the first Clamper meeting of the revival at the Cliff House in San Francisco in 1931, Adam telephoned Carl Wheat to inquire after Adam saw the revival of ECV mentioned in The Mountain Messenger, a Downieville newspaper, probably in late 1931 or early 1932. An ex-Humbug of the Balaam Lodge of the Sierra City, California chapter under the pre-revival dispensation, Adam is considered the honored Clampatriarch of the modern order. It was Adam who provided many of the missing details that connect us to the 19th Century order including the Zumwalt ritual of the Hall of Comparative Ovations. Adam lived a satisfactory life into his late 90's and was a committed Clamper until the end.
- And So Recorded!The response shouted by the Grand Noble Recorder whenever ECV Brethren proclaim something to be Satisfactory! See “Satisfactory!” below
- Assistant G.D.RAt Peter Lebeck the assistant Gold Dust Receiver is responsible for learning the chapter's finances and handling some of its functions under the supervision of the Gold Dust Receiver, who, in his capacity as a corporate officer, retains the power to sign-off on all chapter accounts. Having served as an assistant GDR prepares a Brother to understand the chapter's finances and to make good financial decisions should he become Humbug or assume the role of GDR. See "Gold Dust Receiver," below." below.
- Big SlipperyDenotes a time when hard liquor is made available by a chapter at a Clamper function. Peter Lebeck does not serve alcohol except at our Widders' Ball when we are properly licensed to serve it. For other times we'd need a permit and a costly insurance rider. All our Clampouts are "bring your own" affairs. See "Slippery Gulch Saloon," below.
- BlunderbusketFlintlock long gun ported by one of the Damnfool Doorkeepers during the Hall of Comparative Ovations.
- Board of GraybeardsEach ECV chapter is an incorporated legal entity with its own board of trustees, and it can call its board whatever it wants. Peter Lebeck was incorporated as a California charity in 1980, has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and calls its board "The Greybeards." It is comprised of all living men who have served the chapter as Humbug from the time of PXL's chartering in 1962, together with its current Humbug, who is also the chapter's chief executive officer and corporate president. The other two corporate officers - the Grand Noble Gold Dust Receiver (treasurer) and the Grand Noble Recorder (secretary), are not trustees of the corporation unless they have previously served as Humbug.
In theory that's a lot of guys, but in practice only a small number are needed for a quorum, and decisions are typically made by less than a dozen of these senior Brethren. The board's principal work happens just before the start of each Clampyear when it decides on a new Humbug and his functionaries. During the year it is responsible for selecting a new Recorder (secretary) or Gold Dust Receiver (treasurer) should either of those corporate offices become vacant, and it looks after the Humbug and intervenes if he fails to do his job. That said, the Graybeards do not run PXL's day-to-day operations, that is something they have entrusted to the Humbug as the chapter's chief executive officer who has wide latitude to do his job. While the board may remove officers and functionaries under broader circumstances, the Humbug can only be removed for cause. - Board of ProctorsThese fifteen XNGHs from throughout Clamperdom comprise the Board of Trustees of the "Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Incorporated," the umbrella organization under which all chapters operate. All proctors are appointed to five-year terms with a limit of two terms each, and all serve as unpaid volunteers. The board is led by its three "Sublime" officers: the Sublime Nobel Grand Humbug, the "Nameless" and the Sublime Grand Noble Recorder, who are chosen from among the proctors to serve one-year terms. Once a Sublime officer is no longer in one of the chairs, he remains a proctor unless his time on the board has expired. That way ECV continues to benefit from his experience. No two proctors from the same chapter may serve simultaneously. Proctors spotted at a Doin's are to be treated with respect, not just for their service to Clamperdom, but because part of their job is to ensure that each chapter is being run for the benefit of the order and in a way that will not endanger the future of Clamperdom.
- Braying JackassThe miner and his braying jackass is a symbol and registered trademark of E Clampus Vitus, Inc., and may not be used without its consent. Chapters in good standing are allowed to use the Braying Jackass and other ECV trademarks without prior express permission provided that the chapters takes necessary steps to protect the marks, such as including the registered trademark symbol.
- BribeAt PXL, an offering made by a Poor Blind Candidate during his Greybeards' Examination. It is usually in the form of liquid refreshment of sufficient size and proof to satisfy the examiners and those in attendance. Would-be PBCs should consider well the significance of this gift.
- Candlelight InitiationA form of initiation into ECV reserved for old timers and those with disabilities that would further endanger their health should they attempt the rigors of a chapter's typical initiation.
- Carl Wheat, G. Ezra Dane and Leon WhitsellThe three prominent California attorneys who were responsible for the reinvigoration of E Clampus Vitus in the 1930's. Of the three Carl is given credit for imagining the revival of ECV, though the three would soon discover that the order had not died out completely.
- CARPClampers Association of Roisterous Peddlers. The semiofficial organization of Clamper Hawkers. It meets annually prior to the Bean Feed in Auburn. New Members must be sponsored by a CARP member in good standing, and all members are expected to barter with each other in good faith and at cost so that a member's home chapter gets the benefit of new items without excessive mark-ups.
- ClampatriarchThe most senior XNGH in a Chapter or the immediate past XNGH depending on a chapter's customs. At PXL unless the position is declined and someone else is appointed by the Board of Greybeards, the outgoing Humbug becomes Clampatriarch and serves as counsel to the incoming Humbug. He also serves as a trusted bridge between the new Humbug and the Board. During the ritual the Clampatriarch is the most senior member of the ritual team.
- ClampchefAt PXL he's the big cookie and barbequer-in-chief, responsible for planning, provisioning and cooking for those in attendance at a Clampout.
- ClampcrierAt Peter Lebeck the Clampcrier takes on the job of writing our newsletter "Peter's Proc's," and keeping menbers apprised of breaking news by email.
- ClamperA member, standing or not, of the Ancient and Honorable order of E Clampus Vitus; a "Red Shirt;" an ECV Officer of Equal Indignity.
- ClamplaqueroA senior X-Proctor or X-Sublime Noble Grand Humbug appointed by the Board of Proctors to record all the historical plaques erected by the chapters of E Clampus Vitus. His responsibilities also include periodically publishing a book of Clamper Plaques.
- ClampoutAn overnight trek into the wilderness by Clampers to contemplate nature and to give their Widders a break. A specific type of "Doin's."
- Clamps MatrixMember of the Ritual Team.
- Clamps PetrixMember of the Ritual Team.
- ClampstorianAt PXL the functionary who gives incoming candidates the history lesson mandated by the Board of Proctors. See "History Lesson," below.
- Clamps VitrixMember of the Ritual Team.
- Consulting ClampstorianAt Peter Lebeck the designated advisor on the history of the chapter.
- C.Q.A.Short for Credo Quia Absurdum. Pronounced "See-Cue-Aay."
- Credo Quia AbsurdumThe Order's creed - "I believe because it is absurd." Even though the fact that Clampers and the Universe exist at all is completely absurd, Clampers have faith that it will all work out in the end. On a practical level, Credo Quia Absurdum is often expressed through humor and the way we make fun of ourselves. Clamper Regalia is one example, as is the occasional choice of cheeky things to plaque. Often shortened to "C.Q.A."
- CyberrecorderFunctionary who is responsible for our chapter's website and other internet presences.
- Cyber-Whang!The presence of Clampers in Cyberspace. It is not an organized or recognized entity or chapter, nor is it sanctioned, copyrighted, or in any way officially anything. The name was coined by Dave Holmes, XSNGH from Chapter 1.5, to describe activities on his ECV oriented AOL bulletin board in 6001, it has since become a shorthand expression for Clampers on the internet.
- Damnfool DoorkeepersDuring an initiation, the two Sergeants-at-Arms who preserve order within the Hall of Comparative Ovations; One ports the Blunderbusket and the other brandishes the Sword of Justice Tempered with Mercy. At Clamper meetings Doorkeepers are often charged with maintaining order and yelling, "This is Serious Shit!" when the Brethren become unruly. PXL typically has one standing Damnfool Doorkeeper who serves as assistant to the Grand Noble Recorder throughout the Clampyear and as the chapter's Sergeant-at-Arms. As for the other Damn Fool Doorkeeper, who knows?
- Dead SalmonA Humbug who has completed his term and whose obligations arising from having held that office have been completed is a "Dead Salmon." At PXL, the outgoing Humbug typically serves as Clampatriarch, acting as advisor to the incoming Humbug. Dead Salmon status is only acheived upon completion of his Clampatriarchal year.
- Doin’sAny Clamper function.
- E Clampus VitusThe last remaining non-collegiate all male fraternal order in America. The joke is that no one know whether ECV is "an historic drinking society or a drinking historical society." But we're both. ECV is "historic" because our order flourished in the mining camps of the 49er's and was part of civil society that helped form California in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. ECV is "historical" because we dedicate ourselves to celebrating and memorializing western history.
ECV can claim to be both "historic" and "historical" because of its bridge between "the elder days" and modern times. Beginning in the early 1930's our revivers kept the order from going extinct. They rediscovered its ritual and began to established new chapters which have spread throughout the west, now numbering more than fifty.
As for the drinking part. Clampers are known to throw a good party, but no one is required to drink. We do not condone drug use, and Brothers of sobriety are always welcome at all of our Doin's.
As for the meaning of E Clampus Vitus -- I do not know. - ECV GazetteA website with all things Clamper. It was the brainchild of Brother IRJR Reynolds, who was told back in the day that Clampers and computers would never mix. He lived to see them proven wrong. www.ecvgazette.com
- Ephraim BeeThe American progenitor of E Clampus Vitus. Bee would tell those who wandered into his tavern, the "Bee Hive Inn," in Doddridge County, Virginia, that before Ambassador Caleb Cushing's triumphant return to America in 1845, Cushing had been entrusted by the Chinese Emperor with the secrets of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. The ambassador had shared these secrets with Bee, and for a small price the unsuspecting sucker could be taken in, all he had to do was survive the initiation and buy the members of the order a few drinks.
- ErectionIt refers to the construction of a concrete or stone monument embedded with an historical plaque, or to the plaque or the monument itself. Good Clampers must have erections because, "If you ain't plaquing, you ain't Clamping."
- Facespace SpecialistPeter Lebeck's Facebook page administrator.
- Feed the BearA voluntary fund specific to Peter Lebeck chapter used to backstop capital improvements and insurance. By custom ECV chapters do not assess dues, but voluntary programs like this that augment a chapter's resources are well within the spirit of ECV. The voluntary Feed the Bear contribution is $50 per year, while a lifetime contribution is $1,000.
- G.D.R.Short for "Gold Dust Receiver," who is the chapter's treasurer and one of its three statutorily mandated corporate officers. See Grand Noble Gold Dust Receiver," below.
- G.N.R.Short for "Grand Noble Recorder," who is the chapter's secretary and one of its three statutorily mandated corporate officers. See Grand Noble Recorder," below.
- Golden Hills, also Silver Hills When a Clamper passes away, he is said to have begun his journey through the "Golden Hills." In Nevada chapters says that a Brother has gone to the "Silver Hills," because silver mining was prominent in Nevada after the Gold Rush in California.
- GovernanceShorthand for the documents and policies that dictate how a chapter is supposed to operate. As a corporation, Peter Lebeck has Articles of Incorporation that establish its charitable purpose and Bylaws which provide structure and basic operating procedures. Both are legal documents and are on file with the state of California. Within these constraints, the Humbug and Board of Graybeards can layer on policies to address issues that come up in operating the chapter.
More loosely, "governance" also includes state and federal laws that dictate the elements and operations of a charitable corporation like Peter Lebeck. For us that include California corporations law under which we were formed, and state and federal laws that give us tax exempt status for most purposes. For example, California says we have to have a president, treasurer and secretary, and they have to be different people. We also have to have regular meetings, at least once a year. Revenue raised by Peter Lebeck must be for the charitable purpose of educating the public through the erection of historical monuments, which is the charitable purpose declared in our Articles of Incorporation.
When we say we are a "501(c)(3) not for profit corporation," that is shorthand for saying that we are tax exempt for most purposes because the state and federal governments trust us to only use our surplus revenue for the charity defined in our Articles. While we're all for capitalism, if we do something else with our dust, we can go to jail and our chapter's tax exempt status revoked. That is why you'll never see us dip into the chapter's bank accounts to help a Brother, though you may see us help as individuals by passing the hat. - Grand CouncilGrand Council is comprised of all current and former Noble Grand Humbugs from all ECV chapters. They are the stakeholders in the mother corporation, "E Clampus Vitus, Inc." and the equivalent of corporate shareholders. They meet at least once a year as required by law. The council typically meets the weekend before Memorial Day, in Sonora, California, at their "Grand Enclampment," where each chapter reports on its progress, grievances are hashed out before the Board of Proctors, and the Proctors announce changes for the year, including the appointment of the new Sublime officers. The passing of members is also somberly reported by each chapter.
- Grand Imperturbable HangmanECV functionary in charge of all Poor Blind Candidates from the time they arrive to the time they are either ostracized from the Doin's or successfully survive the Hall of Comparative Ovations. The Hangman has two diametrically opposed tasks: to torment the heck out of his PBCs and to keep them from dropping dead. A good Hangman and his posse spend their time testing the humor and mettle of the PBCs until the Hangman is certain that each candidate is worthy of admission to the Hall. A good Hangman ensures that all PBCs perform their assigned tasks correctly. He is also responsible for protecting PBCs from the elements (mostly heat), flora (mostly poison ivy), fauna (hopefully not Mojave Greens), and over exuberant brothers (mostly, well..., you know). All PXL initiations are conducted in "clean fashion," so as to avoid the need to burn perfectly blameless recyclable clothing; and done according to Grand Council Rules, which forbids abusive behavior that might endanger a candidate's wellbeing. Other than that, it will all be over in Ten More Minutes! See "Vigliante" and "Poor Blind Candidate," below.
- Grand MusicianPlayer of the Horrendous Hewgag; member of the ritual team.
- Grand Noble Gold Dust ReceiverOften referred to as the "G.D.R.," the Gold Dust Receiver is the chapter's treasurer and one of its three corporate officers; the others being the Grand Noble Recorder and the Noble Grand Humbug. At PXL the G.D.R. is a static position held by an X-Humbug but must be reconfirmed from year-to year. The G.D.R. signs off on deposits and withdrawals and supervises the "Assistant Gold Dust Receiver," who does the principal work of tracking revenue and expenditures to learn the chapter's finances in anticipation of his own turn as Humbug. The G.D.R. also provides an accounting after each major event and at the end of the fiscal year. He is also responsible for reporting our status to the mother organization, the state franchise tax board and the IRS. At the end of the fiscal year, two board appointed auditors review the G.D.R.'s books from the previous year and report the results to the board as required by the bylaws.
- Grand Noble RecorderOften referred to as the "G.N.R.," the Grand Noble Recorder is the chapter's secretary and one of its three corporate officers; he's also a member of the ritual team. At PXL, the GNR is responsible for keeping track of the membership roster, record of attendance, and who has left us for the Golden Hills. He creates a list of Brothers and their PBCs as they sign up for a Doin's and makes sure that their dust has been secured. Along with the Damn Fool Doorkeepers, the GNR conducts check-in at paid-for events. The Recorder also serve as secretary during Board of Graybeard meetings and is also responsible for printing and disseminating Peter's Proc's as needed throughout the year.
- GraybeardA Humbug or former Humbug; in some chapters this includes other current chapter officers. See Humbug.
- Graybeards' Examination and Historical Presentation Peter Lebeck requires all Poor Blind Candidates to stand before a Graybeards' Committee for an oral examination before the assembled Brethren. Led by the Humbug, a suitable "bribe" is expected from each candidate to help lubricate the proceedings and to impress those in attendance. Peter Lebeck also requires that each PBC have a joke and a five minute "historical presentation," preferably about Kern County. The best examinations are memorable for their display of wit, creativity, historical enlightenment and, sometimes, outright shameless lies. It is also the first chance for the Brethren as a group to get a good look at those who aspire to earn their red shirts.
- Hall of Comparative OvationsThe sacred space where the Brethren gather to take in PBCs, and where the ritual of initiation is performed. The ritual itself is also referred to as "the Hall," and often "HOCO," for short. The details of the ritual are top secret. We'd tell you but then we'd have to go jump off a mountain and there'd be no left to update the web pages. So we won't.
- HawkerThe Clamper who runs the Chapter store, selling patches, pins, shirts and other Clamper regalia to raise money for the chapter. Many Hawkers are known to travel the breath of Clamperdom to collect gold dust for their chapters.
- Hawk TackleAt PXL a Hawker's assistant. Good tackles ensure that browsing red shirts never go away empty handed nor leave without depositing dust into the Hawker's purse.
- History LessonAt Peter Lebeck all PBCs are given an introduction into the history of our order and chapter, along with a general overview of present day Clamperdom. Since admission into one chapter makes a former PBC a Clamper for all purposes, an overview of ECV is important because membership in PXL entitles the new brother to attend Clamper functions worldwide - - even on the moon. By Grand Council decree all PBCs must receive a history lesson along these lines, but both style and content varies by chapter so when visiting elsewhere it is often worthwhile to listen in.
- Horrendous HewgagA horn which is sounded by the Grand Musician to summon Clampers to the Hall of Comparative Ovations for the initiation of PBCs.
- Irascible Clamps HostrixAt PXL, the functionary who acts as the Humbug's site assistant during a Clampout. He keeps the Humbug apprised of any problems, manges parking, stocks the libations center and makes sure that it is responsibly tended throughout the Doin's.
- Joseph ZumwaltZumwalt is believed to have brought E Clampus Vitus to California where, in 1850, he established ECV's first successful western lodge at Mokelumne Hill after a failed attempt at Hangtown (Placerville). While on his way to California to join the Gold Rush in 1849, Zumwalt purchased a copy of the ECV Ritual at a newspaper office in Missouri. How it got there in the first place is lost to history.
- Leather MedalWorn by the Noble Grand Humbug during the initiation.
- Little SlipperyDenotes a time when beer and sometimes wine - - but not hard liquor - - are made available by a chapter at a Clamper function. See "Slippery Gulch Saloon."
- MottoPER CARITATE VIDUARIBUS, ORPHANIBUSQUE, SED PRIME VIDUARIBUS - For the benefit of widows and orphans, but more especially of widows.
- N.G.H.Short for Noble Grand Humbug. ECV officer who is a Chapter's President; member of the ritual team. See "Noble Grand Humbug," below.
- Noble Grand HumbugThe Humbug is chapter president and one of its three corporate officers along with the Gold Dust Receiver, who is the chapter's treasurer, and the Recorder, who is the chapter's secretary. That said, the Humbug's actual power varies by chapter according to it's governance. At Peter Lebeck, the Humbug is elected by the Board of Graybeards to a one year term to act as the chapter's chief executive officer, responsible for making all important decisions concerning the chapter. Though capital improvements and similar large expenditure are typically made in consultation with the Board, the bylaws give the Humbug the power to make all financial decisions, and once in office the Board can only remove him for cause.
Some of the Humbug's duties include representing the chapter at Grand Council, planning and supervising all Doin's and Clampouts, and deciding any changes to their times and locations should these become necessary. He also looks after the other functionaries to make sure their work is coming along in due course and good order and has the power to replace them as needed, with the exceptions of the Gold Dust Receiver and Recorder who are corporate officers and must be ratified by the Board. While a good Humbug always looks to his Board of Graybeards for counsel when making important decisions, at PXL the Humbug runs the show but is usually quite happy to "pass it on to the next brother" when his time in the bucket is over. - Noble Grand Humbug ErectusThe Board of Graybeards' designee to succeed the current Noble Grand Humbug. At Peter Lebeck this is typically decided at the end of season business meeting in November and is usually the serving Vice Noble Grand Humbug assuming his tenure has been satisfactory. A Brother wanting to be considered for Humbug needs come prepared to present his plans for their Clampyear, including two Clampouts and a plaquing at a minimum, along with his list of proposed officers and functionaries who are subject to substitution and approval by the Board. The Erectus becomes Humbug in February, at the end of PXL's fiscal year, when the poor unfortunate designee will be passed the Staff of Relief at the Widders' Ball.
- Old Timers' Museum Formerly located in Murphys, California, this not-for-profit museum closed in 2021 due to financial difficulties. In its time it held an impressive collection of Clamper memorabilia along with many local artifacts dating back to the time of the Gold Rush. While much of what the museum had on view has gone into storage, part of the collection remains on display at the nearby Angels Camp Museum. Housed in the Thompson Building, which is itself a relic, having survived three fires that ravaged Murphys in its earlier days, the Old Timers' Museum hosted ECV's "Wall of Comparative Ovations," which celebrates many of our Clamper Clampatriarchs.
- OrphanLiterally, children left without parents. In ECV parlance a dependent child left without a father, and more loosely, any underage boy or girl, as in, "Did you leave your Widder and orphans at home?"
- P.B.C. A "Poor Blind Candidate," someone in the process of being "taken in."
- Peter LebeckThe namesake of the Peter Lebeck Chapter #1866 of E Clampus Vitus. Little is known about Peter though it is said that he was a "piss poor bear wrassler," who never figured out what would happened on days that you didn't get to eat the bear. It is often speculated that he was a an unlucky French trapper who came upon an "X" bear in Grapevine Canyon on October 17, 1837, and did not survive the fight. Peter was laid to rest under an oak tree, where he remains today, at the present site of California's Fort Tejon State Historic Park.
- Peter’s Proc'sThe official newsletter of the Peter Lebeck Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, which is typically published three times a year, once before each scheduled overnight Doin's and again before the Widders' Ball. The Procs is mailed to brothers who have recently attended a major Doin's or who have donated to the Sick Jackass, but the Procs is always made available for free online and by email on request.
- Petey's Flying CircusAt PXL, an informal Clampout work party called to unpack and assemble our kit, and to disassemble and pack-up our kit when the Doin's is over. The party is directed by the Circus's Ringmasters whose job it is to know where to stick everything so it doesn't cause problems. Volunteers who help are said to have "joined the circus."
- Poor Blind CandidateAlso known as a "P.B.C.," a Poor Blind Candidate may gain membership in E Clampus Vitus, but only if he can show - - by surviving the dreaded ordeal - - that he is worthy of entering the Hall of Comparative Ovations and pass its final tests. No man joins ECV, but when properly hornswoggled he may be "taken in." It requires that he have a sponsor willing to stake his red shirt that his candidate is worthy, and the PBC must have the mettle to face the hard work and humiliation he must endure to show that he has what it takes to be invited into the Hall.
Candidacy is only possible for men 21 and older. Depending on the chapter a regular initiation may take as little as a single afternoon or it may last as long as three days. A successful candidate may emerge from his ordeal relatively clean or find himself filthy and soaking wet. It all depends on chapter customs and the limits placed by Grand Council Rules for the safe and (mostly) sane treatment of PBCs. No matter how this finally plays out, it is the sponsoring brother's responsibility to making sure that his PBC is fully aware of what his candidate is in for - - for the Hangman and his Vigilantes have been instructed by the Humbug that upon finding a group of suitable PBCs they are to, "Let the Clamp B_st_rds have it!"
Above all a PBC should be someone with a good sense of humor, slow to anger, with a generous spirit, and a penchant for camaraderie of the male sort. At PXL he is expected to recite a short historical presentation with a true (or hilariously suspect) factual basis, and present a joke and a suitable liquid "bribe" to the examining Graybeards and the Brethren in attendance. A PBC can expect that the fun will be at his own expense, which is something for a man to seriously consider before accepting the challenge because guys with short tempers are not what we're about.
Health and advancing age is generally not an issue. So long as a PBC discloses what might keep him from performing normal physical activities, the Hangman will make adjustments to ensure that the PBC has a fair chance of completing his initiation successfully. See "Graybeards Examination and Historical Presentation," "Red Shirt," and "Candle Light." - ProctorSee ""Board of Proctors," above.
- PXLPronounced Pee-Ex-El, is shorthand for "The Peter Lebeck Chapter 1866 of E Clampus Vitus." This style comes from the letters carved on an oak tree in 1837 to mark where Peter Lebeck is buried, and the "X" is believed to represent the bear that sent Peter to his demise. Grizzly bears were still around in 1837, and the fur on their backs often formed an "X" shape during certain times of the year. Peter's grave and the tree are located in Grapevine Canyon in what is now Fort Tejon State Historic Park. Fort Tejon was a pre-civil war U.S. Army base established in 1854, which remained an active military installation for about ten years. After it was decomissioned, the land was given over to the State of California which has restored several of the old buildings, maintains the parade grounds, an ample campground and a small interpretive museum where you can see a replica of Peter's wooden grave marker and many 19th century artifacts. The park also has a very active historical association and is a favorite of civil war reenactors.
- Red ShirtClampers often call themselves "Red Shirts" to distinguish themselves from non-members of the order. The right to wear a red shirt as a Clamper must be earned by surviving the ordeal and completing the ritual Hall of Comparative Ovations. No PBC is permitted to wear "Clamper habiliment" prior to successfully completing the Hall, and any sponsoring brother who submits a candidate without proper inspection will be dealt with accordingly. At PXL in addition to no Clamper hats, buttons, pins and shirts, PBCs must not touch the color red while at the Doin's, nor may they wear nor display the color red on any part of their body prior to successfully completing the hall. Many chapters also forbid the wearing or displaying of anything black prior to completing the initiation.
- RingmasterSee, "Petey's Flying Circus," above.
- Roisterous IscutisThe Order's designated unruly farmer; the member of the ritual team who's primary function is to test all PBC’s with his reaping hook.
- Royal Clamps ThespianAt PXL, prepares the ritual team, manages the Hall of Comparative Ovations and cares for its paraphernalia.
- Royal PlatrixRoyal Surgeon of the Order; member of the ritual team whos primary function is to tend to PBCs after testing by the Roisteous Iscutis.
- Saint VitusThe patron saint of Clampers, idiots, actors, epileptics and others know by their fevered dance steps.
- Satisfactory!The shouted reply of approval by Clampers to the query “What sayeth the brethren?” A Clamper superlative of the highest order showing that the brother approves of a condition, thing or proposition. If something would otherwise be described as "good," "great" or "well done," a Clamper would say or write that it is "Satisfactory," with the degree of excellence only denoted by the tenor and loudness of his voice or the context of his writing.
- Seemly DecorumThe condition of being in order; also, to act in a way that would be deserving of respect in public. Clampers who are loud, slovenly drunk or who are spitting, farting or cussing are NOT showing "seemly decorum." Seemly decorum is always expected from Clampers at dedications, and when they appear in Clamper regalia in public.
- Serious Shit!A call to order, also any item of particular or unparticular interest to a Clamper. As in, "Hey! This is some serious shit!"
- Sick Jackass A small contribution offered by chapter members when they can't make a Doin's, as in, "I can't come because my jackass is sick, so here's my $____." By custom, ECV chapters do not assess dues, but this fee is voluntary and helps defray miscellaneous expenses such as the costs of postage and printing. It also confirms that the member is still active. Compare "Feed the Bear."
- Silver HillsSee "Golden Hills," above.
- Slippery Gulch Saloon"Slipperies" are bars, beer trucks and other ways that a chapter might furnish alcohol at a Doin's. A "little slippery" refers to beer and wine. A "big slippery" includes hard liquor. Due to state licensing requirements, a chapter never sells alcohol at a Doin's, though it may be furnished to paid attendees when permitted by law. Due to potential civil liability and the high cost of the extra insurance that hosting a slippery requires, many chapters - - including PXL - - no longer host slipperies. If you want adult libations, you need to bring your own, plus enough to share if you want to pass it on to the next brother. If that sounds harsh, it's not. At PXL that form of camaraderie has never been a problem.
- SNGHSublime Noble Grand Humbug. See below.
- Staff of ReliefThe noble symbol of the Order, which in its earthly form every Clamper must be able to weild proficiently in relief of widows and orphans, and sometimes other Clampers.
- Sublime Noble Grand HumbugThe head Clamper of All Clamperdom. Presiding officer of the Grand Council of E Clampus Vitus, and titular head of the fifteen Proctors who function as ECV's board of directors. See "Board of Proctors," above.
- Sword of Justice Tempered with MercyGiant sword held by one of the Damnfool Doorkeepers during the initiation ceremony.
- The NamelessOf the three principal corporate officers that preside over the mother organization, his office is the only one with no name. In normal course the brother holding this office might have been called the "Sublime Vice Noble Grand Humbug," but since there is no "vice" in E Clampus Vitus, his office can only be referred to as "The Nameless."
- The X BearWinner of the most ignominious wrasslin' contest of 1837: "Bear 1 - Lebeck 0." It is said that Lebeck knew going in that on only some days you get to eat the bear. He was a bit unclear on what was suppose to happen on the other days. See "PXL," above.
- The Flatlander NuggetFor many years a Clamper newspaper that served to advertise events around Clamperdom along with articles of interest about history and Clamper shenanigans. The Flatlander Nugget has been succeeded by the Flatlander II, which publishes monthly and can be subscribed to for $25 a year.
- TRASHThe "Transierra Roisterous Alliance of Senior Humbugs," is an association of Humbugs and ex-Humbugs that exists for the purpose of advancing knowledge of western history within Clamperdom. TRASH conducts an annual tour, called a TREK, which illuminates some aspect or theme that resounds in western history. TRASH TREKS typically occur in the summer and are the product of careful planning and research by the TRASH leader - - also known as the "Chief Litterbug." He is responsible for documenting the historical significance of the sites included in his TREK, including the publication of a book explaining the history behind each stop along the way. To become full-fledged members, Humbugs and X-Humbugs who want to join must be sponsored and should expect to be initiated during their first TREK.
- Vice Noble Grand HumbugAn ECV functionary who is a chapter's Vice President. At PXL he has three big responsibilities. He must know and understand the functions and customs of the chapter; serve as the Humbug's clean-up man when things go awry or functionaries drop out; and he must make ready for the coming year by preparing a slate of functionaries, and at least two Clampouts and an erection in anticipation of being selected the next year's Humbug.
- VigilantesTitle used by some chapters for the Hangman's assistants. Each chapter has its own traditions as to name and dress. Some chapters call them "501's." At a PXL initiation you can spot the Hangman and his "posse" of vigilantes by their distinctive black and white costumes as opposed to the common red shirts and blue denim of the day. PXL vigilantes often wear full-length white dusters, as if ready to mount up and hunt down their prey. Vigilantes remain part of the ritual team through the Hall of Comparative Ovations See "Grand Impurturbable Hangman," above.
- Wall of Comparative OvationsLocated on the west exterior wall of the Thompson building in Murphys, California, it displays numerous plaques commemorating notable Clampatriarchs of E Clampus Vitus. See also, "Old Timers' Museum," above.
- Watering HoleA restaurant or bar that has received a chapter's recognition as a place that officially welcomes the patronage of members of the order. Best practice is to distinguish bars from restaurants because restaurants welcome both Widders and orphans.
- What say the Brethren?A query posed to the Brothers when asking for their approval or disapproval. A Brother who approves or offers his assent is expected to shout, "Satisfactory!"
- Wholly Waggin' MasterAt PXL, the Brother responsible for keeping the trailer and kit and for making sure that the trailer is in running condition. Many chapters have similar functionaries with colorful titles in charge of keeping their important stuff.
- Widders' Ball and Demotion DinnerMost chapters have a Widders' Ball where the Brethren fête their wives, girlfriends or significant others with an annual semi-formal dinner-dance. Period dress is encouraged to add to the fun, and non-Clampers are welcomed to experience the chapter's camaraderie. Most chapters also have an annual event to change out their officers. At Peter Lebeck these two functions are combined as a "Widders' Ball and Demotion Dinner" corresponding with the beginning of our Clamp Year. Clampers from other chapters are always welcome, and members are encouraged to bring their friends, especially Widders who are looking to get their men out of the house who would make good PBCs.
- Widow or sometimes "Widder"A Clamper’s wife, girlfriend or both (but hopefully not in the same room at the same time); any member of the fair sex who is comforted by a Clamper.
- XNGHAn "XNGH" is a Brother of any chapter who has completed a term as Noble Grand Humbug. At Peter Lebeck all living XNGHs together with the current Humbug constitute the chapter's corporate board responsible for governing the chapter. That design is particular to PXL, as each chapter decides who will sit on its board according to its articles of incorporation and bylaws.
- XSNGHX-Sublime Noble Grand Humbug.
- XThe most glorious letter in the Clamper alphabet.
