Peter Lebeck Chapter #1866

Someone thought it would be a good idea to make me this year's Humbug, and though I tried to talk the Graybeards out of it, they did it anyway. So I have two things to say to that. One, thanks a lot; and two, never step out to use the facilities while the Graybeards are mumbling under their breath. And three (who ever thought Clampers could count to three?) so long as I'm in the barrel, here at Peter Lebeck Clampyear 6031 is going to be nothing but SATISFACTORY!

So if you have pencils, whip them out, and mark your calendars for the following PXL events. These dates are firm, so put in early for your time off and don't forget to buy a peace offering for the Widder.

 

For our Spring Doin's we'll be heading back to the Randsburg / Johannesburg area on Thursday, April 16th through Sunday April 19th, to erect a monument at the Rand District Cemetery. This cemetery was first established in 1896, the year after gold was discovered on Rand Mountain. By then Randsburg had become a rip-roaring mining camp, as witnessed by the cemetery's first "honoree," one ''William Davis," who was killed in a gambling dispute.

The cemetery is located a few blocks from our Clampsite at the former Rand school in Johannesburg. The building and grounds are owned by PXL brother Neil Shotwell and his Widder Holly, who, once again, have been generous in offering this location as Clamp central. It has an abundant indoor area for meals, tomfoolery and the camaraderie we so appreciate at chapter 1866.

I really want to give as many Brothers as possible the opportunity to attend this Doin's and with your help we can accomplish that. Those who attended our Spring Doin's last year know that parking space in Johannesburg is limited. We have plenty of space for tents, but we can accommodate only so many RVs, and things will get tight. So for the sake of brotherly love, let's try to reduce our individual footprints and buddy up if you are bringing a rig. That would be much appreciated as the last thing I want to do is tell a Brother that we're out of space. So help us get this done so more of us can come! And make sure to sign up early and send in your dust. Late registrations and walk-ins will not be accepted, prepays only. It helps keep PXL Clamping affordable. For more information download the Infallible Fillable Procs for the Rand District Cemetery Spring Doin's here.

 

In the fall we will be heading back to Camp Hamilton in Bakersfield, Thursday, October 1st through Sunday, October 4th. This Doin's will be in honor of "Master Guns" Glenn Denton, who founded Camp Hamilton and who tragically passed away at the end 2023 when his truck hit black ice and went off the road. The Camp Hamilton board has generously welcomed us back, and it is a fine place to Clamp. There are shady lawns for tents and a large, flat parking area for RVs. We'll have plenty of room for both RVs and tents, so we're hoping to have a big turnout for this one, and if you have a worthy PBC this would be a great place for him to be taken in.

 

Other things I have in the works … Back in 2012 the plaque dedicated to Edward Fitzgerald Beale was stolen from the parking lot of Fort Tejon State Historic Park. The thieves likely took it just for the brass. They also tried to pry loose our 1972 plaque commemorating Peter Lebeck but couldn't get it up. For crooks they proved to be pretty limp. Fred Fenski and I were able to repair the damage, and Timbo was able to securely reattach the plaque and so far, so good. I've been working on a replacement for the Beale plaque, but dealing with the State can be a daunting task. I will keep forging on.

We'll also continue with our Redshirt Saturday Getaways which happen the first Saturday of the month from noon until three. We will continue holding them at the Elks' Lodge in Santa Clarita, with some hosted by Tara's Tavern up in Frazier Park, including the one for February. As always, a good meal can be found at La Sierra Mexican restaurant next door to the tavern, while hot dogs are available at the lodge.

 

On the subject of PBCs, I will be available to vet candidates starting at this weekend's Getaway when registration for our Spring Doin's officially opens. As a reminder, candidates must be vetted by me or a PXL Graybeard prior to a Doin's to be eligible to be taken in. Sponsors are responsible for providing their supine sucker with a copy of the current handbook and helping them prepare for their initiation. We view these obligations seriously. Necessary materials and instructions will be posted to our Spring Doin's page which will be up soon.

Candidates should be forewarned that they will be required to work and willingly participate in the proceedings. They are also expected to take directions from our hangman and collaborate with their fellow PBCs. At Peter Lebeck we do clean initiations and prepare candidates to be informed and active Clampers. If as a sponsor you are looking for something else, then it is best to go elsewhere.

No apologies for that. Our aim is to always improve the camaraderie and dedication of our members to the work of preserving history in the best way we know how.

 

In that spirit I'm looking at getting a few Brothers together informally, along with a few Brothers from Platrix, to attend the annual Saint Francis Dam Disaster lecture at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita. I say "informally" because we would be in Platrix territory and I'm not looking to poach on their terrain. I'll announce the event when registration opens, but you'll be responsible for securing your own ticket.

There is a fee to attend, but the modest rub includes a shuttle to San Fracisquito Canyon and a short hike to the site of the dam's collapse which killed over 400 people in 1928. The proceeds go to support the creation of a permanent memorial to the victims. The date has yet to be announced and because it typically occurs in March or April it might conflict with PXL and Platrix activities, but I'll keep you posted.

If you have any other ideas that would improve our year don't be shy. You know where to find me. The Graybeards have trusted me to steer the chapter, but Peter Lebeck belongs to all of us. So here's to another great Clamp year!

Dave "Boulder" Staley, PXL #1866
    Noble Grand Humbug 2026
    Humbug@ecv1866.org
    (661) 245-0613