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Guide to the E Clampus Vitus Historic Sites Collection
MS 49
MS 49
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Table of contents
Title: E Clampus Vitus Historic Sites Collection
Identifier/Call Number: MS 49
Contributing Institution:
San Diego History Center Document Collection
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.0 Linear feet
(2 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1530-2000
Abstract: This collection contains historic site reports compiled by the San Diego-based Squibob Chapter of the E Clampus Vitus fraternal
organization, either to apply for historic designation or in preparation of dedication ceremonies and the installation of
commemorative plaques.
creator:
Squibob Chapter #1853.
Biographical / Historical Notes
The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV) is a fraternal organization dedicated to the study and preservation
of Western Heritage, in particular the history of the Mother Lode and gold mining regions of the area. There are chapters
in California, Nevada and other Western states. Members call themselves "Clampers." The organization's name is in Dog Latin,
and has no known meaning. The motto of the Order, “Credo Quia Absurdum,” is generally understood as meaning "I believe it
because it is absurd." They are perhaps best known for their role in the 1936 “Drake’s Plate of Brass” hoax.
The organization has raised legitimate historical plaques in many places throughout the West (often those sites such as bordellos
and saloons overlooked by more traditional historical societies), with a traditional "doin's," or party, after each plaque
dedication. These are now common in historical areas around California and the West. When in the Gold Country, a Clamper-placed
plaque is never far away. The fraternity jokes that it is not sure if it is a "historical drinking society" or a "drinking
historical society."
San Diego and Imperial Counties are home to the “Squibob” Chapter, which has devoted considerable effort to the placement
of historical plaques in the region. The collection of Squibob publications held by the San Diego Historical Society details
the history of those efforts and that of the sites they represent.
This collection contains historic site reports compiled by the San Diego-based Squibob Chapter of the E Clampus Vitus fraternal
organization, either to apply for historic designation or in preparation of dedication ceremonies and the installation of
commemorative plaques. The reports primarily consist of detailed histories of these sites, with footnotes or bibliographies
of conducted research. Also included is a file of ephemera from the organization, with programs, invitations to events, and
other mailers.
The collection is arranged alphabetically by publication title, with the exception of the final folder, which contains miscellaneous
documents not related to the other publications. The date ranges refer to the period of history being summarized.
E Clampus Vitus Collection, MS 49, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.
This collection is open for research.
The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.
Collection processed by Daniel Eakin in September 2007.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Chamberlin, Eugene K., PhD.
E Clampus Vitus (Fraternal order).
California Registered Historic Landmarks
Historic landmarks
Historic sites