Description
The E Clampus Vitus Archives contains by-laws, minutes, correspondence,
fiscal records, photographs, member writings and biographical materials,
clippings and other materials chronicling activities of the Grand Council and
local chapters of the order (notably its landmarks recognition program and its
outings, known as"Transierra Roisterous Alliances of Senior Humbugs
(T.R.A.S.H.)." Photographs consists of photographs of individual chapter
activities (1936-). Additions to the collection are anticipated.
Background
E Clampus Vitus is a fraternal organization founded during the
California Gold Rush (1852) to poke fun at the more solemn fraternal orders of
the time. It was revived by Carl Wheat and Ezra Dane (1931) to bring an element
of fun into the appreciation of history and provide support for historical
projects and celebrations. The ECV Grand Council first established its official
archives at the California Historical Society (1961), but space was limited
there, and, with the aid of University of the Pacific historian and Clamper,
Richard Coke Wood, E Clampus Vitus later moved its archives to the University
of the Pacific (1976).
Availability
Collection is open for research.