🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <35q219$9p7@pandora.sdsu.edu>,
John McDonald <jmcd@mintaka.sdsu.edu> wrote:
;Does anyone know anything about the Calfornia organization:
;E Clampus Vitus?  They place plaques commemorating a sort
;of folk history of California all over the state.  I am 
;interested in obtaining a list of these plaques, as well
;as an address for the organization...

FWIW, here is the text of a card I always carry around:

  E CLAMPUS VITUS

The gentleman who handed you this card is a member of
E CLAMPUS VITUS (commonly called a "CLAMPER").
A fraternal Organization, although ancient in origin, reached its
peak during The Tumultous Days of The Great California
Gold Rush.

The latter day members of this organization attempt to uphold
these traditions of fellowship, good spirits, and fun.  Like their
forebearers, the modern "CLAMPERS" are dedicated to the care
of the widow and the orphan.

But especially the widow.


Seriously, though, you might consider the Clampers in the same league
as any fellowship club, such as the Oddfellows, or Kiwanis.  The clamper
traditionally is one of the ranks of Railroad maintenance-of-way gangs,
or brakemen, but excludes anybody who has the testicles to wear brass on
their hat.  For tangible results of what the Clampers have been able to
accomplish, visit the city of Santa Clara railroad depot (lovingly restored
by the SBHRS members and many volunteers from other civic organizations,
including the Clampers) and see just what rich railroad history can be seen
in the south bay.  The depot building is also the Santa Clara Caltrain station,
so why not make your visit complete by riding the train?
-- 
.J.R. Stoner, Ferroequinologist - asgard@tfs.com - asgard@netcom.com