E Clampus Vitus is a fraternal organization dating back to California’s gold rush days, that was a spoof on the more stoic fraternal societies such as Masons. Asa Fairfield in his Lassen County history briefly noted their existence in Susanville. In the early 1880s, E Clampus Vitus was a major force in Modoc County.
In the 1930s, after being dormant for some time the organization was revived, with a focus on historical preservation, and having a good time along the away. Some referred it to as a “drinking historical society.” In 1984, the Neversweat Chapter #1864, of E Clampus Vitus was chartered in Susanville. The local group flourished for awhile placing historical markers at such places as Jacks Valley, Milford, the Grand Cafe, and, of course, the Pioneer.
Having been a member since 1970, I never could get it straight, is it a Drinking Historical Soc. or a Historic Drinking Soc.
I remember my Dad mentioning it at times in a joking way tho no specifics !!
I was told it was a “drinking society with a history problem”. 🙂