Mokelumne Hill in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mokelumne Hill

Photographed by Syd Whittle, July 24, 2011

1. Mokelumne Hill Marker

The lower plaque reads:
1st Dedicated
May 29, 1988
Lost early 1990, Found 2009
Rededicated
Matuca Chapter 1849
E Clampus Vitus
Sept. 25, 2010 (6015)
Credo Quia Absurdum

Inscription. Beneath this spot in 1851, Joe H. Zumwalt established the first chapter of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus. On his way West, Zumwalt discovered an amusing ritual in the newspaper office at Bowling Green, Mo. Arriving in Moke Hill in 1851, he observed that the miners needed a humorous outlet. Chapter #1001 was chartered in an unoccupied community jail. From here the idea of E.C.V. spread like wildfire in the diggins. Let all Clampers, Frolicking Friars and Vituscan Missionaries join in a salute to our honorable California founder.

Erected 2010 by Matuca Chapter 1849, E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.

Location. 38° 18.064′ N, 120° 42.347′ W. Marker is in Mokelumne Hill, California, in Calaveras County. It is on Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8304 North Main Street, Mokelumne Hill CA 95245, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Calaveras County Courthouse and Leger Hotel (here, next to this marker); Emily Peek's Saloon (within shouting distance

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of this marker); a different marker also named Mokelumne Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Butte Store (approx. 2.3 miles away); Moore Mine (approx. 3.9 miles away); Paloma (Fosteria) (approx. 4.2 miles away); Zeile Mine and Mine House (approx. 4½ miles away); William J. Paugh House (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mokelumne Hill.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Botilleas Bordellos (was approx. 4.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Marker is mounted on the front wall of the Leger Hotel building. The building is located on the corner of North Main and Lafayette Streets.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . A Non Clamper’s Guide to Clamperdom. By Judge Frazier, Vice Noble Grand Humbug, Lucinda Jane Saunders Chapter 1881. “By 1850 two fraternal organizations, the Masonic Lodge and the Odd Fellows (IOOF), were well established in California and virtually all men

Mokelumne Hill Marker and the Leger Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Syd Whittle, September 20, 2006

2. Mokelumne Hill Marker and the Leger Hotel

This marker, not yet mounted in this 2006 photo, is located between the small "Vigilante" marker (seen on the left) and the "Calaveras County Courthouse and Leger Hotel" State Historic Landmark marker seen on the right.

of influence were members of either or both of these orders. Both groups were viewed as very strict in nature with impressive badges of office and formal attire. In short, they provided little humor and certainly no relief from the arduous task of just staying alive. In 1851 a group of men at Mokelumne Hill, California, felt another fraternal organization, one much less serious of nature, was needed and The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, with an avowed dedication to the protection of ‘Widows and Orphans,’ came to life in the west. ” (Submitted on August 11, 2011.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,725 times since then and 55 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week August 14, 2011. Photos: 1. submitted on August 11, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on September 17, 2008, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.