In the last couple of weeks a couple of interpretive historical signs have appeared in Rhyolite.
Both are the work of members of The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, commonly known as “Clampers.” This organization has researched and erected more historical markers in the American West than any other group.
The first sign, erected a couple of weeks ago, is located near the Tom Kelly Bottle House near where the former mercantile store stood before it burned down after being struck by lightning. The second, erected Oct. 14, now stands beside the road leading into the ghost town.
In Clamper tradition, the labor involved in erecting the sign was done by new prospective members, called PBC’s (Poor Blind Candidates), while members of the order watched and supervised, evaluating the quality of their work.
The dedication of the new sign was conducted by Mark Hall-Patton, the most-used consultant on the TV show “Pawn Stars.” Hall-Patton is also the administrator of three museums: the Clark County Museum, the Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum, and the Searchlight Museum.
Hall-Patton is a former Noble Grand Humbug of the Quehoe Possee #1919 Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, and is now recognized as a Dead Salmon, a title he says is given because “after a few years of being an ex-Humbug your advice begins to stink.”
He explained that the organization was originally started by miners as a burlesque of exclusive fraternal organizations such as the Free Masons and the Odd Fellows. It has its own initiation rituals and practices, many of which are intentionally absurd. Clampers are known for taking history very seriously and considering everything else absurd.
The Clamper “uniform” generally includes a red shirt (in recognition of the red long-johns often worn by old-time miners), and a vest decorated with an absurd collection of pins and patches. They also often wear some sort of funny hat.
A common question about E Clampus Vitus is whether it is a historical drinking society or a drinking historical society, but members are not required to be drinkers, and Clampers have a reputation as a good-natured bunch.
Besides his frequent appearances on “Pawn Stars,” Hall-Patton has appeared of 14 other television series. “Once they figure out you’re free and have no shame being on camera, they keep calling,” he says.
He says people frequently recognize him and stop him on the street, which he says is “nice.” He says that celebrity status has given him a “bully pulpit” to promote an interest in history in children he encounters.
BLM representatives have expressed their appreciation for what the Clampers have done in putting up the signs in Rhyolite. Archeologist Jonah Blustain said, “We hope they come and do a whole bunch more.”
Richard Stephens is a freelance writer living in Beatty.