Peter Lebeck Chapter #1866

Thank you to all the brothers who attended our Fall doings at Fort Tejon State Park. We had perfect weather with unmatched and most Satisfactory camaraderie among the eighty or so brothers who attended, including brothers from other chapters. They were welcomed by all and they fit right in. Also, congratulations to our newest members, Erik Brandriff, Bob Davis, Richard Seeder, and Wade Jones. They survived the tests and did a most satisfactory job.

Thank you also to the many volunteers who stepped up to make our weekend a success. It takes many hands to accomplish a successful Doin's, and our fearless brotherhood of red and black was generous in helping from start to finish.

Our thanks also go to Ranger Mike Deagon for his comprehensive Friday tour of Fort Tejon complete with a respectful visit to Peter's grave, and a lesson about 19th Century artillery. Following Ranger Mike's instructions our volunteer squad of cannoneers even got to fire the fort's for-real cannon - twice!

So who needs an anvil at your Doin's when you can blast a mountain howitzer?

Over the years, the staff at the park have been very generous to us. Fort Tejon State Historic Park is a beautiful place to learn some local history, so again, many thanks to all the staff at the park. We are sure to visit again.

Now for some not so good news. On the afternoon of September 18th, a string of thunderstorms hit the east end of Kern County including the towns of Randsburg, Johannesburg and Red Mountain. The resulting flash floods were extremely hard on these places. In Randsburg several buildings were damaged including "The Joint," which we dedicated last April, as well as the Randsburg Museum. Also damaged was the historic Rand Cemetery in Johannesburg, which we intend to plaque in the spring.

Mud is a peculiar thing. Moving it back to where it used to be can take a lot of hard work, and we were about ready to call for a posse of Red Shirts to help with the clean-up, but the last word we have is that the area has mostly recovered. "The Joint" and the museum have been dug out by hand, and what's left to be done at the museum will be cleared by tractor with the help of local volunteers. The museum collection and the interior of the building were undamaged. Also, whatever damage occurred at the cemetery is now under control. When all this work is completed, Randsburg should be ready for its "Western Days" celebration scheduled for November 1st.

As for the little museum, it may need some financial help. Flood damage wasn't covered by its insurance policy, so its claim has been denied. Some brothers have asked about setting up a GoFundMe page, but as a 501(c)(3) organization our ability to set up a page in our name or contribute from the chapter's funds creates issues with the tax folks. Much of it depends on whether the museum is a federally recognized charity. But that doesn't mean that we can't pass the hat as private individuals, should the museum ask for help. It's the least we could do, our good friends in Randsburg have always welcomed us with open hands.

One last word on this topic. Many of us think of a "museum" as a large institution. For instance, the Kern County Museum's "Pioneer Village," is literally a collection of historic buildings. Other museums collect old airplanes, while others collect dinosaur bones. But the little town museum is something special. The high desert hosts several, and they are testaments to the tenacity of the people that live there, even as local economies continue to change. The town museum is a way to speak about the identity of the people that live in those places and to keep the memory of their settlements alive.

Mikee here with a few quick notes (honest! I promise this time). First off, congratulations to our NGH, Rick Hardluck " Veiga and his posse of Redshirts for getting us through another very successful year. We should also be especially proud of the work our vice-Humbug, Dave "Boulder" Staley, did this year and has been doing to get us ready for 2026. It certainly was a tough year for him especially with Bedrock's loss of our Brother, Fred "Flintstone" Fenski. Now, knowing how Dave takes his work to heart, if we can keep from stressing him out, he's a lock for Erectus. I'd certainly vote for him, but first we need a meeting.

So this Saturday, November 1st, PXL will conduct its annual corporate business meeting at 10 am, at La Sierra Mexican Restaurant, 3500 Mt. Pinos Way, Frazier Park, CA 93225. In other words, at the usual place. Veronica and her husband will open at 9 am for breakfast, and showing up early is a great way to support one of PXL 's favorite watering holes. La Sierra has been generous to us over the years by making its backroom available to us at no charge, so the least we can do is show up early and order brunch.

As an incentive to keep you from sleeping in, Hardluck is offering a special door prize. You'll get a free ticket just for showing up, and you'll have a chance to win one free admission to our 2026 FALL Doin's. As for the meeting itself, the usual Hijinx is expected to ensue, including a financial recap and an end of the year report from our Humbug.

Hardluck also intends to nominate our favorite "Boulder" to follow him as Humbug. The Rolling Stones have nothing on our guy, but we'll see if he can move like Jagger. So if the Graybeards are in accord, Dave will assume the interim title of "Humbug Erectus" until he officially relieves Hardluck in February to assume the title of Noble Grand Humbug for 2026. As Erectus, Dave will outline his plans for the year and offer his slate of functionaries on Saturday. So if he has asked you to step into the chairs for next year, and you have accepted, you ought to attend.

BTW -- A little purple brontosaurus told me that in the spring we'll again be clamping in Johannesburg and dedicating a monument at the entrance to the historic Rand Cemetery. Keep your eye out for that one because parking space at the former Rand School property is limited. Brothers with large rigs are encouraged to double up with a Clamping partner so we can get everybody in who wants to come. In the fall we're likely headed back to Camp Hamilton where the lawns are very tent friendly and we have plenty of space for large sized rigs. I'll follow-up with another post after the November meeting when Dave provides further details. just don't tell anyone I told you about this stuff ahead of time, because I don't want to see brontoburgers on the menu.

Also, for anyone who needs "proof of life" to get back in the Widder's good graces, most of the photos from the Fall Doin's are posted to Peter's Pages. There's still a few more from Max Felser, and I'll have those up soon as well. After that, If you can't use them to prove you were there, you weren't.

Lastly, we never did see either a Frenchman or a bear at our Fall Doin's, but we did have the pleasure of the company of our Brother, Proctor Jesse "Stimpy" Villarreal and some of "Those Guys." They were most welcome, and we hope to see them again.

We've also cleared our Brother Tito Galvan of any blame for the Great Bean Disaster of '23. An innocent Redshirt, Tito unfairly took the rap for not protecting the beans from the ghosts of the X-Bear and the Frenchman. What you can't see, you can't stop; and we may never know which of those two miscreant specters knocked over our pot. I suspect that like the Horseman of Sleepy Hollow who rides on forever, those two are locked in a dance that should have ended long ago. But hasn't. They also need to stay away from our beans. Happy Halloween!

 

Howdy boys, It's your fearless Humbuggery human, Ol' Hardluck, here to update you on PXL's Fall Doin's surrounding the Great Bean Disaster of 23!

The news of our investigation has been met with great interest. As of this morning we are at capacity for our grand event. So if you were hoping to see the perpetrator of the Great Bean Disaster brought to justice, and you didn't register, you've likely missed out.

If you are still interested, call, text or email our GDR, Top Turner, to be put on the waiting list. And if you can't make it, please let Top know right away so you can help a Brother out. Call or text, 661-714-7203 or email: dalefmda@earthlink.net.

Some may ask why only 80 folks? We have guidelines that we must meet with the state in terms of vehicles and people allowed into the group camping area. The Rangers for the Fort Tejon State Historic Park keep us to those limits for safety reasons, and based on what Ranger Bob says, that's what we'll do.

In return for our cooperation, the rangers will ensure all X-bears are kept at a safe distance and away from our beans. Check back here, or check our Facebook page, for any last-minute updates.

The T-shirt link is now operational. Click here to purchase a pocket-T up to 4X for a measly $25, then you can pick it up at the Doin's. Other wearable options are also available, but hurry, because the link is only open until September 11th to ensure completion of your order. No event shirts will be available for sale at the Doin's.

I looked forward to seeing all the Brothers in September.

Howdy my Clamper Brothers, Rick "Hardluck" Veiga, Chief Bean Investigator, here. As we approach fall you may ask, "Hardluck, where the hell are we clamping?" Well boys, we will be returning to Fort Tejon State Park, Thursday, September 25th through Sunday the 28th, for a comprehensive investigation surrounding the "Great Bean Disaster of '23". If you were not at the Fall doings of 2023 you were spared a most horrific scene as a huge pot of "XXXNGH Timbo Gillespie signature Beans," complete with its secret blend of 1,866 herbs and spices, toppled over in what is described as the largest culinary disaster in all of Clamperdom.

The night before, some brothers chased off an old X Bear seen tinkering around inside the cook shack. On Saturday, our Hangman at that event, Tito, swears he witnessed the ghost of a French mountain man wandering around the camp during PBC interrogations muttering "Je déteste les haricots...." When the greybeards were consulted regarding what this phrase could mean, they retorted, "It means we ain't got no damn beans!"

Recently, as your Humbug, I consulted the greybeards for direction on investigating this disaster. They replied "Hardluck, find out WHO SPILLED THE DAMN BEANS!" As a result, my Vice Humbug Dave Staley and I have formed a forensics team made up of PXL investigators (none of whom speak French) to bring the truth to light!

So pack up your best toilet paper, kiss the Widder and dog goodbye and come help us solve this great mystery. FYI, we also have our two Clamp security officers who will be guarding the bean pot all day on Saturday. Both PXL brothers are law enforcement professionals who will assure we have a pot of beans for Saturday night dinner…provided we keep them well equipped with cheap cigars.

Please come join us for this epic event sure to be inscribed in the annals of time. Just click on this link or the links in the links box to get started.

See you at Fort Tejon!

 

 

 

 

We are headed to Frazier Park for this Saturday's Redshirt Getaway to honor Brother Fred "Flintstone" Fenski, who left us for the Golden Hills in March. It was brough to the attention of our Humbug, Rick Veiga, that many of us were unable to make it up to the family's memorial due to short notice, so we wanted to take this opportunity to offer our own memories, and to do it near where Fred had lived.

We really want this to be a celebration, so on Saturday we are going to take advantage of there being two ECV watering holes in Frazier Park. For those of us who want to get together over brunch, La Sierra Mexican Restaurant will be open from 9am. I highly recommend it. Veronica and her husband have been generous to us over the years, the food is muy buena, and our patronage is appreciated. From there we will move on to Tara's Tavern, next door. The bar opens at 11 am, and we will recite the Golden Hills ceremony at noon.

One fond memory of Fred I can share. He and our Vice Humbug Dave Staley erected the flagpole in front of Tara's Tavern, by digging a hole and filling it with a ton of hand mixed concrete. So thanks to Fred and Dave our flags fly high above Frazier Park.

As usual, our Getaway is open to all ECV Brothers in good standing. Even if you didn't know Fred, you have an open invitation to come on by and get to know his PXL Brothers. We typically meet from about noon to 3 pm, on the first Saturday of the month, either Santa Clarita or Frazier Park. We hope to see you there. - MRM

 

 

Hello Cloggites, and welcome back to this disgorgement edition of the PXL Clog. Yup. It's been a while, but no lie. I was out priming the jeep, but now that I can stop blowing on the paint, I'm ready to CLOG. So on behalf of the chapter, many thanks to all who made it up to our Spring Doin's. The weather was great, and the Clamping venue was first rate.

The location of our enclampment in Johannesburg was provided by PXL Brother Neil Shotwell and his Widder Holly, at what was formerly "The Rand School." The Shotwell's went to great effort and extra expense to host us, so we'd like to acknowledge their generosity and thanks them a whole bunch … maybe event two or three whole bunches. Because when was the last time you experienced both air conditioning and flush potties at a weekend PXL conclave?

 

We'd also like to welcome aboard the five new Brothers taken in at this Doin's. Pictured above (from left to right) are Phil Peterson, Ignacio Rangel, Austin Sanchez, Jim Stone and Bob Potter. And in the back row are our two vigilantes, Rolando Perez and John Lucchese, alongside our Grand Imperturbable Hangman, Robert Sanchez. They all did a fine job, and nobody tossed their cookies or ingested more than their share of crow. It was a "memorable, if clean, initiation."

 

As for the food. I certainly was impressed with our Clampchef, Frank "Guardrail" Webster. This is only his second year in this post, but he has years of experience cooking for large groups, and it has yielded great benefits for us.

At Frank's urging we retired our Saturday Morning Breakfast Potluck and turned it into a brunch, with everything being provided by the chapter. That made the kitchen easier to manage, increased food safety, and limited the amount of waste without limiting the variety. Frank even added a breakfast burrito rolling station, so, at your option, you could get your breakfast turned into Mexican food. Just think of it as an early gift wrap for Cinco de Mayo.

Converting breakfast to brunch also meant that our PBCs didn't have to start at 5 a.m., but that also meant that I didn't have to get up to take pictures at O'dark-thirty. So, OK. I'm down with it. But more importantly, Saturday's lunch often seemed like overkill. That was fine with "Jack" - -Russ "Hole's" late great faithful Clamping mutt -- but way too many dinnertime steaks were becoming doggie treats due to overstuffed Clamper bellies. Sometimes less is just more.

On Friday morning we were treated to an unofficial breakfast by Dennis "Hornhead" Horn, who brought along a serious amount of Mama Peggy's special pancake concoction. Hornhead took to the grill to spread Peggy's love, then went about feeding our hungry redshirts.

 

Saturday's plaquing in Randsburg was well attended. Neil Shotwell's family has deep roots in town, and Neil himself is the third-generation proprietor of "The Joint," which has been a local gathering spot since 1955. The Joint's 70 years as a community fixture is itself remarkable, but the building dates back to at least 1927, and before that was the successor to the original Randsburg steam bakery, which began operation in 1905 with the acquisition of an Edison Steam and Lighting Plant. Plaque on!

<- - -To read the plaque, just cick on it.

If you'd care to have a look, our photos from the weekend are on-line, though they are best viewed on a laptop or workstation, as trying to see them on a cell phone is less than satisfactory. For reasons that have left me scratching my head, my cell phone will severely limit the number of images it will display, and there are over 300 pictures available to see. Aside from the photos that I took, you'll also find a gallery by PXL's own Max "The Flash" Felser, and snaps of the dedication contributed by Brother Justin Wilson from Bodie chapter 64. So thanks, guys.

 

 

Before I move on to discuss future plans, I want to do a little catch-up, with a special nod to XXNGH AL Price and his Widder Jayne, who have helped fill me in on the details.

While the July 2024, Borel Fire has since been eclipsed in the press by the fires that ripped through Altadena and the Palisades in Los Angeles County, a little refresher on how we were affected by the Borel is in order.

The fire began when a drunk driver coming out of the Kern River Canyon, went over the side about three miles southwest of Lake Isabella. The fatal crash began a fire that quickly moved south through the mountains, west through the canyon, and east towards the Paiute Mountains. The fire also threatened to burn its way through Walker Basin before it was contained. It eventually consumed over 59,000 acres or over 92 and a half square miles.

Most of the historic town of Havilah was destroyed, along with the town museum. Our Brother XNGH Wes Kutzner and his Widder Janet, live in the area, but their home was spared, probably in part because a previous fire had cleared out much of the flammable vegetation around Bald Eagle Ranch.

Our Brother Mark "Scoop" Mutz and his Widder Dorothy lost their house and barn in Havilah, but with insurance, they've been able to purchase a home in Bakersfield. You all know Scoop as the moderator of our Facebook page, and he and Dorothy own "The Fence Post" paper which regularly features historical pieces written by Scoop.

The Havilah Historical Society took a really nasty hit. HHS is the local nonprofit organization that owns the Havilah Museum and the replica schoolhouse next door. Fire personnel were able to save the schoolhouse before it suffered too much damage, but the museum and its content were a total loss. The little museum building, which was a replica of the original Havilah Courthouse, served as a repository for many one-of-a-kind historic artifacts, and its exhibits illustrated the history of Havilah as Kern's first county seat. Almost all of the museum's contents are irreplaceable.

The Los Angeles Times did a news story on the damage, which I've attached here as a PDF. Wes is quoted in the article as saying that HHS will rebuild, but due to the high cost of insurance the building was uninsured, so there is no financial backstop.

Al Price, who is also active in HHS, says that because the building would have to be completely rebuilt, the county would mandate reconstruction using modern building standards, easily raising the costs of reconstruction somewhere around half a million dollars. Further complicating things is that much of what had been entrusted to the museum to celebrate the town's history is gone. So restoration is probably never going to happen.

I do have some photos that we took way before the fire, use this link to see the photos we took during 2014's Havilah Days and our concurrent erection commemorating the site of St. Joseph's Church, the original seat of Kern's first Catholic parish -- and its "lost" cemetery.

 

On a happier note, our Road's End plaque has been recovered by way of a search warrant and is now back in its proper location.

Al also told me that the next time someone steals it, it's going to be up to someone else to reglue it, assuming it's recovered. I guess Al's seen enough of that plaque. Its misfortunes have been well documented here and would probably make for a good episode of "The 'X' Files." They say the third time's the charm, so hopefully this time it stays put.

Admittedly, I toned down Al's missive a bit because we don't know how our star-crossed plaque ended up in storage alongside a bunch of other suspected stolen stuff. We don't even know who took the plaque or how. Al told me that the plaque wasn't bent and showed no pry marks, and it was apparently taken before fire passed through the area. So who the heck took our aluminum plaque but didn't cut it up? Could it be that he thought it looked cool?

Makes you kinda proud, in a warped kind of way. Doesn't it?

Al has also been otherwise busy. He was invited by the Kern County Genealogical Society to give a talk on the identity of Peter Lebeck, which Al did at the Beale Library Auditorium on February 18th. Several Clampers in full regalia showed up to cheer him on (I suspect there were free donuts), and the Brethren at the Spring Doin's were given a redux, where Al shared his research on 28 stories that speculated on Peter's identity. So now, thanks to AL, I'm even more confused.

So is there a chance we could go back to Johannesburg anytime soon? Well, the Shotwell's say we are welcome back, and our Brother, VNGH Dave Staley is busy researching the Johannesburg Cemetery as part of his Humbug year. He is seriously considering the dedication of a granite monument to the pioneers buried there, with the idea of going back to Johannesburg for our Spring 2026 Clampout.

The planning of the town of Johannesburg wasn't a haphazard thing. After the Rand Mountain gold strike in 1895, the Rand Mining District was established to bring order to the situation. The Rand encampment eventually drew thousands of men to work the diggin's, and when their families showed up they were in need of more than tents, but tents are prone to catching fire, and space in the newly formed town of "Randsburg" was limited.

The story goes that Rose Burcham, a partner in the "Yellow Aster" mine, and Kern's first resident physician, organized a school for the children, established sanitation, and took advantage of the fact that there was a flat piece of land southeast of town on which she laid out Johannesburg. She also buid an aqueduct to sustain both the people and the mining of gold, silver and tungsten which went on for over 50 years.

 

Over the weekend, the graybeards continued to discuss a possible joint Doin's with our Platrix Brothers. Ironically the main issue is no longer culture but costs and logistics.

Back in 1962, Peter Lebeck territory was cleaved out of Platrix, but our cause was championed by Jim Savage Chapter, up in Fresno. That marked us as a Central Valley chapter, while Platrix #2 remained Southern California's "Queen of the Cow Counties." I'll speculate that the politics surrounding our chartering left us somewhat estranged from Platrix despite the fact that our first erection in 1963, was a joint collaboration with our Platrix Brethren.

Sadly, over time, the cows left SoCal for other parts. Lebeck turned more blue collar, while Platrix maintained an air of affluence. It had the movie cowboys. It had big expensive rigs. It even had Pasadena's Caltech. Heck, John Wayne, Gene Autrey and Ronald Reagan had been taken in at Platrix. And they even would have claimed Dr. Goddard, the father of American rocketry, had he still been alive.

Don't believe me? Our Board of Proctors is on record as recognizing Platrix's claim to the moon as part of its territory.

Yet due to urban development, Clamping opportunities in Southern California have grown sparse for Platrix despite a mandate that covers Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties, with rights to Clamp in Santa Barbara.

On the positive side, our two chapters have grown closer in later years, and our brothers have come to have more in common. Our chapters have participated in several joint events where camaraderie has tightened, but we just haven't been able to put together a two-chapter joint Clampout. Our graybeards are taking it seriously. So never say never. We could be headed to the coast in the not-too-distant future.

 

We are saddened to learn that three of our constant Brothers have recently left us to prospect the Golden Hills. Aside from our long-time Ringmaster, Fred "Flintstone" Fenski, whose passing I noted in a March CLOG post, we've also lost Charles Aldrich, who we filched from Platrix, and Brian "Smurf" Feldpouch, who was sponsored by XNGH Myrl "Doc" Wallace, and taken in at our 2018 Old Timers' Three-way at the Piru Petroleum Club. He is survived by his Wife Karen, and was a longtime supporter of the Marine Association, and the Santa Maria and Santa Clarita Elks.

As for our Charles Aldrich, he retired as an engineer and has been a quiet presence at our Clampouts for years. He had hearing issues so he wasn't the chatiest of red shirt, but his smile was infectious, and he enjoyed being with his Brothers as much as we enjoyed his presence.

Safe journey, dear Brothers. You will be missed, until we meet again along the trail.

 

On Saturday we came together for our unofficial "First Saturday of the month" Red Shirt Getaway -- this one at the Elks' Lodge in Santa Clarita. XNGH Dale "Top" Turner had declared it to be a "wear your vest" event, but either the dog ate mine or I left it in Jaime Filkins' trailer after Randsburg. Either way, no one offered me a loaner, so I had to go half-dressed. But while I was there, I learned a few things.

Our Brother, Mike "12 Volt" Mazzetti, who is both our Hawker and a well-respected sound engineer, has offered to help with our sound problem by offering to donate from both his own resources and his labor and expertise. The trailer could also use some internal lighting so that we don't have to rummage around in the dark to find stuff.

The chapter will have to buy some hardware and equipment, but we have the funds for these improvements, and the Humbug has approved up to $1,000 to get it done.

The plan is to wire the inside of the trailer with lights, with timed three-way switching at both ends, and install a couple of large, solar rechargeable battery packs that can provide standard house current enough to run a 120 volt amplifier and speakers that we can use for PBC interrogations and public events where 120 is not available.

Of course, we'll need a work party to take everything out of the trailer and put it all back together once the upgrades are completed, so be prepared to raise your hand when the time comes.

 

Speaking of volunteers, the chapter finally acquired that automated defibrillator we had discussed for years. AEDs are expensive, but with the help of Brother Rob Fosberg, who is an assistant fire chief at USC, one was donated to us as a 501(c)(3) charity by Cardio Partners, Inc., of Dublin, Ohio.

Rob also set up training for our guys. The chapter then paid for the presentation on how to use the machine and how to do CPR. It also purchased first aid and bleed control kits to round out what we might need in the field.

Including Rob, the Brothers who participated in the training were Scott Bickle, Miike Brandriff, Wayne Edwards, Hollis Dyer, and Humbug Rick Veiga. The idea being that one or more of them would be available to render first aid at a Clampout should one of us be in distress. There are eight redshirts in the attached photo, but the class was limited to six due to the available number of dumbies.

 

The fact that the passing of Brother Fred "Flintstone" Fenski took many of us by surprise meant that only a few redshirts were able to make it up to Frazier Park for his family's memorial celebration of his life. Fred was not just a long-time member of our chapter, but both he and Dave "Boulder" Staley served as the longtime Ringmasters of Petey's Flying Circus, making sure that the chaos of unpacking, setting-up and repacking our kit was kept to a minimum. Fred took care of us, so it was agreed that we should do our own memorial to Fred at the next Red Shirt Getaway, on Saturday, June 7th in Frazier Park at noon. If you'd like to join us ahead of time for breakfast, Veroinca will be expecting us next door at La Sierra Mexican Restaurant about 10 a.m.

As for "What is a Red Shirt Saturday Getaway?" Most of you know the drill, but if you haven't come out before, put on your red shirt and join us regardless of chapter. It's just an informal get together. If you have a prospective PBC, bring him along as well. We typically start at noon and go as long as 3 p.m.

 

Lastly, our Humbug, Rick "Hardluck" Veiga, has confirmed that our Fall Clampout will take place at Fort Tejon State Park, the weekend of September 26-28, 2025. So put it on your Clamping calendar. Early arrivals on Thursday, September 25th, are welcome, but as usual, you'll be required to pitch-in and you are reminded that you are on your own for food until Friday afternoon, though there are plenty of conveniences nearby.

Because state park reservations have to be resolved through Sacramento and can only be made six months in advance, we always glue XNGH Mark "Pokey" Crawford to his seat, make sure his phone is charged, and give him a bottle of "No Doze" to keep him alert. Thanks to Pokey, we got the reservation.

I can tell you that Fort Tejon is one of our most popular Clamping spots. It's literally right off Interstate 5. It's easy to get into the Clampsite, and unlike other years there will be no length limits on RVs. If you've been thinking of buying a bus, now you've got a great excuse!

Sign-up information will be up soon, so check back. I promise not to forget to write.

 

It is with great sadness that PXL announces the passing to the Golden Hills of our friend, Brother and benefactor, Francesco I, aka "Bakersfield Frankie," who began his final journey on Easter Monday this week. Of all the men who have aspired to attain Clamperdom, Frankie was among the most noted and celebrated. That he was a member of our noble chapter was not so much a matter of pride but a sign of what it meant to be humble and of service to others. For Frankie truly believed in caring for the widows and orphans, and in feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.

Admittedly it had been a while since we had seen Frank. Ever since a bunch of guys took away his red shirt, put him in that silly white suit and gave him a very busy job. It no longer left him any time for Clamping, but he always had his Brothers at PXL in his heart.

Final services for Frankie are scheduled for tomorrow, April 26, 2025, in Vatican City. Because of the short notice, it is not clear who among us with be in our official delegation, though they will be traveling incognito so as not to draw attention. But for those of you watching on TV, they'll be easy to pick out. They'll be the guys wearing the red shirts.

--MGM

Just a few last-minute notes for those joining us for this week's "Randsburg Uprising," PXL's Spring Doin's in Randsburg and Johannesburg, California.

Our exclusive Hardluck Weather Prognosticator ^tm tells us to expect clear skies, with Thursday's temperatures climbing into the high 80's during the day and declining into the mid-50's at night; with highs moderating as the weekend progresses. While rain is extremely unlikely, this is springtime, so keep your desert wits about you. Bring plenty of shade but expect winds out of the west on Saturday. Burn barrels are OK, but make sure to keep them off the ground and to keep water and a shovel on-site.

Parking is limited to the lot adjacent to the schoolhouse, and we are expecting attendance somewhere in the eighties. So if you are asked to adjust your location by our Clamps Hostrix, Rodney Robinson, or his parking crew, do it with a smile. We have room for everybody, just not for "circle the wagons" style set-ups. For safety purposes, the area closest to the school is reserved for tents and our Graybeards. Due to our limited supply of Graybeards we prefer that they not be converted to roadkill.

On your way in, and especially if you are driving a rig, make sure to follow the Randsburg Road all the way up to US 395, where you'll turn right towards Johannesburg. Side streets shown on maps that lead into Jo-berg are not suitable for RVs. If you crave more, our flyer, including directions, can be downloaded from our Spring Doin's registration page.

See you this weekend, and please come by and say "Hi!" In fact, everybody is encouraged to do a "walk-about." Our chapter is known for its camaraderie, and the best way to get to know each other is to spend some time visiting. And please make a point of welcoming guests and Brothers we haven't seen for a while. Sometimes our guys have to move away, but when we are fortunate enough to have them visit, it's good to recement our Clamper Bond.

If you haven't signed-up for our Spring Doin's at Randsburg, you're about out of time because registration ends Friday at midnight! Forget the round ball and think bread bowl because this isn't the "Final Four," it's the one-and-only Peter Lebeck Spring Doin's, and if you miss it, your brain will be feeling the rebound.

So drop the remote, and do it now if you haven't done it yet, because at Peter Lebeck we don't take walk-ins and we don't regroove retreads. Use our electronic registration page by clicking on this link, then Zelle us your rub before it is too late.

Our monthly Red Shirt Getaway will again take place this Saturday, May 5th, at the Elks' Lodge in Santa Clarita, from noon until 3 p.m. If you still need to pay, or there are problems with your registration paperwork, you can take care of it at the Getaway, but no new sign-up will be accepted on Saturday, so make sure you are signed-up by Friday at midnight, or plan on staying home with the honey-do's and whatever old Mojave Desert travelogues you can find on YouTube.

 

 

 

We are sad to announce the departure to the Golden Hills of our esteemed Brother, Fred "Flintstone" Fenski of the Bedrock Clan of Frazier Park. We knew we could always count on Fred over the many years that he and his bestest PXL Brother, Dave Staley, volunteered as ringmasters to Petey's Flying Circus. We claimed Fred as our own, but it was through the misfortune of the Big C that Fred had to leave us and our claim ultimately relinquished. Fred was part of the bedrock of our chapter and his hail will be missed.

Our condolences go to his Widder Denise and to our Brother Damon, whom Fred always loved as his own son and whose mutual love and respect brightened our conclaves.

A memorial for Fred will be held this weekend at Tara's Tavern, 3440 Mount Pinos Way, Frazier Park, CA 93225, at 1 pm, Saturday, March 15th. All concerned are invited, and your finest Clamper regalia will be appreciated as a sign of respect for our Brother. May the One who made us ease his path through the Golden Hills. Amen.

 

 

 

Welcome my brothers to Clamp year 6030!

I'm Rick "Hardluck" Veiga, and I am your brand spanking new Noble Grand Humbug here to guide the finest ECV chapter on earth through another great year of educating, commemorating and dedicating to the history of Kern County.

I have a cracker box team of fine brothers along for the ride as officers and functionaries, led by none other than the infamous Dave "Boulder" Staley as Vice Humbug. Our aim is to bring together PXL brothers from all reaches of the planet and to learn some history along the way.

Our year's first Clampout will begin with a trip to Randsburg, the most famous mining town in the Mojave Desert, where we'll be dedicating a plaque to the former Randsburg Steam Bakery which dates back to the late1890's and later served as a general store well past the Second World War. In 1955, the place became known as "The Joint," and has remained in the Shotwell family ever since. Our PXL Brother, Neil Shotwell, owns this landmark building which has been an important part of this town's history since 1899.

Our four-day enClampment will put down stakes in nearby Johannesburg, Thursday, April 10th through Sunday the 13th, at what was formally the public elementary school, thanks to a savvy purchase by our brother Neil. We'll have plenty of indoor space for our activities, but outdoor space is limited to 100 guests, so register early to make sure you can get in.

We anticipate a large crowd for this event and one heck of humdinger dedication ceremony on Saturday, April 12th in downtown Randsburg at 10:12 a.m. If you can't make the weekend, please try and come out on Saturday for the dedication.

Our monthly "Saturday Redshirt Getaway" has been very successful. If you haven't been, it's just an informal get-together on the first Saturday of the month from noon to 3 pm. They're open to all ECV members in good standing and their potential PBCs. There's a "no host" bar, and admission is always free.

We have been to the Elks' Lodge in Santa Clarita for most of our Getaways, but we'll also be having a few at Tara's Tavern in Frazier Park, which is a very convenient location for both Kern and Los Angeles County Brothers. If you're available, please drop by for a visit and a libation. Don't forget, La Sierra Restaurant is next door for breakfast or lunch if you're rolling on an empty belly.

Lastly, we will be returning to Fort Tejon State Park in the Fall for a comprehensive investigation surrounding the "Great Bean Disaster of '23". Rumor has it some old X Bear was seen tinkering around inside the cook shack prior to "¡La Desmadre!" Others claim they witnessed the ghost of a French mountain man wandering around the Clamp urgently mumbling, "Oui, oui. Oui, oui . . ." Regardless, we will have a forensics team made up of PXL investigators to bring the truth to light!

If you have a PBC, remember, he needs to speak to me or to a Graybeard ahead of time for our approval if he wants to approach the portal. He'll also have to fill out a separate application. An acceptable candidate should truly be interested in our root cause of memorializing history in this great county, or at least be "history curious" and have something positive to offer to the Order's goals of greater Brotherhood and service. Vetting can happen by way of an in person visit, a phone call or even some form of follow-up to an email. The point is, we are a fun and often self-effacing, irreverent bunch; but we're Brothers, we have a purpose, and we're not just some party crew.

Lastly, Brother, I encourage you to get involved with your chapter.

We have functionary positions we need to fill each year and it's far from demanding. You can speak to Vice Humbug Dave Staley or myself for more information.

Here's to another successful Clampyear -HUZZAH!