Notes from the Cabin in the Sky
My assignment was to go deep undercover, within an ancient historical society, and report back to you on what exactly the T.R.A.S.H. was doing at the Virginia City Fairgrounds last week. I am happy to report that I made it out alive.
"Credo Quia Absurdum - I believe because it is absurd." - ECV Motto
My assignment was to go deep undercover, within an ancient historical society, and report back to you on what exactly the T.R.A.S.H. was doing at the Virginia City Fairgrounds last week. I am happy to report that I made it out alive.
The Trans-Sierra Roisterous Alliance of Senior Humbugs, or T.R.A.S.H., is a group within E Clampus Vitus. A Humbug is (depending on the definition) either a joke, the past or present leader of an ECV chapter, or both. The T.R.A.S.H. group convenes once a year somewhere in the western US for a historical trek, and in doing so raises money for local historical societies and erects historical monuments. They also publish a history book for each event. This year, the group celebrated 50 years. It was formed in 1975 by Carl Briggs and Marsh Fey. The name Marsh Fey will be familiar to historians and longtime residents...Fey was the legendary slot machine expert, owner of the Liberty Bell restaurant, and one of the founding members of our own JCB 1864 chapter of E Clampus Vitus. He passed away last year and is missed by many.
This year, the group traced the route of the first two treks from 1975 and 76, covering an area from Verdi to Markleeville. They also dedicated two plaques in Virginia City at the ECV building commemorating illustrious members Gino Oliver and the afore-mentioned Marsh Fey.
As a bit of a humbug myself, I was excited to join this event. It was filled with fascinating people from across the western United States and was a great chance to reconnect with old friends.
One such friend is Sid Blumner, an E Clampus Vitus luminary and an inspiration to me and countless others. I was privileged to spend a morning with Sid touring historical sites from Genoa to Markleeville. Sid is the author of "Seeing the Elephant" which is both a history of his chapter and a memoir of his own experiences in ECV.
Back at camp, meals were served and presentations given. In spite of my undercover reporter status, there are parts of this gathering that I simply can not reveal as I was placed under a most powerful oath. I may in fact have already said too much. For those who are curious, our local chapter of E Clampus Vitus meets monthly on the first Tuesday at their building in Virginia City, and remains dedicated to historical preservation and fraternal brotherhood.
Signing off,
AG
1: Event Leader Dan McCormick in his traditional attire on the left with members of the Fey family and event leader Brandon Wilding on the right. 2: Humbugs receive a lesson from Lee Brunell at the Donovan Mill. 3: Ed and Augie Fey at the JCB Hall. 4: The conclave at camp.
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