Clampers continue to preserve history; new monument at Fountain Springs fire station | Photos | recorderonline.com

A celebration of history and brotherhood united the gentlemen known as the The Clampers, also known as the E Clampus Vitus Tulare County Chapter No. 1855, a fraternal brotherhood in Tulare County that works to preserve lesser known California history.

Saturday was the unveiling of a new monument to local history at Fountain Springs next to the the fire station.

The events began at the old Dutch Frontier restaurant in Ducor and continued to Cow Punchers in Fountain Springs, ending at the site of the new commemorative plaque.

The monument was built largely by the current head of The Clampers, Humbug R.J. Behrens.

The plauque recognizes early explorers, during and after the age of the Spanish, describing many of them as hunters, miners, and criminals.

Behrens included frontier legend, Christophern (Kit) Houston Carson, an American frontiersman in his presentation. He was a fur trapper, wilderness guide, Indian agent and U.S. Army officer. He also spoke of Thomas “Pegleg” Smith, who was a notorious Wild West fur trapper, gold prospector and most notably a famous horse thief. James Savage was another western hero who came to California in the 1800s and fought in the Mexican War, settling with Native Americans here in the Valley.

"We are western and local lore historians," he said. "That is our purpose first and foremost."

Behrens said the goal of The Clampers is to recognize history that's not usually taught in schools. Tulare County is rich in western history with mining behind the origins of many small towns that no longer exist.

Local Historian Bill Horst was on hand to add his breadth of knowledge to the presentation. He said gold was discovered in Tulare County in the White River area around 1856 when the White River Mining Company was founded as a gold camp during the Kern River Gold Rush.

With 50 chapters in 11 states, there were several chapters of The Clampers on hand Saturday.

Member Michael Alba expressed The Clampers are more than just a historical organization; they're a family.

"It was just a few months after I joined that my car broke down on the I-5," he said. "I put out a call for help and within a few minutes I had eight brothers asking me where I was and what I needed. They showed up quicker than AAA and towed my car. Any of us would do that for anyone of use. These are just good guys."

The requisites to become a Clamper are a good sense of humor, an interest in Western history, an open mind, and a sponsor from within the organization.

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