**This class will be taught In-Person**
This minicourse provides an informative and entertaining introduction to three colorful segments of California history. It will largely focus on the role of “The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus” (ECV), a fraternal organization that prospered during the California Gold Rush and was later revived in the 1930s. The histories will be presented from the perspective of ECV by instructors who are active and enthusiastic members of the organization and who will be presenting in the full regalia of the order.
Week by Week Outline
Week 1: The History of “The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus”
● The origins of the order in myth and fact
● How the order found its way to California and why it was such a successful match to the social atmosphere during the Gold Rush
● The revival of the order in the 1930s
● ECV as a social fraternity (“brothers of equal indignity”)
● The role of ECV as custodians of California history and its preservation
● Famous members of ECV
Week 2: The Story of Emperor Norton I, His Impact on the City of San Francisco and ECV
● The story of Joshua Norton and how he evolved from a successful California businessman to “Norton I, The Emperor of The United States and Protector of Mexico”
● How Emperor Norton reflected the social and economic order of post-Civil War San Francisco
● Emperor Norton’s portrayal in literature and the media
● The legacy of Emperor Norton in the history of San Francisco
● The ongoing spiritual connection between Emperor Norton and ECV
Week 3: “Drake’s Plate of Brasse” - ECV and the Greatest Hoax in California History
● The mythical and documented history of Sir Francis Drake’s visit to Northern California
● The interest and historical research surrounding Drake’s visit by the California academic community
● The discovery of “Drake’s Plate of Brasse” and the excitement and acceptance by California historians ● The role of ECV in the story of “Drake’s Plate of Brasse”
● The story of how the “Plate of Brasse” was eventually discovered to be a well-executed (and perhaps non-intentional) hoax
● Lessons learned from the “Plate of Brasse” story
