In what was thought to be a bygone era, fraternal organizations were the driving force behind local communities. Americans just could not get enough of these groups, from the Masons to local road-building organizations; citizens banded together for whatever struck their fancy.
Those organizations faded over the past century, but the cultural memory of a fraternal order still lingered. In 2000, some Coloradans reestablished an old mining organization, “The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (ECV).” ECV is a non-profit fraternal organization dedicated to the study and preservation of Western heritage. The group focuses on research sites of historical interest (though perhaps not of interest to mainstream historians) and erects plaques to mark them. The Al Packer Chapter 100, Colorado, was chartered in 2000 — the year 6005 on ECV’s idiosyncratic calendar. It is a fit of humor that they named the chapter after the infamous cannibal Alfred Packer, who ate his buddies in 1874.
The local members of the ECV have long been known to wear their red shirts and leather jackets adorned with patches important to the organization at gatherings that document the region’s history.
But recently, the local ECV members wanted to do more for the community and decided to organize the WC100, which raises funds for locals in need.
Their first fundraising effort went to the Custer County Community Sharing Center.
The center operates in a building just to the north of Watson Land Company in Westcliffe, which believes, “that no one should go hungry. Every Friday, the Center’s food pantry serves Custer County households experiencing food scarcity–7,500 seniors, adults, and children annually.”
On a brilliant spring day on Monday, May 11, members of the Westcliffe 100 met with the Sharing Center at the Bluff Park and donated $1,500. In a press release, the Westcliffe 100 stated, “Through the support and graciousness of our entire community, sponsors, and WC 100 board members, we were proud to present a donation check for $1,500 to the Custer County Community Sharing Center! Thank you to all for helping and supporting your local WC 100 Foundation and our community initiatives! Learn more about us at www.WC100.org.”
The Sharing Center Manager, Cindy Wilson, exclaimed, “This $1,500 will buy a lot of funds that we can donate through the Sharing Center.”
The Westcliffe 100 has a series of future projects planned that will help a wide range of locals in the region. Be sure to say thanks when you see ECV members decked out in their fun outfits.
For those who want to donate money, food, or time to the Sharing Center, call 719-783-3303 and leave a message.
Jordan Hedberg
