Gonzales Stag Saloon Not Forgotten

GONZALES, Calif. - KSBW.com

The Stag Saloon in Gonzales may be gone, but it's certainly not forgotten.

"It's the history of California," said former E Clampus Vitus Humbug John Wright.

At a ceremony downtown, a group of merry hucksters celebrated the venue that stood on a lot for more than 100 years. The Monterey Viejo Chapter of E Clampus Vitus, or the Clampers as they are known, held the event.

"This was more than a bar or saloon or tavern. It was a meeting place for the local community," said Grand Humbug Carl Taylor.

The active fraternity dates back to California's gold rush of the 1840s.

"We've got everybody from rocket scientists to bikers. It's a mix. There are businessmen, upstanding members of the community, not-so-upstanding members of the community," said Taylor.

The Clampers said they love to celebrate tradition all in good fun.

"We're a professional drinking society. There is a difference," said Wright.

To them, the Stag Saloon, like a lot of venues in what was then the Wild West, is just as important as the first courthouse or train station and that's why Taylor said the group made the effort since they believe we should honor all that had a role in making our state great.

"This one, obviously, is not here anymore and it would be a real shame for it to be forgotten. It's part of the history that made Gonzales where it is today," Taylor said.

The Stag Saloon was the oldest building in Gonzales at one time and was built in 1873 and torn down in 1985.

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