Every year, during the final weekend of August, the brotherhood of the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, William Downie Chapter 1849, descend upon the town of Downieville for their annual "Tin Cup Doins;" a grand and noble tradition dating back to the gold rush days that celebrates the rich history and heritage of the town. The town of Downieville is often referred to as "the Cradle of Clamperdom," or the birthplace of the modern Order. Clampatriarch Adam Lee Moore is noted to be buried in the Downieville cemetery, who within Clamper Lore, is credited with resurrection of the order to its modern status as a historical society from its former days as a fraternal brotherhood amongst miners. Many of the bronze commemorative plaques that can be seen marking historical sites and artifacts throughout the town are rememberances bestowed by the modern ECV brethren; many of such plaques can be seen about numerous historical mining sites throughout the western United States.
