Lazy Clubs

Oskaloosa, Jefferson Co., Kansas – During the dull times, in the early history of Oskaloosa (pre-1861 statehood) several of the most prominent men organized themselves into a “Lazy Club.” Among them were G.B. Carson, Thomas H. Noble, Abram Sinnard and W. Trapp. Carson was president for a long time. The club had rigid rules, and if any member was seen to have any implement of labor, his case was promptly investigated, and if he was proven guilty of having performed any work, he was expelled. The badge of distinction was a Barlow knife, which was awarded to the champion lazy man.

At one time Tom Noble and Abe Sinnard were contestants. They were lying under the large oak tree, by the roadside, north of town, when the stage drove toward the spot where they were. Thinking it about to run over him, Noble rolled just out of the path, but Sinnard simply asked the driver to drive around. He got the knife.

Mary gave him a bran-new “Barlow” knife worth twelve and a half cents; and the convulsion of delight that swept his system shook him to his foundations. True, the knife would not cut anything, but it was a “sure-enough” Barlow, and there was inconceivable grandeur in that – though where the Western boys ever got the idea that such a weapon could possibly be counterfeited to its injury, is an imposing mystery and will always remain so, perhaps.– The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain

Trapp afterward carried it for a long time, but finally had to give it up to a man living below town, who was too lazy to carry it himself, but had his little boy tie a string to it and drag it after him. He kept it until the club disbanded. – William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, Jefferson County, Part 11.

Columbus, Cherokee Co., Kansas – The “Lazy Man’s Club” meets in the shade on the east side of the Court House every afternoon for the dispatch of business and to discuss politics, eat melons &c. Stringent by-laws and rules have been adopted. No man can be admitted who is not naturally and constitutionally “tired,” and any member found guilty of doing any manual labor or exercise is immediately expelled. Motions are made and put in sections. It takes two men to second a motion, (it being considered too much exertion for one). Ministers are ex-officio honorary members. No member is excused for being absent at a meeting unless he states upon his honor that he was too lazy to attend. The membership of the order is constantly increasing and promises to be larger than that of any other organization. – The Border Star (newspaper), Aug. 1, 1879.

Boston, Massachusetts – [The Boston Advertiser syndicated a lengthy article about Edward Kent, a two-time governor of Maine, a former member of the legislature, mayor of Bangor, Maine, consul to Rio Janeiro, a judge, and more, and an 1821 Harvard graduate.] The alumni of Harvard college, who have of late years missed the familiar face of Edward Kent, will be glad to hear that the first volume of the Maine Historical society’s collections contains a memoir of this distinguished lawyer, judge and civilian – a man who was always universally popular, and yet was most decided in his opinions and had the courage of his convictions under all circumstances … He had no rank in college, and, in truth, was president of the “Lazy club,” having been obliged to explain on one occasion for being seen to run in the college yard. His excuse was that some one pushed him, and he was too lazy to stop.” From the El Dorado Republican, El Dorado, Kansas.

Columbus, Cherokee Co., Kansas – The lazy man’s club seeks the shady side of the court house of afternoons just as natural as a duck takes to water. Jim Wilson has resigned the presidency and Van Bennett has been elected in his place. The reason Van was elected was, that last year he was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws of the club. He was too lazy to write them, and of course came in for first place this year. A committee has been appointed to hire someone to draft the laws of the club. – Columbus Courier, July 15, 1880.

Buffalo, New York – Lazy Club. They have a “Lazy Club” in Buffalo. A member was expelled the other day for running down a hill; and another for talking with a person in the street without leaning against a post. – The Sunbury Gazette, Sunbury, Pennsylvania, Aug. 24, 1839.

Lawrence, Douglas Co., Kansas – Lawrence has a “Lazy” Club and one of the rules of the association is that no member shall be allowed to hold stock in the concern after he accepts a position with any employer. – Lawrence Daily Gazette, Jan. 30, 1894.

Columbus, Cherokee Co., Kansas – A member of the “Lazy Man’s Club at Columbus has been expelled because he assisted his wife in stretching the clothes line. – The Junction City Weekly Union, Aug. 16, 1879.

Brooklyn, New York – A member of the “Brooklyn Lazy Club” has just been expelled for going at a faster gait than a walk. The recusant offered in mitigation of sentence the fact that the Sheriff was after him, but the society was inexorable. – Newport Daily News, Rhode Island, July 17, 1851.

Annapolis, Maryland – They have a lazy club at Annapolis, Md., every member of which is compelled to take a snooze daily under the trees in front of the State House. In case any member who lies down in the shade rolls over when the sun comes round, he is instantly expelled. – The Times Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, Aug. 17, 1839.

London, England – The Lazy Club. A club with this name existed not many years ago in London. The members of the fraternity generally met attired in their nightgowns, with their stockings about their heels, and frequently with only a single stocking on. Their salutation on entering, was a yawn and a stretch, and then without further ceremony, each took his place at the lolling table. – New England Farmer, Boston, Massachusetts, Jan. 3, 1844.

[Ed.: Women were apparently not allowed to be lazy in the 1860s.]

These articles appeared in “Yesteryears” in April 2019. https://www.jchsks.com/publications