CHARTER RULES FOR A CALIFORNIA HARLEY DAVIDSON CLUB

The charter rules of Barbaric Creed, a Harley Davidson motorcycle club, which likely was formed in Southern California in the 1970s. The four-page document is housed in a commercial blue cardstock folder with no date or location. There are no mentions of Barbaric Creed in newspaper reports or in references on 20th century motorcycle clubs. The date and location offered are presumed because of unrelated materials acquired along with this folder.

The first page of the document is a preamble which is followed by three pages of rules concerning membership, recruitment, and conduct. In addition to being Harley Davidson riders only, members are required (truncated) to attend 2/3 of meetings and be "responsible for their prospects, and their ol' ladies actions."

Given the menacing name and some of the language in the rules, it appears the club was in the "outlaw" camp. Members could not join other clubs or belong to law enforcement, anyone who left the group was required to forfeit their colors, and any "beefs" would be settled internally. The rules conclude: "This club does not condone the use or possession of drugs, alcohol or any controlled substances (This is just a disclaimer of responsibility). If any member or members engage in illegal activity that's your business. Don't involve the club. Don't even think about rippin off a brother - it will be your ass if you do."

A unique and compelling internal document from the underground world of postwar American motorcycle clubs and gangs. (Inventory #: 76902)