The man smoking the cigar is the ancient roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 to 181 AD), often referred to as "The Wise" and known for writing his "Meditations"on how to live a good life. He is western history's only example of a Philosopher King in the tradition of Plato.

(Click here for excellent video on Aurelius and his philosophy)

The Greek letters, Gamma and Sigma, on either side of Marcus, represent "G S" for Grind Stone

3 = 3rd chapter of the Grindstone (Grindstone board, Grindstone Club and Grindstone resurrected)
99 = The year the Grindstone history was rediscovered.

Grindstone Club Motto

Logos - Philos - Arete

Reason - Brotherhood - Excellence

Grindstone Club Mission Statement

The Grindstone Club is a historic group made up of men dedicated to the history and development of Shasta County, and to handling all the problems of government—internal, national and global—through erudite discussion on the relevant issues of the time (and of all time) amongst a brotherhood of peers while enjoying some of the finer things in life.

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Grindstone Club Rules and Traditions 

Grindstones - Full membership in the Grindstone requires that you have been tokened.

Gemstones - The significant Ladies in the lives of members of the Grindstone Club. Future functions to be devised by Gamma Sigma will include joint meetings between Grindstones and Gemstones. Gemstones will be encouraged to plan their own functions in order to get to know each other. 

Initiates - Former prospects who have passed the initial membership requirements and have been given a mission to earn their token.

Sponsors - Members who choose to invite a Prospect to the Grindstone Club. A Sponsor is expected to vouch for the character, and be accountable for the conduct of, the Prospect. The Prospect should be introduced to Grindstone Club members at each meeting by their Sponsor. The Sponsor should prepared to give an account as to why he thinks the Prospect should be considered for membership, and should prepare the Prospect to be able to meet criteria for becoming an Initiate.

Prospects - Potential members who are men of good character and are interested in becoming a member, and who must be invited and sponsored by an existing member. Nominations should be made to Gamma Sigma, who will then perform an Inquisition. If the Prospect passes the Inquisition, he will become an Initiate and be given an individualized mission in order to earn his token.

Guests - People invited to visit the Grindstone Club who either do not qualify for membership or have no current intention of joining. Examples would include friends or family members who are visiting from out of town or stopping by for some other reason.

Feeding the Kitty - While dues are not currently required, all members and initiates are encouraged to periodically feed the kitty $5 when attending the Grindstone Club in order to help defray operating costs.

Token Challenge - If two or more Grindstones find themselves at a drinking establishment, a Grindstone can challenge the other(s) as to whether they have their token on their person or not. If the challengee does not, then he owes the challenger a beverage of his choice. However, it is wise to not challenge frivolously, for if the challengee does have his token then the challenger must buy the challengee a beverage. Woe to the Grindstone who challenges another while not having his own token in his possession! (remember that extra and/or replacement tokens are available for $10 at the Grindstone store) You can only challenge one person at a time. If you should wish to challenge several members at once (like you are feeling generous and want to buy a round), indicate this by stating the specific names, or "I challenge each and every one of you!" This way a Grinder won't/can't "Challenge-Jump" because he wants a free drink. Also, if a Grindstone forgets his token and is among several members, don't gang-up on him by spreading the news or just being a by-stander who now takes advantage of a Brother. (unless you deem he really deserves it)

Legal Token Carry - It must be a complete token (not a one-sided pin; any/all J. W. Potts, Golden Eagle Cigar Store, or Gamma Sigma tokens qualify), and must be in your direct possession. Direct possession means carried on your person or within arms-reach. It does not count (for Challenger or Challengee) if it is in your car, across the room, in your locker, etc. This means it can be in your wallet, on a chain around your neck, on your key ring, lighter, money clip, etc., as long as that item is in you direct possession.

Violations - If a Grindstone thinks a Brother is abusing either the Token Challenge or Carry rule, it can be brought to the attention of the nearest Gamma Sigma member for adjudication and meting out of justice. (generally a drink for a drink: "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.")

Member Number - All tokened members are duly numbered according to chronological order of tokening; all members will be expected to know their number; their number shall be interchangeable with their name for all Grindstone Club communication purposes. 

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