FAQ
Q: How can I start a chapter of The Corduroy Appreciation Club where I live?
A: Use the “contact us” link to give the particulars or where, when, and who, and we will work with you to help you start a chapter. We’ll guide you through the process and help you as much as we can. The CAC seeks worldwide domination and your chapter is an important piece of that goal. It is our destiny.
Q: Aside from 1|11 and 11|11, are there any other dates you have meetings?
A: No. These are the dates which resemble Corduroy. They are the chosen dates. We have no choice but to meet then.
Q: What is the Corduroy Appreciation Club’s stance on horizontal corduroy?
A: Our slogan dictates, “All Wales Welcome,” and we take this very seriously. So, in a nutshell, we love horizontal Corduroy. In fact, at our inaugural meeting we gave the founder of Cordarounds, horizontal Corduroy pants, our Award for Exemplary Usage of Corduroy.
Q: What’s The Whale’s name and why is it everywhere?
A: The Whale is our most important symbol as well as our mascot. The mascot is named, by club vote, Roy du Cord. Whale is a homonym of “wale.” Wales are the raised portion of Corduroy. And we like whales. They are mysterious, social, enduring creatures. These are attributes we admire about Corduroy and ones we wish to embody ourselves.
Q: Does the CAC have a particular political slant?
A: No, although some have speculated that Corduroy fabric represent a political leaning. We have no further comment on the issue and welcome any and all under our own big tent. Our slogan, “All Wales Welcome,” is meant to encourage any and all, regardless of race, creed, national origin, political or religious affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, age, or marital status.
Q: Is there such a thing as Corduroy underwear? If so, what side goes in?
A: We imagine there must be Corduroy underwear, but we don’t know for sure. We would like to have some.
Q: As a member, do I have to wear Corduroy all the time?
A: It is only mandatory that you wear Corduroy to meetings; a minimum of two items (also referred to as the “Two Item Rule.”). But, as a member of the CAC it is important that you best represent your organization, so we encourage wearing Corduroy as much as possible. Besides, we may be watching you at any time.
Q: I have an old Corduroy item that is basically threadbare, but I can’t bear to part with it. What should I do?
A: It’s always hard to say goodbye. If it’s absolutely necessary, we recommend either burning or burying the item. Tossing it in the trash is simply not a suitable option and you will feel bad for being so thoughtless.
Q: Where can I find really high quality Corduroy?
A: Please see our resources page (link).
Q: Did you know that Corduroy means “the king’s Cloth” in French?
A: The Corduroy Appreciation Club’s believes this is nothing more than propaganda that has been spun and ultimately designed to malign. There is no truth behind this myth.
Q: What are the Corduroy Appreciation Club’s thoughts on velvet?
A: Velvet, or “The Fog,” or “poor mans Corduroy” is a great deceiver. From a distance it looks like Corduroy, but then disappoints when up close. We’re not fond. But it is looks good on Leprechauns.
Q: Where is the Corduroy Appreciation Club headquartered?
A: Our international center of operation is located in an undisclosed location in Brooklyn, NY. Someday, with your help, we will have an actual clubhouse.
Q: What happens if I reveal some of the Club secrets?
A: You will be considered a traitor, have your membership materials confiscated and be banished from all Club functions. You will regret your mistake.
Q: What is the source or origin of The Corduroy Appreciation Club?
A: The idea for the “Corduroy Club” was hatched in the year 2000 after President Miles Rohan experienced a powerful “Corduroy vision” in the streets of La Paz, Bolivia (the world’s highest city). At that time, used clothing shops throughout La Paz were rich with discarded North American Corduroy from the 19070’s and 80’s. Rohan packed his suitcases with vintage Corduroy and moved to New York City where he felt a need for Corduroy fellowship. Wishing to emulate old social clubs like The Elks and The Masons, and taking inspiration from Fluxus Happenings of the 1960’s, Rohan set out to form The Corduroy Appreciation Club.
Over the next few years, Rohan distributed Corduroy swathed business cards to the Corduroy clad, placed invitations to join his club in Corduroy items sold at clothing stores, and attempted to recruit members on the streets of New York with a placard reading, ‘Do you like Corduroy?’
The efforts met resistance. The Corduroy cards were destroyed or immediately disposed of. Rohan was laughed at, harassed, reprimanded, nearly apprehended and the initial Corduroy Club website was sabotaged. However, with sustained vision, and the help of a few loving people the club came to fruition. In the fall of 2005, The Corduroy Appreciation met for the first time on the date which most closely resembles Corduroy, 11|11. Approximately 50 people attended. The historic, inaugural meeting was profiled in The New Yorker magazine. The Corduroy Appreciation Club has been gaining momentum ever since.