The Dill Pickle Club is a creative cultural center dedicated to providing an experimental forum for critiquing contemporary culture, politics and humanities. Since June 2009, we have led programs in which academics, political activists, artists and the inquisitive public have come together to uncover and explore Oregon and its many points of interest. Focusing on experiential and participatory learning, the Dill Pickle Club also produces and sells publications documenting local culture and history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is your mission statement?
A: THE DILL PICKLE CLUB Advocates nor Propagates Nothing. Our operation was established for the sole purpose of furnishing a center where IDEAS and TALENT can be given a chance to be seen and heard. We welcome new ideas and methods.
Q: Is the Dill Pickle a non-profit?
A: THE DILL PICKLE CLUB is not a non-profit organization. We are currently working on obtaining sponsorship so we will be eligible for grants and tax-deductible donations. In the meantime, we will still gladly accept any donations, which can be made via Paypal.
Q: What’s with the weird name?
A: The Dill Pickle’s namesake originates from Jazz-Age Chicago’s legendary yet ill-forgotten speakeasy, founded in 1914 by labor organizer Jack Jones, Jim Larkin and Ben “Clap Doctor” Reitman. The Pickle was the heart of the “Chicago Renaissance” and the meeting spot for the city’s most noted authors, musicians and activists, including Sherwood Anderson, Ben Hecht, Mary MacLane, Lucy Parsons, Kenneth Rexroth and Carl Sandburg. It closed its doors in 1934.
An informative video:
Q: What’s the deal with the duck stickers all over town?
A: As the Dill Pickles’ fortunes declined into the depths of the Great Depression, its owner (Jack Jones) made one, last valiant attempt to save his club: the production of a self-propelled duck sold as a fundraiser. Named the Du Dil Duck, the toy supposedly brought its bearer good fortune. It did not bring Jones good luck: the club closed and he died penniless in a Chicago flophouse.
Jones’ technocratic duck is but one way in which to remember our rich, shared social history, with an eye fixed steadily on the future.
Q: Who “runs” the Dill Pickle Club?
A: THE DILL PICKLE CLUB is organized by Marc Moscato, Lucy Rockwell & Kyle Von Hoetzendorff. If you would like input into future Dill Pickle programming, or to have other questions answered, contact us at: ask@dillpickleclub.com.