TIL that in the early 20th century there were clubs for fat men. You had to be over 200 lbs to join, pay one dollar for membership, and learn a secret handshake and a password.

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They held meetings twice a year, and members were informed well in advance so they had time to stuff themselves, as public weigh-ins were a big part of these.

"We're fat and we're making the most of it" was their mantra.

"I've got to be good-natured; I can't fight and I can't run" was their motto.

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They don't exist anymore because being over 200lbs isn't all that exclusive anymore.

I suppose in a way it just moved online

Fuck you, and where do I send my dollar?

Remember, the 2025 equivalent of the late 1800s dollar is gonna be a bit more.

And people say American hasn't become more open and accepting.

90.72Kg for anyone else confused by using lbs.

That's an american medium today.

current fee is whatever your Internet provider charges

So, now most American men would be eligible.

No the dollar membership would be too expensive.

If they didnโ€™t call themselves things like the Walrus Lodge, they missed an opportunity

In 2023 that meant about 1 in 3 US adults would qualify.

"We're here! We're fat! Hey, are you gonna eat that?"

Why would they need a secret handshake?

Ydur only a proper secret society if ydu got a secret handshake.

Okey but 90kg but for which height? I am 90kg for 1m90

In the early 20th century, avarage height in the US was ~ 170 cm.