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Wanted
Items for the Hobo Foundation Silent Auction
Hobo, Train, Railroad Magazines, Etc.
Whatever you wish to donate.
Please bring when you come for Hobo Convention
Bring to Hobo House give to Linda
Help Wanted for Party in the Park
Hawaiian Theme
Party
for Kids of All Ages
Sunday August 8 2p.m. till 4p.m.
In City Park
(Behind Britt Library)
Help needed for old Fashioned
Games
Ring Toss, Duckie Pond, Musical Beach Blankets
And More
Hobos Can Do
Hobo Crafts with the People Sing, Dance
and just have a Fun
Time.
Hobo SLC's Kiddie Parade will also take place during the
Party
Bring Candy to parade and throw at the little Kids in the
Parade
Deb Hennigar will be at Mary Jo's Hobo House
on
Thursday August 12 and Friday August 13
10 a.m. till 2 p.m.
"Author of Hobo Quilts"
This is a great book filled
with hobo history and if you are
a quilter you will want a copy. Just
recieved one today and
I am so impressed. A super book for
yourself or great to give as a
gift. Remember the Holidays will be
here soon.
On Thursday August 12th at the Britt Veterans
Memorial
(In front of Britt Library)
Jerry Christensen and the Britt Military
Honor Guard
will be honoring the Hobo Veterans. At 4p.m.
This is a BIG THANK YOU to all Hobo Veterans
Hobo History is
that the very first Hobos were veterans of the
American Civil
War. A brief hobo history will be read.
PLEASE LET THE HOBO
MUSEUM KNOW IF YOU ARE
PLANNING ON ATTENDING, IF YOU ARE A
VETERAN.
RIK PALIERI TO BE PERFORMING AT THE 110TH HOBO
CONVENTION
IN FRONT OF HOBO MUSEUM-BRITT,IOWA
FRIDAY AUGUST 13TH
AT 8 P.M.
SATURDAY AUGUST 14TH AT 6;30P.M.
BRING YOUR LAWN
CHAIRS AND HAVE A ROCKING GOOD TIME!!!!!!!!!
Hobo Museum and
Gift Shop Open
Monday-Friday 10a.m. till 5 p.m.
$3 entrance fee to tour museum
Unless you are a Friend
of the Museum
Please show membership card before entering Museum
Check out all the Improvements at the Museum. IT LOOKS
GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DEEP LOCK QUARRY
HOBO DAYS
July 16 -18, 2010
5779 Riverview Rd., Peninsula,
OH 44264
Friday, July 16
7 p.m. HOBO CAMPFIRE; bring
marshmallow sticks, hot dogs and a can
of soup or vegetables*
Saturday, July 17
9 a.m. HOBO BREAKFAST; bring
eggs, sausage, vegetables, muffins, juice,
fruit or other breakfast food
to share*
11 a.m. QUARRY HISTORY HIKE
12 p.m. FLOAT THE BOAT; celebrate
the recovery of the Cuyahoga River
Noon – 5 p.m. HOBOHEMIA (all
things hobo: soup*,
displays, music, stories, corn
hole and more)
3 p.m. ELECTION of the hobo
king and queen
4 p.m. HOBO FLOAT in the Peninsula
Python Days Parade
8 p.m. HOBO CAMPFIRE; bring
marshmallow sticks, hot dogs and a can
of soup or vegetables*
Sunday, July 18
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. HOBO SERVICE
and hobohemia
* As in hobo etiquette, please
bring a can of soup or vegetables to these programs for the hobo
caldron. Leftover canned food
will be donated to the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
Hummingbird
Pat Rydquist, Naturalist, CIG
Metro Parks, Serving Summit County
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
1828 Smith RD
Akron, OH 44313
330-865-8064 ext. 307
prydquist@summitmetroparks.org
City officials question need for Hobo Days committee
Concerns from city employees regarding a committee
formed to bring new ideas to Britt's annual Hobo Convention were brought forward
at a city council meeting last week.
Britt City Clerk Jeanie Purvis voiced her worries at the conclusion of the
regular city council meeting April 5, stating that she felt as if the
committee-which was formed in February and is comprised of several community
members-could potentially take the responsibility of planning the event away
from the city of Britt.
“I am very passionate about this event. I always have been, even before it was a
city event,” Purvis said. “I just don't want to see the city not take part in
something that has been ours for the past nine years-it's sad.”
Deputy City Clerk Darcy Eisenman currently is in charge of planning events at
Hobo Days. A volunteer committee was formed after a group of students in West
Hancock High School's business class conducted a survey to find out what
community members would like to see changed for the August celebration.
Survey results displayed a wide array of answers, one of which was the desire to
see a carnival return to Hobo Days.
Committee members were instructed to brainstorm ideas
and bring them before Eisenman.
Purvis also told the council she didn't understand the community's speculation
that the convention is “dying.”
“If we at the city weren't doing our job, we wouldn't have even made it this
far,” Purvis said. “I'm not saying the ideas the committee has presented aren't
good, it's just a lot of work behind all of this and I'm not sure people are
aware of that.”
Eisenman, who was not present at the council meeting, shared her thoughts at a
committee meeting the following night. She also said she doesn't see why the
community views Hobo Days as failing.
“I really struggle with that because I feel we work hard,” Eisenman said. “It
hurts my feelings that people feel like I am letting it fail.”
Eisenman said she wouldn't deny attendance was down
at the most recent conventions, but she also said she feels the economy and
competition with coinciding events play roles in the dwindling numbers.
Eisenman said she thought the committee was formed to help the city focus on
improving existing events that draw in the most people. Although she said she
welcomes the committee's help, Eisenman added she thought the committee would
focus more on improving existing events that draw in the most people.
“I feel like we're trying to have a competition to see how big (Hobo Days) can
get,” Eisenman said. “I think we're losing the feel that it's a small-town
celebration, and I like it the way it is.”
Hobo Foundation President Linda Hughes, who is also heading the Hobo Days
committee, told the News-Tribune following both meetings that the committee is
not trying to overtake Hobo Days, it is simply trying to restore the
celebration's former glory.
“The carnival is just one of the items the community wants to see come back to
the event,” Hughes said. “We are just trying to get things back to the way they
used to be.”
In response to resident feelings referring to Hobo Days as a dying event, Hughes
said she felt that the sole culprit for this feeling within the community is the
lack of information dispersed to both the public and tourists.
“I distribute roughly 11,000 to 15,000 brochures a year through the Hobo
Museum,” Hughes said. “It's nice to get the word out to the public and more so
to an even greater population of individuals if able, because that's what has
made this what it is.”
Although Hughes said she agrees Hobo Days ultimately is a city event, it is also
an event for the community members who live in the city and pay city taxes.
“New ideas can't hurt,” Hughes said. “All one can do is try and that's what
we're all about right now.”
Despite their concerns, city officials are still hoping for the best to come
from the ideas generated by the committee. Purvis said she looks forward to what
is in store for this year's Hobo Days.
“I hope this year will be successful after the many
aspects of planning that are going into this,” Purvis said.
News-Tribune editor Megan VerHelst contributed to this story
Story created Apr 14, 2010 - 12:54:49 CDT.
" Hobo Memories Wanted"
The National Hobo
Convention will be celebrating 110th anniversary in Britt this summer and
organizers want to gather Hobo Memories.
The Hobo Foundation is
asking for the publics help in gathering stories, photos and letters which
can be compiled into a book. Maybe you have a story of when mom would feed
a hungry traveler, or a hobo would stop by grandma and grandpa's farm for
a bite to eat, in return he would help on the farm. Maybe a hobo
wrote you a poem or letter or you became friends with the hobos at the old
hobo jungles in Britt. Please send your story, poem, letter or memory to
The Hobo Foundation P.O. Box 143, Britt, Iowa 50423 or email
lindah@hobo.com
.
The
history of the American Hobo and Britt needs to be published.
From: MamaJo Lecount
Rusty Rails caught the westbound
I received a phone call from Gypsy Moon with sad news
that a special friend of
mine caught the westbound yesterday. His given name is Joshua Bradley
Villars
but you may know him as "Josh" or "Rusty Rails". I got to know Rusty Rails
the
past three years as I would visit him at the Care Center where he lived in
Logansport, IN. His father, Brad Villars or to you National Hobo King,
Iron
Horse Brad would always take Santa and I to visit him at the care center.
Rusty Rails was such an inspiration to me. He had
numerous health problems but
never complained. He always had a smile on his face.
Josh ("Rusty Rails) was in a great deal of pain most of
his life but never
complained because he trusted the Lord. If during your visit you would remark
you had an ache Josh would put his hand on you and pray for you.
The Lord has a special angel and friend in heaven.
Brad and Mary lost their
daughter, Risa less than a year ago. Brad remarked now my two kids are up
in
heaven having fun together and the Lord is there to keep them under
control...you know brother and sister pulling pranks on each other.
Josh, was truly an inspiration to me. Rest in
peace Rusty Rails.
Blessings and hugs to Iron Horse Brad and Mary for delightful children that they
raised and now have give to the Lord.
Charmin Harmon catches the Westbound
Minneapolis Jewell has brought Charmin Harmon to the National Hobo
Convention for
years. Each year at the gazebo just prior to the National Hobo King and
Queen
Coronation Charmin Harmon opened the program with his famous railroad whistle
giving it a loud toot.
CHARMIN HARMON'S WHISTLE
Charmin Harmon's whistle sure sounded like a
train
It took those old time "Bindle Stiffs" all back
there in the day
When freight train whistles sent the shivers
right down to your shoes
And even Good Time Charlie got the blues
Charmin Harmon's whistle came like magic from his
throat
And filled the mind with memories of steam and
smoke
Where coupling joints are clicking out a lonely
code
That's only understood by them what's on the road
Charmin Harmon's whistle sounded like a train at
night
He must have worked for ages just to get the
tambour right
It must have satisfied him when he found out we
all knew
What even Box Car Willie could not do
Charmin Harmon's whistle rides the westbound
train you know
He's heading for the Jungle Camp where all the
Hobos go
Next time you hear that whistle calling in the
foggy dew
It might be Charmin Harmon calling you
© 2010 Larry Penn
The audience was always excited to hear him make his famous
railroad toot. Charmin Harmon was very patriotic waving his American Flag.
Charmin Harmon caught the westbound Saturday morning.
To The Hobo Family,
Ragbrai-The Great Bike Ride Across Iowa
will be going down Main Street Britt,
on Tuesday
July 27, 2010.
WANTED: any Hobos to come to Britt to
help with the
festivities. This is a great event for the City of Britt and for The
National Hobo Convention as it will bring 10,000-12,000 bike riders into
Britt. If you are willing to help out please
email Linda at
lindah@hobo.com
.
Some ways
you could help would be to talk with the bikers,entertain on
main, have your photos taken with them and to help at the Hobo
Museum as we feel we will be very busy . Believe me there will be plenty
to do. Please pass the word on to all hobos.
THANK YOU to The Hancock County
Foundation for the grant the Hobo Foundation received for Hobo Museum
Literature. The Hobo Foundation sends out 1000-1500 pieces of information
yearly. So this Grant is very much appreciated to help get the word
out about the Hobo Museum and for keeping the Hobo History alive.
THANK YOU to The Ley Foundation for the Grant
received to help construct the Engraved Wall and Walkway. This will be
built north of the Hobo House and will be part of the Queens
Gardens.
THANK YOU to Aetna for the grant recieved this
week. This grant will also be used for the Engraved Wall and
walkway.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
The Hobo Foundation
Here are a few items up for auction on August 14th right after the Coronation.
Queen size Hobo T-shirt quilt made & quilted by Steinberg Crafts of Britt. A Table Runner, Quilted Wall Hanging made by Creative Quilts of Britt, Quilted by Steinberg Crafts of Britt
Iowa Blackie reminds everyone that this year's Memorial Service is being held on Friday the 13th!
. This year has been a busy season
for the jolly old white bearded guy, Hobo Santa and
his wife, Mrs. Claus. It has been fun being part of The Florida Railroad
Museum,
Orange City, Florida Parade, and West Wind Village. We have enjoyed
volunteering at
the Celebrations of Lights at Homosassa Springs Florida Wildlife Park.
We pray that the Christmas gifts you receive will give you joy and most of all
that
you remember the GREATEST GIFT of all God's Son. Happy Birthday Jesus.
We wish all
our hobo family and friends a very Merry Christmas.
Blessings and hugs,
Mama Jo and Santa
Just to let you all know, Linda Hughes' email was hacked. She has not gone to London or Europe
as you may have heard. She is doing well in Britt. She can now be reached at lindah@hobo.com.
The Hobo Foundation held Supper with Santa last night, Dec. 5th at Britt City Hall. It was a great night for all the little kids in Britt and for all the older kids. A free will donation supper was held and of course the BIG GUY from the NORTH POLE, SANTA CLAUS and Mrs. Claus were the hit of the night. Even one of Santa's Elves came to help the Hobo Foundation. All toll 250 people ate supper and another 125-150 just came to give their lists to Santa. Many of Britt's Business's got involved. Some give a cash donation to help with expenses, another donated hot dogs and buns, while others donate an item or gift certificate to be put into a basket for the adults to sign up for. This year there was enough donated, that 3 baskets were made and given away. The winners this year were Jerry Christensen, Rose Brunson and Amy Madson all of Britt. So THANK YOU to the Great Business Owners of Britt and to every one who came, ate supper and donated to the Hobo Foundation. Following is a list of the Britt Store whom donated and Please remember when you are in Britt for Hobo Day or anytime of the Year to Support Their Business's. Or just stop in and say Thank you for their Support. Creative Quilts and More The Hobo Foundation/Museum Gifts Sew Sweet Land of Hob Hair Designs by Lynn Swenson's Hardware The Flower Cart Cobbler Shoppe Mary Jo's Hobo House Britt Chamber of Commerce Cutting Corners Bonnie's Treasures State Farm Insurance Del Robins Salon Extreme Embroidery and Design Pritchard Auto Touch of Country Pat Thilges-Pioneer Seed Dr. Don Hiscocks Dr. Rhonda Budlong Britt Auto Trulson Auto Parts Marvea Mary's Kelly Realty Rieken's Plumbing and Heating City of Britt Farmer's Trust and Saving Bank Cookie Lee Jewelry-Lori Ostercamp Britt Lumber Company Chuck and Lora Hunt Duree's Ceramics Steinberg's Crafts Dr. Jim Diemer and Diemer Realty Also Thank You to: Santa and Mrs. Claus Santa's Elf Also Thanks to Denny and Judy, Cindy, Raymond and Beth, Mary Jo and Linda the Hobo Foundation crew that did the cooking, baking, set up cleanup etc.
A sweet pretty, precious, bundle of joy named Amelia Catherine Suckiel was born to Tony and Mandy Suckiel. Congratulation to the parents. The proud grandparents, "Mama Pipes" and "C&E", of the hobo family are busting their buttons in pride of this wonderful new addition to the "Suckiel family". Her little voice is music to their ears. Congratulations Grandma and Grandpa. What a wonderful early Christmas present to have received. The hobos will be excited to hear baby stories and see photos at the 2010 National Hobo Convention. Blessings and hugs, Mama Jo
westbound. This is such sad news. He was two months shy of
his 100th birthday.
Frisco Jack was the 1985 National Hobo King. He was a legend
among the hobos and
the towns folks of Britt. He was responsible for the words of the
winds ritual to
welcome folks each year to the National Hobo Convention by a special
campfire
lightning service that is now emceed by 2002 National Hobo King,
Redbird Express.
He was known as a "Bridger" riding the rails of steam and bridging
over to diesel.
He taught several of the hobo family how to make the "monkey fist"
necklace.
A Letter to Frisco Jack from Horace Hampton, Jr. aka as "Knotman"
A letter to Frisco Jack was obtained from Hoboes of America, "The Hobo
News" Edition
14, October 1984 and dedicated to Frisco Jack.
In 1961, while serving aboard ship in the U.S. Marine
Corp, I came across two
unusual knots which fascinated me. They were called the "Turk's
Head" and the
"Monkey's Fist". The ability to tie these knots eluded me for
twenty years.
While attending a Hobo Convention (Hoboes of America) in Youngstown,
Ohio, I
happened to meet a man by the name of Frisco Jack and we started
talking about
our line of work. I am a welder and have worked as a structural
ironworker.
He mentioned he had served in the Merchant Marine and the subject of
knots came
up. I asked if he could show me how to tie the two knots, but we
didn't have
anything at the time to work with. He willingly said he would
tie them at home
and mail them to me. By using his example, I have learned to tie
them both.
It isn't anything special to most people but to me it
demonstrated that some
people will take the time to share their knowledge with someone else.
Thanks Frisco Jack!
Horace Hampton, Jr. "The Alabama Drifter" or at Britt known by the
moniker "Knotman".
Old Hobo Having a Nostalgic Felling
From Hobo News and Review April 1988 Edition 32 (Hoboes of America)
Letters to the Editor (Hoboes of America)
Queen and Empress of Rails and Jungles (Garnette)
As the beach comber said Long time "No Seas" only
taking one or two trips a
year. Having just cleared out of the repair shop. It looks
like we can start
laying down our shovels and go on the bum. Halleluiah I'm a Bum
as Haywire Mac
used to sing.
Made the Eastern Swing last summer to Steamtown,
Vermont. Say did you know the
Big Hogs are no longer stationed there? They have moved them to
Scranton.
Sure get a nostalgic feeling going there to those yards. They
are there from
most railroads of the U.S. namely the Big Boy T.R. Burlington High
Wheeler.
Grand Western, S.P. Mallet or as we say the "Mally". Sure miss
the faint odor
of sulphur. Nothing will ever replace the Windjammer (air
compressor) along
with the steam whistle. Yea the "Old Iron Horse was our Pegasus"
and we road
him into the sunset. I am sending five skins for Hobo News.
I wish you a fine
trip to India and China. I was glad to see you dedicated the
last issue of the
Hobo News to El Paso Kid one sure knowledgeable and experienced Hobo.
He and
Cardboard are no doubt the most travelled and resourceful Hoboes in
the
Country, they really can make a jungle function. Some people
don't know when
to quit so I better stop.
Adios, Frisco Jack from Trafford, Pennsylvania.
The American Hobo such as Frisco Jack could tell great stories per
Queen and Empress
of Rails and Jungles (Garnette) of Hoboes of America.
In the story Frisco Jack stated he was sending Queen Garnette five
skins...in hobo
terms this is $5.00.
Farewell Frisco Jack
As an old song states go to sleep you weary hobo for
you will find rest and
peace now in heaven. In catching the westbound to heaven you
will be at peace
from the railroad bulls or city police. You will be
greeted at the doorsteps
by several of your fellow hobo friends who have gone before you.
So Farewell
Frisco Jack and thanks for all the wonderful memories you have given
us.
Rest in peace,
Mama Jo...2003 National Hobo Queen
Hobo Interviews
John Buck, Esq. a longtime friend of the Hobos and Hobo
Foundation passed away
November 7, 2009. John was an attorney and farmer. For over twenty years
John
willingly donated his services as an attorney to the Hobo Foundation. He will be
missed. Condolences can be sent to: The Buck Family, 125 2nd St., Crystal
Lake,
Iowa 50432.
Congratulations
to David Mitchell. He is the new Mayor of Britt, Iowa!
The Original Tourist Union 63 Organization
started in 1897 and since that time has
never been disbanded. At this time, it is my desire to
reactivate the Tourist Union
63 Organization. I am starting a membership drive to Help Our
Brothers Overcome
(H.O.B.O). Members of the Tourist Union 63 Organization will
receive:
A Tourist Union 63 membership card, good for one year.
Renewable each August.
A History of Tourist Union 63 written by an original member of
Tourist Union No. 63.
The funds from memberships will be used to aid needy Hobos when
appropriate.
No funds will be given to anyone without the approval of a Tourist
Union 63
Committee's vote. H.O.B.O. was an organization started by the
1996 Hobo King
Liberty Justice who Caught the Westbound in 2008. Helping
Our Brothers (and
sisters) Overcome ties nicely to the goals of the original Tourist
Union 63
Organization in 1897 as well as today.
Please join by sending your $5.00 membership fee plus name and address
and phone
number to:
TUCK 2007/2008 Hobo King
Tourist Union 63
P.O. Box 18495
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Make checks payable to: Tourist Union 63
HELP KEEP TOURIST UNION 63 ALIVE
Thanks
TUCK
Engraved Bricks
Several years ago the Hobo Foundation sold engraved bricks to be
placed in the new
hobo museum. On August 5, 2009 the Hobo Foundation Board voted to
discontinue the
new museum project, So Your engraved brick will be placed in a walkway
and wall. It
will be located north of Mary Jo's Hobo House. On main street Britt.
In the same
location as the Queens Gardens. Mary Jo Hughes and Betty Moylan,
owners of the
property have been very kind to allow us to place this wall and
walkway on their
property. The engraved bricks are made and are in Britt
waiting for their new
location. Plans are that this will be done in 2010. More
information on this will
follow in coming months. Thank you for supporting the Hobo
Foundation.
Linda
Hughes
FROM BRITT NEWS-TRIBUNE:
Donations will be used to improve existing Britt Hobo Museum
To the citizens of Britt and donors –
This letter is to inform the community of Britt and surrounding areas, that with the economic times, the Hobo Foundation is discontinuing our fundraising for a new hobo museum.
The Hobo Foundation board has voted to remain in our existing building and with wear and tear over the years we will be focusing on repairs and maintenance.
You generously donated to our cause and we will be installing heating and air conditioning for climate control, updating the electrical, insulating the north outside wall and giving our gift shop and office areas a facelift.
Thank you again for your contributions
Linda Hughes
Hobo Foundation President
From Collinwood KId
Folks:
Let me put in my $.02:
This letter from the mayor and the restrictions he proposes are not at all
unexpected, based on some of the behavior displayed by just a few of the tramp
kids
that came to Britt. The drunken stupidity that some of the folks in the tramp
camp
displayed was "over the top". I guess I gotta also say that the level of alcohol
consumption by most of the folks in the tramp camp I thought was very excessive,
which led to all the problems that occurred and their inability to police their
own
behavior.
There were a few folks in the sinners camp that seemed to have the attitude to
try
to be as outrageous and provocative as possible, maybe on purpose, maybe because
they were too stoned or drunk to understand the impact of their behavior on the
future of our convention and the freedom we have, until now, enjoyed.
AND THE CITY FOLKS SHOWED GREAT RESTRAINT- ALL WEEK. The mayor was present for
the foul mouthed public “music” performance in the pavilion Thursday evening and
the
drunken rowdy behavior and the openly drinking of cans of beer in the presence
of
kids and older town residents in the pavillion at that same time. He DID NOT
display
a “knee-jerk” reaction” and shut us down immediately, as he could have.
In my recollection, while the local police cruised through/past the
jungle numerous
times during the days and evenings during the week, I cannot recall one instance
when they intervened in any situation except WHEN WE CALLED THEM for assistance-
AND
when they did come after a call from someone in our community, they did not
overreact and did anything more than was requested of them- usually assisting a
few
individuals in leaving after unacceptable incidents (fighting, knife) in the
jungle.
My understanding is that the police did stop by briefly at the sinners camp in
the
week before hobo week but did not take exception to the open drinking that was
occurring (at least once stopping folks when they offered to “pour out their
beer”)-
they had just stopped by to visit.
Ten years or so ago we had problems with sinners camp folks misbehaving, being
falling down drunk in the main jungle area during the entertainment, peeing from
the
boxcar, leaving used syringes in the boxcar, fighting, etc. As a result, the
city
locked up the boxcar for a few years, we had almost constant police presence in
the
jungle and tramp kids were harassed on the street. For the last 5-6 years we
had “kept our act together” and gradually the city gave us the boxcar back,
stopped
the non-stop police presence and again began allowing us to do what we wanted in
the
jungle (camping where we wanted, etc.), including having a sinners camp behind
the
boxcar where some rowdy drunken behavior and open drinking there was tolerated
for
years.
The unfortunate reality is that there were a few folks in the sinners camp that
didn’t seem to care about offending the townsfolk and reversing all the progress
we
have made.
In a way, this is (mostly) THEIR PROBLEM- they are “pissing on their own
campfire”,
making it difficult or impossible for THEM (the tramp community) to live their
lifestyle while attending the Britt Hobo Convention. For most of us, things
won’t
change a lot; our behavior will be more scrutinized, but most of us have not
been
doing things that are offensive to the townsfolk.
The Britt National Hobo Convention is NOT Trampfest. It is NOT a private
gathering
in a semi-secluded spot where folks can do ANYTHING they want. Britt is a public
event, in a public place (in a city park) where there are town residents,
children,
older hobos and townfolks present much of the time and during the evening
entertainment on three nights. The reality is that if the townfolks are offended
by
our behavior (by any of us) they don’t have to invite us back.
The town of Britt Iowa does a LOT for us. They provide us with a place to hold
our
gathering, water, electricity, a free place to camp, storage of all our stuff
all
year long, a place to bury our dead, etc. We are their guests and we need to
remember that. For the past number of years they have given us free run of the
place
for the whole week.
Now that some folks have offended them, they are going to restrict our behavior,
much more than most of us would like, but, in my opinion, understandably so.
As a hobo community, I think we have done everything we could to try to be
INCLUSIVE, welcoming the tramp community into our convention, encouraging their
participation (helping cook, helping MC the evening entertainment, running for
Hobo
King/Queen, etc.). We even tried to warn the sinners camp folks early in the
week
about the potential consequences of some of their extreme behavior that may lead
to
town oppression. Maybe WE didn’t do enough, or the tramp folks who tried to take
leadership in their own sub-camp were not as effective or successful as they
would
have liked.
The bottom line for me is that I feel I need to support the mayors decisions,
even
if I don’t agree with many of the oppressive seeming restrictions he proposes.
Let me say it again… I support Mayor Nelson- I believe he is a reasonable man
who is
under a lot of pressure from folks in town to bring the less desirable elements
of
our behavior under control.
With that said, let me also say that I welcome and encourage the attendance and
participation of the tramp community at our gathering.
If, however, the only reason an INDIVIDUAL comes to Britt is to get as drunk and
stupid as possible for a week- please do so SOMEWHERE ELSE!- we ALL are harmed
(somewhat) by your stupidity.
Maybe the tramps/young trainriders that do come in the future can get
comfortable
camping among us (they will probably have to, the sinners camp will likely not
be
permitted)- maybe they can get to know us better and we can get to know them
better.
I'm sorry that my friend Burlington Dog may not be allowed to come anymore.
Opinion by the Mayor of Britt, Iowa Britt News Tribune 8/19/09
Thanks to Stretch for transcribing
Another National Hobo Convention has
come and gone and I feel some comments need to be made. There were some
highlights of this year's event and there were some lowlights. In this letter, I
am going to address mostly the lowlights.
I did not get a chance to spend nearly as much time in the Jungle this year as I
usually do. Most years I get down there for a couple of hours each night and
enjoy the jamming of the musicians as well as the time spent reminiscing with
old friends and acquaintances. Judging from the time I did spend there this
year, I would say it was the worst Jungle that has been here in probably 12
years.
After talking to several of the old hobos and the “hobos-at-heart”-and after
seeing what I did see in the Jungle-I have come to the conclusion that most, if
not all, of the problems come from what is referred to as the “sinner's camp”.
That camp is pretty much made up of those that call themselves tramps, not
hobos. There were more tramps here this year than ever before and more of those
tramps had dogs. One of the problems was that the tramps started moving in two
weeks before Hobo Days and that's not going to happen anymore.
I will give the older hobos and musicians a lot of credit for their hospitality
and patience. It just seems like the tramps were here to party and did not care
at all about the celebration, the history and what exactly it is that we try to
do each Hobo Convention. I have always been a proponent of keeping the Hobo
Convention going but I also have always said that we are celebrating the true
hobo-the hobo who went from town to town on the railroad and worked where he or
she could and welcomed a little soap and water when it was offered to them.
Those hobos rode the rails out of necessity. I am also not naive enough to not
know that riding the rails got in many a hobo's blood and many of them changed
things a bit and worked long enough to be able to ride the rails for a while and
then worked long enough to start the cycle over. Those people are why there is a
National Hobo Convention; we don't want to make it the National Tramp
Convention.
It is my understanding that some of the tramps helped paint the bathrooms and I
thank them for that. I also want to say that I am sure that the problems I am
going to address in this letter are not because of all tramps, there were
probably those that behaved themselves but I don't think there were too many of
them.
The tramps were allowed to camp here in the city Hobo Jungle and were allowed to
stay in the boxcar. They thanked us by using our Jungle to party with alcohol
and drugs and by using the boxcar as not only a bedroom but a latrine. We will
now once again have to keep the box care locked and there will be NO SINNER'S
CAMP. They also had a lot of dogs that were not conducive to a family
atmosphere. One of the fights at the Jungle started when one of the tramps
refused to pickup up his dog's excrement. There will now be no dogs allowed in
the Jungle (except in the campers), on the main street, midway and flea market
nor in the city hall park.
The tramps were allowed to take part in the evening activities including the
entertainment. They thanked those that let them participate by using their
electric guitars and amplified sound until 3-4 a.m. They also saw fit to sing a
few songs with vulgar profanity in them and one tramp thought it a good idea to
drop his trousers in front of the audience. The amplified sound will now be
turned off early and vulgarity and profanity will be met with expulsion.
The use of alcohol and drugs in the city park and surrounding areas will not be
allowed. We will confiscate all visible alcohol next year and we will have a
drug dog take at least one daily trip through the Hobo Jungle and campsites. Our
officers this year found that many of the tramps that they were having problems
with also had outstanding warrants in other areas of the country. For that
reason we will probably have the hobos and tramps register when they come into
town and those with outstanding warrants will NOT be welcome. There will be a
law officer present at all times next year in the Jungle and surrounding camp
areas.
In conclusion, I again want to say that all are welcome to come to Britt to
celebrate the hobo and elect a hobo king and hobo queen. I urge more local
residents to come to the coronation and help elect those that will help us
remember the hobo and represent Britt and the Convention well throughout the
country in their travels. This has always been and will always be a National
Hobo Convention. All are welcome, but all are expected to obey the rules and
laws and it doesn't hurt to shower on an almost daily basis: I heard some
children remark on the smell and when a small child notices, something is wrong.
I have had several of the older hobos that have been coming here for years tell
me that something has to be done or they will not be coming anymore. It is THEM
we are celebrating and you can bet that something is going to be done. I ask all
of those that attend this convention to please think about all of this and come
next year ready to celebrate legally in a family-oriented celebration.
The Britt City Council will be addressing this issue in the next meeting in
September. As the mayor of this community, I apologize for what went on in the
Jungle this year, but you can bet that it will NOT be tolerated next year.
The restrictions are basically as follows:
1.Boxcar will closed and locked.
2.No Sinner's Camp.
3. No dogs allowed on the park grounds
4. No loud music or vulgarity allowed.
5. No drugs or alcohol will be tolerated.
6.all alcohol will be confiscated and there will be a drug dog making daily trips through Jungle.
7.Hobos will need to register to camp on jungle, anyone with outstanding warrants will not be allowed.
8. 24 hour police presence.
August 11, 2009
Hobo Greetings,
Thanks for the memories at the National Hobo Convention and all the Hobo
Gatherings that Santa and I have attended. We also wish to thank all the Britt
residences for making us feel at home when in Britt. Our lives are changing
with our move to Florida. This will be most like our last Hobo Convention. I
don't like to say never but we have made new plans for volunteering in Florida
and are excited about it.
We arrived early in Britt after leaving the 2009 Train Fest in Owosso,
Michigan. We had time to visit with several of the Britt folks and some of the
early arrivals in Britt. This year's early arrival photo by the boxcar had 47
of the hobo family. Three were standing there but not in the photo and about
ten or so slept in and didn't make the photo so altogether their were about 60
of the hobo family there on Monday before the Hobo Days started.
The entertainment at the jungle was great with some new guests too.
"Minneapolis Jewell" and "Minneapolis Skinny" did a wonderful job with the
memorial service at the cemetery. It was rainy that morning but cleared up
just in time for the service. A special tribute was given for "Preacher
Steve" and "Loco Larry" who both had caught the westbound this past year.
King "Stretch" and Queen "Connecticut Tootsie" told of their travels to several
Hobo Gatherings. They went to the unveiling of their portrait.
Several met daily and ate at Mary Jo's Hobo House especially to enjoy eating
Hobo Hash browns. Yummy for the tummy!
Three new exciting events for me this year were: ice cream social and free
entrance to the museum; the screening of the story of "the Whittler: and the
"polka mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Last year was the first Ladies Night at the Hob Nob and wow did the ladies ever
have a good time. This year was no exception the ladies sang and danced and
laughed.wow did we ever laugh. This year was Hawaiian night. It was announced
a special guest was invited but Don Ho the famous Hawaiian singer couldn't make
it due to laryngitis but his older brother, Ho Ho came in his place however Ho
Ho is not a singer but a cool Hawaiian Dancer. Some of you may know Ho Ho as
"Hobo Santa". "Iowa Blackie" and "Connecticut Shorty" cut the mustard in a
long dance too. "Slim Tim" the Arthur Murray of the hobos danced with
everyone. Thanks to the Hob Nob for a fun night.
Congratulations to King "Inkman" and Queen "Stray Cat". They are both excited
they won. King "Inkman" has vowed at Britt Hobo Days next year to say thank
you with a special dinner including a hog roast, baked beans, and corn on the
cob. Queen "Stray Cat" who prefers to be called a Hobo Tramp signing
autographs as "Tramp Queen" plans to ride the rails and tell about Britt and
hobos. She has ridden the rails for over ten years. She was a teacher in
Korea for a year. I have had emails of concern already of her autograph of
"Tramp Queen" but really the new generations of rail riders are a different
breed of rail riders and tramp is what they prefer to go by. When you stop and
think of it the "real hobos" were after the civil war and during the depression
when they had to travel and work. Later in years several folks especially men
who rode the rails were either Recreation Hobos riding the rails during
vacation time from their job or men/women running away from situation such as a
divorce, loss of a loved one, or just wanting to see what it was like to see
America from a box car. I have read stories from "Frisco Jack" stating years
ago the hoboes are a dying breed.
It was wonderful to meet and greet "Gypsy Moon" who hadn't been to Hobo Days in
about 12 years. We missed seeing "Iron Horse Brad" who couldn't make Hobo Days
because his son, Josh, known as "Rusty Rails" was very ill but is improving
daily.
This year at Hobo Days was one of the largest crowds to listen to the
entertainment at the Jungle. Also this year was the largest group of the hobo
family to come home to Britt.
I know there are several stories to be told of this years Hobo Days and I have
just touched the surface. The best time for me at Hobo Days is the reunion of
seeing my hobo family and visiting with Britt residences and meeting folks who
are not part of the hobo family.
I have always said my life is a book filled with several chapters over the
years. The hobo chapter will always be open with my emails, postcards and phone
calls however I just won't be at the Hobo events. God has always led my
footsteps and He has a new adventure for us volunteering at Florida Homosassa
Springs Wildlife Park and having parties with the seniors where we live at West
Wind Village, a retirement community 55 plus.
Blessings and Hugs, Mama Jo
(2003/2004 National Hobo Queen)
Thanks for the Memories and God Bless
Help Build a Poetry Trail
Hoboes
have always intrigued me. I grew up on a farm five miles
east of Britt. When I was a kid, Hobo Day was the highlight of our summer.
We couldn't wait to hear the stories, poems and songs by and about the
hoboes.
Some things don't change. I still love Hobo Day. On this day I get to see
family, school friends and other friends who gather in Britt.
A couple of years ago I was sitting with family members one morning in the
Hobo
House enjoying a plate of delicious hobo hash. In walked no other than
Steamtrain Maury, the greatest hobo king of all time. He came right to our
table and taught us the hobo handshake. In order to preserve that memory,
I wrote
this poem:
"The Hobo Handshake"
I'll never forget
The feeling of being
With Steamtrain Maury
And that hobo handshake.
When I catch the Westbound
I'll be looking forward
To reuniting with Steamtrain
And that hobo handshake.
Poetry helps us do that: capture an encounter, observation, or memory and
put it
into words. Poems help us celebrate a time and place and honor
individuals,
particularly those no longer with us.
We’re calling on everyone who has memories and stories of Hobo Day to join
us in
the construction of a Poetry Trail in Britt. Age makes no difference.
We welcome
poems from five-year-olds, ninety-five-year olds, and all those in
between. The
kind and length of the poems makes no difference. They might rhyme, or
they might
not. They might be two lines or twenty lines. The important thing is
to capture
and express in words some memory of Hobo Day.
Jerry Wellik, former resident of Britt, and Frank Kazemek, a fellow poet
and
friend, will conduct a free drop-in poetry workshop at the Britt
Public Library
from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 6. They will help
individuals of all
ages shape their Hobo Day experiences, memories, and stories into
short poems. No
registration is required, and no prior writing experience is needed.
Individuals
can stop by for a half hour or more to share their poems or to ask for
advice or
assistance.
Wellik and Kazemek are serving as curators of the Poetry Trail that will
wind its
way through Britt. Poems will be posted at various places including
the Hobo
Jungle, Hobo Museum, Hobo House, cemetery, local businesses, and
churches. There
will also be poetry sharing at various times throughout the festival
at the Hobo
Museum, Hobo Jungle, cemetery, and other sites.
Reflect on one of your fondest memories of Hobo Day and then get out your
pen and
paper and shape it into a poem, or come to the library on August 13.
You can email
your poem to
jjwellik@yahoo.com;
mail it to Jerry Wellik, 18483 Dover Road, Clearwater, MN
55320 by July 27, 2009; or stop by and drop it off at the Britt Public
Library.
Rochelle, IL RR and Hobo Event
by: "Mama Jo Lecount"
Baloney Kid and Lady Bug phoned me last night after they returned home
from
Rochelle, Illinois Railroad and Hobo Days. They were bubbling telling me
all about
the event.
They stated the folks at Rochelle were very good hosts to the hobos.
Ross Freier,
the Chairman of putting on the Rochelle, Illinois Railroad and Hobo event
welcomed
the hobos. The Mayor of Rochelle stopped by to welcome the hobos too.
Keith Peters
long time friend to the hobos stopped by to say welcome too.
Hobos who attended: Baloney Kid, Red Bird Express, Lady Bug, Birdman,
Mick the
stick and son Michael, Milwaukee Mike, Doris Do Rite, Grandpa Dudley, M.A.D.
Mary,
Cookin Mama, Current Hobo King Stretch, Jump Off John, and Sunrise.
Red Bird Express got the hobo gathering off to a start by lighting the
ceremony hobo
camp fire with the stories of the wind. During this ceremony a lady
verbally tried
to distract the ceremony with words she was against where the campfire was
located.
Hobo 2002/2003 King Red Bird Express being the gentleman and ambassador he is
stopped in his tracks what he was saying and went to her and asked her if she
wished
to light the ceremony campfire. She backed off and he continued the
lightning of
the hobo campfire.
Baloney Kid stated a phone call to Current Hobo Queen Tootsie and Danville Dan
was
made during the festival. The conversation was put on the microphone for
the folks
to hear.
Baloney Kid stated one of the highlights of the event took place on Sunday
when King
Red Bird Express and Queen Sunrise inducted Ross Freier into the hobo family
by
dubbing him "Ross the Boss".
Baloney Kid being a true "kid at heart" had fun having marshmallow gun fights
with
the kids and of course selling his famous marshmallow guns. He stated
the seed had
been planted for the hobos to join the Railroad festival 4 years ago and he
can see
how this hobo gathering is growing in leaps and bounds. He was excited
to have a
good turn out of the hobo family. Baloney Kid stated Rochelle, Illinois
Railroad
and Hobo event is going to get better and better each year.
You can enjoy visiting Rochelle, Illinois Railroad Park any time during the
twelve
months if you are a railroad enthusiasts and see all the trains pass by on
their
viewing deck. This is an awesome place to watch trains.
http://www.rochellerailroadpark.org
Note from Ross the Boss
It was truly a surprise and honor to be
dubbed into the hobo family! I was not at all expecting it, but I also
wasn't
expecting to meet the congressman from Missouri either, which is what Baloney
Kid
used to try to get me away from what I was doing at the time. The hobos
are down to
earth, good people, and I am very proud to be accepted into their family and
to have
been dubbed by Red Bird Express and Sunrise, with Baloney Kid and Lady Bug.
This was by far the most hobos that have been at a Rochelle Railroad and Hobo
Days,
and their presence made the event very special. Without the hobos it
would be just
another event, much like most other events, but with them the event is unique
and
much more fun. I hope that all the hobos who attended this year decide
to return
next year along with even more of the hobo family. I have to tell
you, because I
know he won't, that Baloney Kid was a big part of why this event was
successful and
fun. He helped me tremendously over the past few months to make this a
fun and
unique event for the kids, hobos and rail fans. I am so grateful to all
of the
hobo's involvement with this event, but especially to Red Bird Express,
Sunrise,
Baloney Kid and Lady Bug, who have been there nearly every year of the four
years of
this event. Their involvement with this event has helped it to grow and
improve,
and I couldn't do it without them.
Ross The Boss
A Big Thank You to The Hancock County Foundation for the Grant of
$950.00. This
grant is for the purchase of a computer and equipment for the Hobo
Museum.
Thank You.
Several of you may have recently recieved an email from "the texas madman". This is a false email. As most of us know, The Texas Madman will be "indisposed" for quite a long time. This email, which contains a blatant virus, is the work of "Boxcaro A1". This person is totally insane and dedicated to being a thorn in our sides. His rants concerning religion and politics is totally off the map. I am amazed no one has locked him up for his own sake.
His real name is John Bernay Jr. He lives at 32158 Camino, Capistrano, CA 92675. He will try to make you think he is living out in the mexican desert, but he's not.
Any thoughts on how to rid ourselves of this person would be appreciated
Hobo King Stretch Interviewed
by The Marshall News Messenger on his trip south.
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