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Link to Books, CDs & Cassettes
by " The Hobo Minstrels "

Use this link for information about "The Hobo Minstrel's" (Fran's) book,
"The American Hoboes".

Use this one for information about "The Hobo Minstrel's" (Fran's) CDs and cassettes.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"New Cds"
(2/3/2005)

  Yes, I now have my recordings of Hobo songs, poetry and history on CDs.  The price for the two CD set is $15.00, including postage, in the continental U.S.  Click here on, Hobo Song CDs, to get full details about this and my other available CDs. Thank you for your attention.  I am

    I get so many requests for the words to old songs and poems I thought I'd add one, or two, at a time to the site.  As some are quite lengthy they're a bit much for the Grapevine page so I've added another page to present them.  These, mostly, old pieces will be replaced periodically, by our Senior Culture and Arts Editor, using a scientific method to determine the length of time each should be displayed.  To enjoy the current "Artistic Selection" click on the title, below.  Anyone having specific requests may ask for them by emailing our "Senior Culture and Arts Editor" at;      cultural arts
 
 

  Preacher Steve had a pending settlement from his car accident which got settled. They agreed to pay for P.T.'s funeral expenses. So if folks want to contribute to Half Track they should send them to her  home.

    Alright, friends, Hoboes and all others connected with our family, in any way.  We've always chipped in and helped our brothers and sisters when their in need.  If a Boe is short whether for food, smokes, transportation or, maybe even a beer, we've always helped and Preacher was always one of the first to feed the can.  Now Half Track and the rest of his family need help to see that Hobo King Preacher Steve's expenses for the Westbound are taken care of.  Dig in.  It makes no difference if you can send a few bucks or a few hundred whatever you can send will help and be appreciated.

    There are times that are extra special when you have a web site, such as this and this morning was one of them, for me, because I received a phone call from our lovely Hobo Queen, Connecticut Tootsie.  Tootsie attended the gathering at Bucyrus, OH last week and called to let me know that all that were there had a great time.

    Those of the Hobo Community that attended were;  Queen Connecticut Tootsie, Ohio Tom, (here I must inject a bit of a literary comment because when I think of Tootsie and Tom being in the same place I, automatically think of the old tale of Beauty and the Beast.)  (Tootsie being the Beauty and Tom - - - -  - nuff said.) Ok, enough intelligent comments.  Also present were, Queen M.A.D. Mary, King Grandpa Dudley, Mick The Stick, and his Daughter, (More about her in a moment) Jack Who, Bro and their host Old Crow.

    One highlight of the gathering was the dubbing of Mick The Stick's daughter who was dubbed with the Hobo name, Chicago Slim.  The Hoboes were treated well, and graciously by those present and the entertainment by a group called The Hobo Band was, according to our Queen, outstanding.  The train traffic through the area was another enjoyable feature.

    All in all, another fine time at Bucyrus as others in previous years.  Thanks to Bucyrus for, again, hosting the Hoboes.

    Hobos left to right; Mick the Stick, his daughter Denise now "Chicago Slim," Old Crow, Bro, Jack Who, Connecticut Tootsie, MAD Mary, Grandpa Dudley, and Ohio Tom.

    Looking at this photo brought two things to my mind. (Yes, smart a---es I do have one.)  First was that the ladies are greatly outnumbered.  Second was that, outnumbered or not, the lovely ladies outshine, by far, the motley crew accompanying them.  (Yes, Tom, I said motley.  Your wife will explain the word to you.)
 
 

Two Additions to the Hobo Family by Special Dubbing

I have received two interesting phone calls from the Hobo Family.

The first call was from MS Charlotte towards the end of the visitation for Loco Larry at their home.  She was excited to tell me about a dubbing that took place during the visitation.

Dr. Duke Wood worked with Loco Larry in the medical field.  He was a good friend to Loco Larry too.  In 2006 Hobo Spike and me were asked to dub Dr. Wood a moniker as a favor to Loco Larry.    We did.his moniker is "Duke of Docs".   MS Charlotte was excited to introduce Talan Ryder Wood to the visitors.  He is the son of Duke and Melissa Wood.  She put Hobo Spike on the phone.  He too was very excited about the special dubbing of the baby whose moniker is "Chin".  I got to talk to Duke too.

Even during a sad occasion it is great to have smiles, laughter and even a special dubbing of a special new born.  Congratulations to Dr. Duke and Mrs. Wood with their new bundle of joy, "Chin".

I received a second call few minutes ago from Queen Tootsie who had spent yesterday at Hobo Days in Bucyrus, Ohio.  She is traveling back to Connecticut.

She was on a buzz telling me all about Bucyrus Hobo Days.  She stated Bucyrus Volunteers of Depot really put out the welcome mat for the hobos.  Hobos attending were, CT. Tootsie, Ohio Tom, M.A.D. Mary, Grandpa Dudley, Bro, Jack Who, Mick the Stick and his daughter, Denise.

Connecticut Tootsie had the honor to dub Mick the Stick's daughter Denise to the hobo family with the moniker of "Chicago Slim".

In an email from Jack Who known as the reigning Pope of Portage Lakes wrote he and Bro came to the Hobo Days on their "Hobo-Cycles".  He said the hobos shared great moments and stories as usual.  We listened to some great stories and or idioms from Grandpa Dudley and Queen Tootsie.  How can they possibly remember all those words he said????

Jack Who said Queen Connecticut Tootsie is a fine Ambassador for the Hobo family expressing the love and showing the feeling of this great family to all the Civilians who were there.

Our King Stretch and Burlington Dog were on there way but we never heard from them, so I hope all is well.

Host Old Crow was pleased with the turn out of hobos.  In his words, Queen Connecticut Tootsie is a "doll".   The stage had lots of entertainment especially the Bucyrus Hobo Band.  Hobo Days was enjoyed by all.

A special thanks to Arvine and Crow for emailing me photos of Hobo Days and information about the day.  I always enjoyed going to Bucyrus Hobo Days.

    With the passing of these two good friends the resulting email and contributions to the Grapevine, from those who loved both men, has overwhelmed me a bit so please be patient with me.  As I receive items about Preacher and Larry I'll try to post everything but it may result in an even more jumbled group of postings than usual so, as I asked, "Please be patient with me" and scale down through everything so you miss nothing.  Rather than try to separate the items I receive I'll have to just post them on the days they come in.  The last received will be first in the order.  If doing so confuses anyone, and you have questions, please contact me.  My site space is limited so there may be links to other sites for items that won't fit here.  Mama Jo  sent a nice tribute to both Preacher and Larry and I've posted that on Mama Jo's Tracks page.  The link to this will be at the bottom of the other items (those in purple print).  You can read this by clicking on the link to Mama Jo's Tracks.

Amory, MS - Larry Paul "Loco Larry" O'Briant, 60 died Friday, August 29, 2008 at Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory.  He was born March 1, 1948, in Greenville to Ellis Wayne and Erma Fay Sterns O'Briant.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Amory.  He was a graduate of Delta State University and did his internship in New Orleans.  He was a former certified registered nurse anesthetist at Gilmore Memorial Hospital.  He served as the Great Grand Duke of Historians.  He collected medical instruments and did pioneering in different towns.  He was instrumental in raising 14 local children.  He enjoyed traveling.

Services will be at 11:00 AM Monday at Otts Funeral Home Chapel in Sulligent, Alabama.  Charles Gill [Hobo Spike] will officiate, Burial will be in the Liberty Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Detroit, Alabama.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte "MS. Charlotte" of Amory; two daughters, Crystal (Byron) Cantrell of Beaverton, Alabama and Serena (Keith) White of Booneville, six grandchildren, Health Cantrell, Page Cantrell, Brian Haithcock, Alisha Inmon, Katelann White and Michael White; two sisters, Patsy (Benny) Wilson of Florence, Alabama, and Janie (Ken) Smith of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dennis Wayne O'Briant.

Visitation will be at the home at 210 5th Avenue S in Amory from 4 to 8 PM Sunday.

    Funeral services will be held 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2008  at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale. Burial will be in the National  Hobo Cemetery in Britt, IA. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at the  funeral home.  Memorials preferred in instead of flowers, in care of;

    You can access Preachers obit at _National  Obituary Archive(NOA) - Arrangeonline.com_

    Loco Larry caught the westbound at 11:46 AM.  Hobo Spike and MS Charlotte was with him at the time of his death.

    Once again it's my sad duty to have to post the news of another good friend catching that last ride.  I don't have  many details yet but Frog called and asked me to let everyone know that Steve had a fatal heart attack this afternoon.  Steve was fifty nine years old.  As soon as more information comes in I'll post it here. Anyone wanting to send condolences can send them to;

This is news that I don't like to send out to the hobo family.

Preacher Steve had chest pains and called Crash to take him to the hospital this afternoon about 2:00 PM.  Preacher Steve caught the westbound about 4:00 PM.  He was 59 years old.

The hobos were planning to do a special "celebration of the hobos" that caught the westbound the past year at the Box Car Boys Ranch this coming weekend.  Preacher Steve and Half Track had plans to be there.

Hobo Kings Adman and Tuck are going to Half Track's home to be with her and help her with plans.    Half Track said Preacher Steve is to be cremated and his ashes be taken to Britt for the Memorial Service in 2009.   Local plans are not made as of yet.

The hobo family wishes to extend their sincere sympathy to Half Track, Crash, and Jaw Bones.

                                             Half Track [Lea Burke]                  Crash [Colleen Burke]
                                             Jaw Bones [Tricia Burke]               118 Lilac Avenue
                                             56 Azeala Avenue                            Annandale, MN 46385
                                             Annandale, MN 46385

    It's hard to believe how many good friends we've lost over this last year.  The only consolation is in thinking about what a hell of a gathering they'll be having, together, up there.  Hopefully they'll be able to carry on with their music, carving, storytelling, etc, etc, etc and they'll be saving seats by the fire for those of us that will be joining them, eventually.  They may be gone from this earth but they'll never be gone from our hearts and our memories.

Hi Fran,

    Hope things are doing well and I have to apologize to the folks who have been trying to get a hold of me on my cell phone but last week my phone failed and I will have a new one waiting for me there in Pullman thanks to jump off john (John Reives) in Milwaukee for getting me a new one and my number will still be the same, 216-224-4538.

      It feels really good to be king but folks bare with me and my pal Burlington dog as we do rely on the rails to get around and can only be in one place at a time and cant get there to fast.

    After Pullman Chicago i head back north to MLPS to Tuck and Jewls kings/queens party on Sept 26Th. Then was invited back to Cassville WI (Stonefeild village) for there holloween bash but in between all that i need to return to Cleveland OH to swap over to my winter traveling gear.

        Kabar also wants to sneak in a couple of weeks also to ride with the king but he might half to come north to catch us but my plans were to visit loco Larry and ms sharlett around or before thanksgiving.

    I'll be in touch

    Off on a trip, that is.  Rik Palieri called today, from the airport, while he was waiting for his flight to Argentina.  Wow, three weeks touring around in South America all expenses paid. I'm a bit jealous but, what the heck.  I cold have had the same chances.  What's he got that I don't have?- - - - -  - -besides talent, good looks and youth.  Sigh, sigh, sigh.

    While hanging out down at the Hobo Jungle I heard someone comment, "These aren't hobos!" after they asked if I could point out a hobo for them to photograph.

    I don't know what they expected a hobo to look like, but it did get me to thinking - what makes a hobo and why do they choose this lifestyle.

Hobo Santa stated to my family and friends nothing ever surprised me that Jo "Mama Jo" does.  After we left Deep Lock Quarry and Warthers Museum we toured Amish Country.  I found something I just had to have.

Hear are the clues let's see if you can guess what I bought.  It is new, primitive, has two holes, made of barn wood, a moon, and stands 5 feet tall.  What is it?  An outhouse of course.

I have a use for my outhouse.  I have decided to make it the "Drink Shack".  Dennis and I found two containers that fit under the two holes perfect.  The containers will hold drinks iced down.  Our kids know I bought a new outhouse which they think is just a yard ornament decoration.  Wrong!  Will they be surprised when the visit at our family reunion labor day and ask for a drink and I tell them to go to the outhouse.  Cool!

I bet a many depression hobos can tell some outhouse stories in their travels.

I used to wear overalls at Britt Hobo Days.  I had two pairs.  The first day I had on a brand new pair.  I had to go to the ladies room and yep I did it my strap ended up in the toilet.  I changed to jeans.  The next day I put on my second pair of brand new overalls and I had a repeated situation.  Hey folks, I was a "city slicker" and never wore "Oshkosh by gosh overalls.

    By gosh, Mama Jo, you may be just a young squirt but you do bring back some memories.  I was a city slicker too but Nana had a place in the country that also had a two holer.  This was a bit scary to us young kids mostly because of the spiders overhead and flies buzzin around down under.  It was about fifty feet from the back door and my brother and I were scared to death to walk there at night so when it was just for "drainage" purposes we'd stand on the back steps and see how far we could reach.  Years later my brother and I went back to the cottage and noticed that the old, large, pine tree, by the back stoop, had a ring around it where the bark was all deteriorated.  Wow!  Imagine if we had been consuming alky, at that, time what we'd have done to it.  We wuz just little kids then.  Imagine, if we were bigger we probably cold have reached that two holer from the stoop.

August 16, 2008

       I'd appreciate it very much if you could pass along my thoughts in this communication to all the others of the so-called "hobo" community. You see, I'm afraid that the Hobo Foundation and I have profound and probably irreconcilable differences of opinion about what constitutes a true "hobo".

      Since the focus of the "hobo" community at Britt seems to be on riding freight trains, I would like to suggest that they consider changing their name to something more fitting, like: Association of Recreational Freight Train Riders.

      Many of these riders are not really hoboes. A "hobo" is a person with a particular mindset or lifestyle of open-road freedom. How one transports oneself usually has little or nothing to do with that mindset or lifestyle.

      There were "hoboes" long before the 1850's with the advent of the railroads. These wanderers were NOT called hoboes, of course. In fact, the term "hobo" does not even appear in print before the late 1870's. Prior to that there were only "tramps" - more properly, foot tramps. In Europe, even today, there are no "hoboes". And there never have been any. There, they are ALL called "tramps".

       Although many writers today try to define a difference between hoboes and tramps, the truth, in fact, is that the edges are very blurred - there's a great deal of overlapping, even if one uses those definitions.

       In the past, whereas hoboes rode freight trains to get from one location to another if the work would be a great distance away, modern freight train riders are, more often than not, merely "recreational" riders. Many of these individuals lack the true spirit of eternal wanderlust and freedom from continuous commitment that defines a true tramp or hobo.

       I think that the "hobo" community at Britt does a great disservice to all of us with a true hobo spirit by not recognizing that these differences exist. This is why I am suggesting that the "hobo" community at Britt rename itself to incorporate a more accurate designation.

                                                                              Sincerely,
                                                                 Backwoods Jack
                                        Grand Pretender To The Throne Of American Trampdom
                                                             (Or just plain "old bum", If you prefer)
 
 

    Recently Backwoods' Jack sent me a letter about the definition of hobos.  I may not have the answers to please him or you but this is my hobo nickels worth.  I by no means say I am correct.  I have talked to seniors from the depression era, hobo community, and did research and this is my conclusion.  I am open to hear your hobo nickels worth on this subject.

      The definition for a Hobo that I was always told was a Hobo traveled and worked.  It didn't state how the hobo traveled whether the person rode the rails, hitch hiked, or tramped from one location to another.  After the Civil War and the Great Depression people had to travel from one place to another to find work and a freight train was available in some cases.  In doing presentations at Care Centers and talking to the seniors who lived during the depression many of the folks being children at the time thought hobos were bums.  Their parents fed them but told the children not to relate to them because they could be dangerous.  Their houses were marked so many times a "stranger" as they called them came to the door for a handout.  A true hobo would ask for chores to do before getting fed.  Hobos had a Code to live by.  Several of the hobo family states A Hobo Travels and Works; a Tramp travels and won't work; and A Bum doesn't travel nor work (a home guard or homeless person).  I don't like the statement a homeless person doesn't work because I know for a fact several homeless do work.  I am a Street Outreach Worker for the homeless in Kansas City.  Iwegin Rick stated today Tramps definition is a Hobo is our forefather who rode the rails; a tramp is the brotherhood of people who rides the rails today; and a bum is a person who has no tobacco.  This is the correct definition of a person who rides the rails today in most cases.   Several people who I call Recreation Hobos ride the rails today.  They have jobs but still have the wander lust and ride the rails during their vacation time from their job.  Several people from the past were not called hobos but Knights of the roads who crissed-crossed America to find work.  This is only my opinion and what I have learned reading and researching about hobos.

     I would like to clarify Hobo Foundation and Hobo Council.  It seems on several occasions we get confused on the difference between Hobo Foundation and Hobo Council.

     The separate dreams of three hobos came together in 1974 when they realized they shared the common goal of preserving hobo history.

     Hood River Blackie's search for steam-era hobos brought him to Britt and introduced him to Steamtrain Maury and Feather River John.  They drew up their letter of incorporation, filed tax-exempt status and along with several Britt locals became the Hobo Foundation.

     Today the Hobo Foundation, based in Britt, carries on the ambitious goal set by these original hobos.  Working committees were established to put into place several unique hobo tributes within the town of Britt.

     The Evergreen Cemetery Committee donated a quiet corner of their cemetery in Britt to the Hobo Foundation.

     The Hobos work each year to make mementos to sell during a convention auction to raise money for the foundation goals.  They have been able to establish a unique and beautiful resting place for hobos with the proceeds.

     The dream of a hobo museum began in the late 1980's with several boxes of artifacts.  It took its first step towards reality when the old Chief Theater was purchased as the museum site with money willed to the Foundation by an unknown hobo.

     The hobo foundation is currently raising funds for a new hobo museum to preserve this import legacy.

     Foundation Board President Linda Hughes says the hobo family is on track to see a new museum built in Britt.

     And just like the hobo family is known for the whole spirited, traveling community is jumping into a fund-raising effort to build a new Hobo Museum.

     "I'm very impressed with the hobo family," said Linda Hughes.  "They have raised so much money for a new museum.  They want this just as much as the Hobo Foundation does, the city does and the whole Britt community."

     The Hobo Museum and gift shop is open May 30 - August 25 or by appointment.
 
 

The Hobo Council meets after the Friday Morning Memorial Service.

This year 2007 Hobo King Tuck facilitated the meeting.  He was assisted by 2005 Hobo Queen Half Track since 1999 Hobo King Preacher Steve wasn't always available.

The Hobo Council selects the hobos to screen the King and Queen Candidates however because of issues from the candidates with rules of eligibility to be a Hobo King or Queen a special meeting was held of HOBO KINGS.  The hobo kings were

2007 Tuck; 2006 Iwegin Rick; 2005 Iron Horse Brad; 2004 Adman; 2003 Hobo Spike; 2002 Red Bird Express; 2001 Grandpa Dudley; 2000 Bo Grump; 1999 Preacher Steve; 1997 Frog; 1995 Luther the Jet and secretary for minutes Minneapolis Skinny Rod Sykora.  New rules for eligibility to be Hobo King or Queen were posted on a post in the jungle shelter on early Saturday morning.

It has been discussion for years that in order to be a Hobo King a person has to ride the rails.  I don't know who put this rule in but it has been there since from beginning I suppose.

Any discussion about the hobo jungle or related hobo issues are discussed at the Hobo Council Meeting.

The hobo jungle (park) is owned by the City of Britt but under the Hobo Council.  For information about the Hobo Council you can check with Adman, Preacher Steve, Minneapolis Skinny or Halftrack (the MC of the hobo entertainment).

This is the way I understand the two organizations work.  If I am error please correct the error.

     I don’t know what occurred to bring about the differences that Jack has with The Hobo Foundation, but being the nosy loudmouth I am, I’ve got to add my nickels worth about what constitutes a Hobo.  Fact is there have been wanderers and travelers for many, many centuries and Hoboes are wanderers.  The American wanderers had the name “Hobo” attached to them some time in the 1800s but, to me, that’s just a designation.  They, since then, were noted for traveling by train but that’s only because trains became available at that time.  Up until then they had to travel by horse back or by tramping around the country, or world, on foot.   Rail riding was just, at that time, the latest, and easiest, way for these wandering travelers to get around.  Today there’s an easier way, if you can afford it, and that’s traveling in a vehicle.

     I, myself, have not ridden trains since the late forties and, yes, I’m old enough that some of that was done behind steam engines.  Thank heaven for the B & M.  They were my private chauffeurs. Yup, I was one of those independent, young buggers that didn’t want to conform and that life spoiled me.  Got so that it’s the way I’ve lived my whole life even though I stopped riding years ago.  Had customers, while I was in the welding business, that used to say, “Hey, that Guinea’s got money.  He doesn’t want to work all the time and he’s fussy what he does”.  Nope, I didn’t have money and only worried about having enough to take care of my family and myself.  When I had the chances I still wandered and entertained but the main thing is that I’ve enjoyed my life with only a couple of bad spots, losing both my wives to cancer.

     I think that being a wanderer you develop an independent mind set.  Or is it that you become a wanderer because you had that mind set to begin with?  Regardless, true Hoboes are wanderers and, to me, it makes no difference how you do that wandering.

     What are Hoboes to me?  Independent SOBs who wants to live their own life, travel, enjoy their life and not have to conform to someone else’s beliefs about how they should live.  The same as wanderers, and travelers have been for centuries.

     I’m going to add a photo here of a tapestry, made of bamboo cloth, that was made special for me, and sent to me by some Tai Wan students.  This was done by one of the class who was an artist and is a depiction of a poem that was written by a very famous Chinese poet in the year 800.  It’s about a friend of his that was leaving their small town to become a wanderer and travel the world.  As you can see, the tradition of wanderers goes back centuries so why should we say trains are necessary.

    I got a phone call from Square Knot, In MD, this afternoon asking me to post a thank you to all the friends that sent him the get well card, from Britt.  Special thanks to his good friends Road Kill and Straytat who he feels initiated the card by letting folk know he was incapacitated.  (Hey, ain't that a fancy word to read here?)

    I know how Square Knot feels.  One of the great things about being connected with our fine Hobo Family is having so many good friends who care, and worry about you when things are not going right for you.  They don't judge us.  Just continue to care and love us no matter what.

    Use this link "Argentina" to read about Rik's latest travel plans.  Hey, this lucky stiff gets to see a lot of the world.  What the heck.  I could do things like that, too.  (If I had talent, youth and good looks)
 
 

    This year at the 2008 National Hobo Convention was a busy week for everyone who attended.  So much to do in so little time should be the slogan for the Convention.  You could enjoy all the entertainment at the hobo jungle; visit the venders selling their wares on the streets as well as the food venders; the Coronation; the huge parade; eating mulligan stew, touring the hobo museum, shopping at Britt's downtown stores; shedding a tear or two at the two hobo tribute memorial celebration of the fallen hobo family members who caught the westbound, and on an on.

     I have to admit one of the highlights at the Hobo Convention for me this year was the Hobo Wedding of West Hill Jack and Cherokee.  This had special meaning to me since the couple had adopted Hobo Santa and me as their hobo parents a couple years ago.

     On another note we were excited to see hobo friends of Deep Lock Quarry Hobo Gathering that we have attended for the past two years visit the National Hobo Convention for the first time including the bride Cherokee, the groom West Hill Jack, Streamline, Parma Cookie, Ridge Way John, and host of the gathering Hummingbird.

     The service was conducted by 2003 National Hobo King Hobo Spike and assisted by his 2003 National Hobo Queen Mama Jo.  The bride Cherokee and groom West Hill Jack are from the Akron, Ohio area.  Several Hobo Royalty, Kings Tuck, Iwegian Ric, Iron Horse Brad, Adman, Redbird Express, Bo Gump, Preacher Steve, Frog, and Luther the Jet plus the Queens Lady Sonshine, Half Track, Sunrise, Lady Nightingale, M.A.D. Mary, Minneapolis Jewel, Come On Pat, New York Maggie, Blue Moon Bo, Connecticut Shorty, and Hobo Lump saluted with the traditional walking stick as the wedding participants walked to the hobo chapel in front of the campfire.

     The Serenity National Hobo Gospel Singers and a guest sang songs for the wedding couple.  One of the songs played by the guest was Mocking Bird Hill.  As the song was played and sang Hobo Birdman added a special touch with his mocking bird calls.

     The hobo wedding is a fun time but it is also a serious moment for the bride and groom to take their hobo wedding vows.  The following is the complete ceremony by Hobo Spike.  New York Maggie and Connecticut Shorty helped the bride in the latest hobo wedding apparel.  The wild flowers were from M.A.D. Mary, Hummingbird, and Luther the Jet.  The wedding party consisted as Hobo Santa walking the bride to the campfire altar; best man West Hill Jack, matron of honor Hummingbird; brides maid M.A.D. Mary and ushers Streamline and Parma Cookie; and flower girl Dirty Feet.

     "We are doing this marriage ceremony because West Hill Jack and Cherokee have indicated they want a hobo marriage.  This is something to cherish for life and the vows are not to be taken lightly."

     "Is there anyone giving the bride away?"  Hobo Santa responded the hobo parents: Mama Jo and Hobo Santa

     "You have a stalk of rhubarb, the leaf of which is poison."  As Hobo Spike recited the following the couple severs the leaf from the stalk of rhubarb and throws it on the campfire.

     "By severing the leaf and throwing it on the fire, you are casting off the impurities of the marriage and retaining the good portion, which is the stalk."

     "You must consider carefully the means you choose to settle disputes, by selecting a method that neither offends nor hurts the other person."

     "Are you ready to take the hobo marriage vows?"  West Hill Jack and Cherokee faced each other and were asked to repeat the vows after Hobo Spike stated each vow.

     1.  "You are the way you are, and its ok with me for you to be that way."

     2.  "May my love for you always be greater than my need for you."

     3.  "May I always do what is right, even if it is not what I want."

     4.  "Help you to be a success in your own way."

"Do you have any hesitation or mental reservations whatsoever in taking these vows?'  West Hill Jack and Cherokee replied no.

Hobo Spike asked, "Are there any rings?" Both replied yes.

"May you be well, peaceful, happy and content."

"I now bestow upon you a hobo marriage"

Mama Jo has a special blessing in words for each of you.

"You may now kiss the bride."

After the couple kissed Hobo Spike introduced to the audience the wedding couple.

I received two emails from dear hobo family members that each had a family member pass away or as we say caught the westbound.

I am saddened to report Marianne's, (wife of Rik Palieri "Totem Pole"), mother at the age of 95 years old passed away last Wednesday.

I also received an email today from a new hobo family member, "Bizzy" an employee of Warthers Museum her mother-in-law passed away today.

The hobo family wishes to give the condolences to each of our hobo family who lost a loved one.

     This year's National Hobo Convention started for Hobo Santa, Brender [the wife of Liberty Justice and me Thursday a week before the actual convention.    We were driving down highway 18 headed for Britt.  We noticed the "skyline" of Britt the water tower and the grain elevator.  We knew seeing Britt "skyline" we were almost there and getting excited for the 108th National Hobo Convention.

     This years Hobo Days started Thursday afternoon with a special memorial tribute "Celebrating the Life of Jerry "Liberty" Justice.  The service started with the presentation of Colors, Opening prayer by Bud Bockelman, Veteran Memorial gift of an American Flag presented by Jerry Christensen, Life is Like A Mountain Railway sung by Diana and Bob Suckiel, [known as Mama Pipes and CN&E], Memorial Service by Bud Bockelman, Obituary by Connecticut Shorty, Reminiscing tribute from Linda Hughes, President of Hobo Foundation and Curator of Hobo Museum, Mayor Jim Nelson, and Liberty's brother Jerry Justice.  Luther completed the service by singing his version mixed with Liberty' song, Let Me Ride to Heaven on a Train.

     The Hobo Days was official opened by 2002 National Hobo King Redbird Express with the traditional lighting of the campfire, salute to the winds, and, added to the fire,  ashes from other hobo gatherings, of The Whittler, Liberty Justice and Slo Freight Ben.  The Serenity National Hobo Gospel Singers sang The Star Spangle Banner.  Reigning King Tuck and Queen Sonshine greeted the audience.  Several hobos and hobos at heart entertained at the Jungle.

     A special memorial service was held Friday Morning at Evergreen Cemetery at the National Hobo Cemetery for the seven hobos who caught the westbound: Queen Slo Freight Ben [September 28, 2007]; Gas Can Paddy [October 28, 2007]; Hobo Whittler [December 19]; Jungle Jack [December 29]; King Side Door Pullman Kid [February 8, 2008]; King Liberty Justice [April 23, 2007] and Bruce "Utah Phillips" Phillips [May 23, 2008].  This years Master of Ceremony was Mama Jo who introduced several participants; the American Legion VFW Color Guard, King Tuck, Lady Sonshine, Fast Track, Serenity National Hobo Gospel Singers,  Connecticut Shorty, Connecticut Tootsie, Minneapolis Jewel, Milwaukee Mike, Luther the Jet, Bob and Diana Suckiel, Adman and Preacher Steve.

     Britt was buzzing with CBS cameras filming the 108th National Hobo Convention.  Hobo Paul (Cady) invited Bill Geist, Correspondent, CBS News Sunday Morning Show.  The program is to air on CBS in September.  The exact date is not set.

     Downtown Britt's Hobo Museum was busy as numerous people toured the old hobo museum with a "face lift of new displays" thanks to Bridget and the Iowa students.

      The 2008 Jungle "Crumb Boss" [hobo lingo for head chef] was Cookin' Mama with numerous hobo volunteers.  Meals were planned and served daily for breakfast and supper.  Hobos and guests also check out Mary Jo Hughes Hobo House Restaurant for memorabilia of hobo pictures and a meal.

     This years Hobos Ladies Tea theme was "Christmas in August".  The tables were all decorated with Christmas decorations.  Local Britt resident, Jan Hughes and daughters were the entertainment singing Christmas Songs.  They did a wonderful job changing fun Christmas Songs with hobo lyrics.  The guests were each given a special token gift from the Hobo Lady Host.

     Leanne Costelle, portrait painter of Hobo Royalty was excited to unveil the painting of King Tuck and Lady Sonshine in front of CBS cameras.

     King Tuck and Lady Sonshine at the hobo jungle honored Bill Geist with a special hobo walking stick signed by the hobo family.  Other dubbings consisted of Terry Anderson being dubbed the moniker of "Tinker Man".  Once again MC Halftrack introduced several of the hobo family and guests who entertained.

     The crowds lined the parade route especially the children waiting for the tons of candy thrown by participants of the parade.  Hobos were in golf carts and on floats this year.  2002 National Hobo King Redbird Express got a huge surprise during the parade route when 27 Pennsylvania fan club fans rooted him on.  The group came to Hobo Days by a bus.   The town has a special aroma that excited the taste buds of several guests as they got in line for the traditional Hobo Mulligan Stew.  The recipe is fixed out doors in several barrels to feed 5,000 people.

     Each year at Hobo Days the big attraction is the King and Queen Coronation.  Candidates each gave a two minute or less speech why they would make a good Hobo King or Queen.  The Queen candidates were Zipper, Double B, Cookin' Mama and Connecticut Tootsie.  The King candidates were Grain Car George, Dante and Stretch.

     The past several years has had mixed and hurt feeling with no rules listed who is eligible to run for Hobo King or Queen.   This year was no different except rules were adopted and posted prior to the Coronation.  Hobo Kings Tuck, Iwegin Ric, Iron Horse Brad, Adman, Hobo Spike, Redbird Express, Grandpa Dudley, Bo Grump, Preacher Steve, Frog, Luther the Jet held a special meeting.  Minneapolis Skinny took notes.   The new rules are to be posted each year prior to candidates posting their name as a contestant.

     The new hobo royalty King Stretch and Queen Tootsie gave short speeches at the hobo jungle Saturday evening.  They dubbed Jerry Christenson with the moniker SGT of Arms.  Connecticut Tootsie honored him by giving him a pin off her vest that represented her having a daughter soldier, Lauren in Iraq.  Jerry Christenson, the person in charge of the Britt Color Guard too has a daughter in Iraq.  Once again great entertainment was enjoyed by everyone at the jungle.

     Sunday morning M.A.D. Mary conducted a campfire service giving Praise to the Lord.  The Serenity National Hobo Gospel Singers sang.  At the end of the service Hobo Kings Adman and Tuck put the last of the ashes of King Liberty Justice on the tracks as a special tribute to him.

      The 2008 National Hobo Convention was closed by King Stretch.  Several hobos pitched in to clean up the jungle and put the entire kitchen items away.  You could see several hobos giving a goodbye hug and even shedding a few tears as they said goodbye to one another.   Then one by one the hobos were leaving in their vehicles (rubber tramps); some were hitch hiking, and some were planning to leave the hobo way catching a freight train.

 Locals from Chicago's far-south side Pullman neighborhood, and "hobos" from all parts, will be cooking up what will be "Chicago's largest pot of Mulligan Stew" during the Historic Pullman Hobo Gathering on September 7 (2008).

The two-day event starts on Saturday, Sept. 6 with a welcome dinner at the historic Greenstone Church, 11201 S. St. Lawrence Avenue, from 4:30pm -6:30, followed by the Grand Hobo Concert in the church sanctuary. Talented "hobo" musicians join with local talents performing their songs, stories, and poems of travel, railroading, and hobo life.

Sunday features crafts, music, and folklore in the park nearby at 112th & Cottage Grove Ave. Exhibits and presentations will take place beginning at 1pm at the Historic Pullman Visitor Center, 11141 S. Cottage Grove. The event is capped with a festive barn dance from 3-6pm in the street, with free helpings of Mulligan Stew served up by the hobos and their helpers from Pullman.

The events are free, with "pass the hat" donations gratefully accepted.

The stew ingredients, in order to make an "authentic" brew, need to be gathered from donations from local gardeners, community gardens, and surplus produce from some helpful agencies such as Angelic Organics Learning Center, The Resource Center, and Goodness Greenness. Other donations have been offered after an interview on Mike Nowak's Sunday gardening radio program on WCPT-820 AM. Dumpster diving has been the norm used for years, but we are depending on generous donors instead!

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Friendly community hosts free welcoming dinner on Saturday evening prior to Hobo Concert at famous historical Greenstone Church . Luther the Jet performs on the church's renowned Stearns & Turner pipe organ, as other Hobo minstrels, along with local Chicago talents, gear up to do stories and song for the eager audience.

Throughout Saturday & Sunday, Hobos display exhibits, their special crafts, folklore, food, and music. The event is crowned by a big barndance/squaredance, and finally, a musical extravaganza jam that includes a mix of Hobo, folk, bluegrass, R&B, and country.

Overnight camping available - secure, secluded- w/ toilet and some washing facilities, water available. Great site for tents, campers, RV's.

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·        Replication of 1900's railroad town; RR station, conductor, ticket agent, artifacts

 ·        Guided tours: 1) Pullman Historic District/Adjacent "Bumtown", old landmark Illinois Central switching station ($5); 2) Guided Metra rail tour from downtown Chicago to Pullman ($10)

·        Free helpings of " CHICAGO'S LARGEST POT OF MULLIGAN STEW"

* Please take advantage of our free camping at the State-Provided "HOBO JUNGLE" See web site for details or call Tom
 
 

Just to fill everyone in  on this past weekends' Hobo Gathering at Deep Lock Quarry.  It was a great time for all who were able to get there.

It got started Friday night with the Jungle Fire Lighting and Ceremony which was conducted by Former King Luther the Jet and Former Queen Mama Jo.  The entertainment Friday night was provided by Luther the Jet, West Hill Jack & Cherokee, Mama Jo told a couple of stories and we even got Hobo Santa up to recite a poem.

Saturday had a good turn out even with the weather being fairly hot and humid.  It was really great when later Saturday afternoon our little hobo brother Chevy Robbie and his mom Kim arrived.  The campfire entertainment on Saturday night was provided by our Host (and Organizer) Hummingbird (Pat Rydquist) who talked about the Hobos and their connection to the Deep Lock Metro Park,  Streamline (Dave Gates) told a really great ghost story, and was that an actual ghost there in the distance?  Music was provided by Luther the Jet and West Hill Jack and Cherokee.  We tried to get Chevy Robbie to sing us a song but he didn't want to.

Sunday started with a Sunday Morning Campfire Service which was led by Mama Jo.  She and some of the Staff people told stories and poems of Hope and Inspiration, and she also had children's author Dandi Daley Mackall read one of the stories.  The music was provided by Luther the Jet and West Hill Jack & Cherokee.  Part way through the Service it started to drizzle.  However we all noticed that halfway through the closing song "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" the rain stopped and stayed dry the rest of the day.  Later in the afternoon there was a Dubbing of Dandi Daly Mackall where she was given her official hobo moniker "K.C Batgirl".

There were a number of 'bos in attendance: Collinwood Kid, Jumpoff John, Stretch and Burlington, Square Knot Bob, Luther the Jet, Mama Jo and Hobo Santa, Big Skip, Mick the Stick, West Hill Jack and Cherokee, Jack Who, Hobo Bro, Old Crow, and our Little Hobo Brother Chevy Robbie and his mom Kim.  I know there are one or two others who were there but I can't remember who, so if they are reading this please believe me the omission is not intentional.

It was a pleasure to get to meet the two young men from Belgium who were at the Gathering filming all the activities and interviewing some of the hobos.  This was their first trip to America and have been quite impressed with all that they have encountered while here.  Hope they have a safe trip back at the end of this month.

Dear Fran,

    I grew up in the thirties.  When in high  school (New York City) at one subway stop they sold the Hobo News.  I would  buy it every week.  I believe it cost 5 cents.

    In this memoir of mine it is important for those who may one day read it how important a publication that paper was and how  it helped mold my life.

    The Library of Congress purports to have copies of  this paper but I can find no way to read them unless I go to Washington.   Inter library access has not been forthcoming.

    Can you advise me?

Fran,

    I've enjoyed your page, and it brought back some childhood memories (I'm  74) of hoboes stopping at our home and my grandmother's habit of never turning  one away.

    I'm a member of the local Toastmasters Club now and had selected as my next  speech the artwork of the hoboes and a bit of their history; however, I've been  unable to find one thing I'm looking for.  One of the men who came to our home when I was five or six years old had been there before and on his last visit brought a gift "for the little girl" he said.  It was a trinket box, beautifully crafted, made of corrugated cardboard.

    I would love to be able to share that type of art with my fellow  Toastmasters and can find nothing on it.  Would you happen to have any  information on such a craft?

    Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

I think of Jerry "Liberty" Justice when I see the "Train of Life".   He loved going to Britt and last year he ran for Hobo King because he told me he had so much to do yet for the hobos.  He was on oxygen 24/7 but this didn't stop him in wanting to do more for the hobo family.  He loved being an ambassador for the hobo family and the town of Britt telling everyone he met about the hobos and the National Hobo Convention.  We would go out to eat and had to wait to get waited on until Liberty told the waitress about hobos and Britt.

Several times as we went out to eat after telling the waitress about the hobo life he would take a dollar bill and make his famous bow-tie dollar and leave it as part of the tip.

 Forty-eight hours before Liberty caught the westbound Brenda was paged to the hospital that the doctor didn't think he would make it but when we got there he was talking.  He was hungry, he stated.  The nurse told us he gave us a scare.  At his bedside he told me he wasn't ready to catch the westbound because he wanted to write more songs, send more post cards, phone hobos and go back to the National Hobo Convention to perform for his hobo family and guests in the audience.  Liberty was looking forward to another year or ten.  He enjoyed life.   I think of the times he went to Willie Nelson studio to meet him.  He would phone me and tell me he was going to the studio to give Willie Nelson his C.D.'s

My name is Ben Speck and I am a young photographer based in London, UK.  Being fascinated by US Hobo history and culture, I have decided to embark on a photographic project, to photograph and record the stories of train faring Hobos while traveling alongside them across the states for a month or so.  May I ask you to help me with advice?

As a starting point, I would like to attend a Hobo convention anywhere in the states, where I am hoping to get in contact with actively train-hopping Hobos and to ask them to collaborate on this project. Maybe you could be so kind as to advise me on which conventions should give me this opportunity or of any other ideas about how I could approach this project.   The key for me is to find and to get a good start with as many "train-hoppers" as possible.

I was planning to be in the US for about a month during August &/or September.

Fran,

    I am Tom Shepherd's son and he is organizing the Pullman Hobo Fest for Chicago. You have a post from him for the fest on your http://www.worldpath.net/~minstrel/grapvine.htm page, but I was hoping that you could revise the posting with the content below. The fest web site is not entirely finished, but we're trying to get the word out on the grapevine. Thanks!

    Join the neighborhood of Pullman, a Chicago Historic District and national treasure as we celebrate another true national treasure: the Hobo. Enjoy food, music, crafts, storytelling and more at this fun filled event with something for the whole family. See http://hobofest.southchicago.info for details.

    CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Are you a collector, historian, performer or craftsmen? We are currently seeking demonstrations and exhibits on Hobo and railroading history. See Pullman Hobo Fest site for more information: http://hobofest.southchicago.info/contribute.html

    Hi Fran, you probably have already see this--  I'm more behind than ever.  Hope all is well..  With love,

    Stand Downs are one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to provide services to homeless veterans.  Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services to homeless veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment.  Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA’s, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless.

    The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam veterans in San Diego.  Since then, Stand Downs have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless veterans, reaching more than 200,000 veterans and their family members between 1994-2000.

Hi Fran,

I and Backwoods Jack and I are working on a documentary as a tribute to Liberty Justice. We would appreciate any and all video footage and photographs that you, or any others, have in your collections. Tag or write your name on the back of the photographs and video cassettes. Send any type of format that you have. I will transfer everything I use to a format I need for the production. Also, someone might have audios of Liberty singing or telling a joke or story. We can use that too.

What is important is that each item whether it is a video or photograph should have the date of the footage or photograph. Please state where it was shot and by whom. I want to give credit to each person that sends anything we use.

Depending on the quality and quantity of what we receive will determine if the item will be used. Don't count anything out. We will go through everything and see how it all fits together. All copyrights will be respected.

I promise that everything will be sent back unharmed.  Just write your address on a sheet of paper and I will keep it for the return shipping.

I am talking to a lawyer in the community on which type of releases need to be sent once we decide what is going to be used. Any type of monetary pie from the sales of this production is going to be very minimal.This is why we are asking for your photographs or video footage as a donation to the tribute of Liberty Justice. I spoke with Brenda, Liberty's wife, and we agreed that a certain percentage of the sale of the finished product would be donated to the building of the new hobo museum. This was Liberty's wish. He did not want flowers sent. He wanted the community to donate to the new hobo museum.

There are probably things I forgot to mention. It is important to say that we do not want to step on any ones toes.

Please send your footage or photographs to:

    Just on FRANS HOBO GRAPEVINE, Rapid-T sent in a letter, he's still using the e-mail address railroadpostoffice@yahoo.com and signs his name as SAM MALONE. So...............Heads Up to anyone who gets a message from someone using EITHER THAT E-MAIL OR NAME!

    This list was compiled and sent to me by Hobo Queen Mama Jo.  Thanks Mama Jo.  I'll get it all entered on the "Gatherings Page" as soon as I can.
 

August 30   Bucyrus, OH Hobo Day
                   Contact: Old Crow at    croneis@embarqmail.com

 Cancellation:  Port Huron, MI Down by the Depot Hobo Festival
    Thanks to JoeJoe Diva Depot, Host of three great hobo gatherings

Cancellation:  Pleasant Hill, MO Railroad Days and Hobo Gathering

Cancellation:  Riverhead, Long Island, New York
    Dandy Don thanks for memorable two great hobo gatherings.
 
 

    Got an email from Red, this week, and he tells me that his new CD of Hobo songs will be ready son.  Red (who's not really very young any more) remembers his father working for MKT.  Dad worked for the railroad forty years, starting in 1913, and Red grew up familiar with railroads and Hoboes so this CD, containing songs he's written and dialogue about the Hoboes, should be great.  I have some of his recordings and love his music and style so I'm looking forward to this new CD.  When it's available I'll post it on the Grapevine.  Anybody wanting to get in touch with Red can do so at:

Hi Fran,

    Here's a link to the Hobo section of my web site. http://www.ratpackstlouis.com/hobo-u63.htm  Click on the BRITT 2007 picture to see all the gang and the goings on.  I also have added pictures on Baloney Kid & Lady Bug's wedding ceremony.  Best wishes to all.

Fran:

    Here on the Grapevine, and on other pages of this site, there are, and will continue to be, links to other internet sites.   I try to check these sites out before posting the links but, occasionally, there could be links, from these other sites, to unwanted materials.  If you should find yourself linked to sites that contain objectionable matter let me know, so I can look into it.

    I'm always looking for more pictures of Hobo art to add to the Hobo Arts page.  Let's show folk what we, and the old Hoboes have for talent.  To you folk that aren't Hobos, I'd appreciate it if you'd send pictures of any Hobo art that you find, also.   Help us preserve as much Hobo history as possible.  For too many years Hobo art and the history of the American Hoboes has been neglected and, at times, what is believed and saved is misinterpreted giving many of today's people  false impressions of the true Hobo.