Bits From The Hobo Grapevine
 by Fran
"The Hobo Minstrel"
Great Grand Hobo Duke of Cyber Space
 

It would be greatly appreciated if anyone having dates, or news, about 2010
Gatherings, or Festivals, would send the dates, and a small write up, as soon as possible.
If I don't have the information I can't post it.  Right?  Right.
Fran

 Anyone having bits to be posted on the grapevine can email them
to Fran by clicking HERE
 or use the snail mail address at the bottom of this page.

For anyone having questions to post here.  I will add your email address,
so you can receive answers, unless you tell me not to.

email Fran

 

For more fabulous, informative, Hobo information use these links.
There are none better on the entire internet.

 
Hobo Art
Hobo Signs
 HoboLinks 
Fran's Hobo Page
Hobo Gatherings

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.

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"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

Yours,
Fran
Great Grand Hobo Duke of Cyber Space

minstrel@worldpath.net

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Poems / Songs

    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
 
 

   The Tramp Confession
  by   Harry Kemp

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"Britt Hobo Days 2010"
Tentative Schedule
(3/20/2010)
 

Hobo Museum and Gift Shop open all week-Keeping Hobo History Alive

Sunday before Hobo Day- August 8th
Party in the Park   2p.m. till ?
  Kiddie Parade and Kids Konvention Plus so much More. Lets Party with the Kids

 Thursday Aug. 12th
Silent Auction All Day at the Hobo
House till 3:03
Hobo Quilt Lady at the Hobo House 10a.m.-2p.m.
7p.m. Official Fire Lighting at the Jungle and Hobo Entertainment in the
Jungle

Friday August 13th
Hobo Quilt Lady to be at Hobo
House all day
9a.m. Hobo Memorial Service at the Hobo Cemetery
1p.m. Ladies Tea at St. Pat's Church
Luthers Organ Concert to
Follow
4p.m. Poetry reading at the Jungle
7:30 Poetry at the
Hobo Museum with Jerry Wellik and Community members
8p.m. RIK
PALIERI  in front of the Hobo Museum Main Street Britt

Saturday August 14th
10a.m. Parade
Mulligan Stew Feed after
Parade
1p.m. Hobo King and Queen Coronation
Hobo Auction to
Follow
3:30 Poetry in the Park with Jerry Wellik and Community
Members
5p.m. Polka Mass at St. Pats
6:30 p.m. RIK PALIERI in
front of the Hobo Museum Main Street Britt
7:00 p.m. Hobo Jungle entertainment
8p.m. Street Dance by Ewing Funeral Home

Sunday August 15th
Car Show All Day Main Street

    Many other Activities are being planned. A Hobo Committee has been formed and this group of volunteers are working very hard to bring new ideas and activities to Hobo Day.  So  Please watch for Updates to the 2010 Schedule

    Many sponsors from Britt are happy to announce that Rik Palieri will be performing in Britt, Iowa for the 110th National Hobo Convention.  Rik will be performing two shows Friday August 13th at 8p.m. and Saturday August 14th. These shows will be in front of the Hobo Museum, so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the shows.

Times for the above activities may change

Linda Hughes

"More About Rosenberg,
From "Kbar"
(3/19/2010)

Fran,

    These are the dates for the Rosenberg gathering.  This is the second year.  It was fun last year.  They're trying hard to get a spring gathering going and need some wider publicity.
 
 

ROSENBERG (TEXAS) RAILROAD MUSEUM

HOBO DAYS
APRIL 23-25, 2010

http://www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org/

    Plenty of room for camping, about two city blocks for parking cars. Last year there were amateur musicians, a Depression-era Hooverville reenactment in 1930's period costume by a Living History civil war reenactment group on the west side of the property, barbeque trailers, they collected non-perishable food and canned goods for the homeless and we built a "jungle" with a campfire on the east side of the museum.

This year the chuck wagon cook from the George Ranch is coming down to cook a big mulligan stew. Jana Smith, the director of the museum, tells me that she can give vouchers for any tramps who show up to roll out for the weekend. The museum is private property, so alcohol consumption is permitted as long as you use some common sense. If you get shitfaced and make an ass out of yourself you might get bounced. There will be citizens and kids all over the place, so exercise some discretion. (Nothing illegal is permitted---absolutely no drugs, no fireworks, no firearms or weapons of any kind, and no flying a sign at the museum.) Please use the trash cans and keep a clean camp. Every can or piece of trash that gets dropped has to be picked up by somebody.

    Last year was a lot of fun.

Thanks,
K-Bar
 

"America's Leading, Male, Sex Idol Model"
(3/17/2010)

    Some of you may have heard me mention, over the years, that I pick up a bit of cash posing for the art classes at the local university.  I thought you might be interestd in seeing an example of what these students do.  This is a photo of an oil painting one of the students finished this week.  "Notice", that I'm modeling fully dressed.  This professor insists on clothing when I model so the coeds don't get too excited.  It's just as well.  I don't want to go through the peoblems, again, that I went through after posing for the town nude calendar a few years ago. (Sheesh.  It's tough being a sex symbol to millions of women.)

Fran

"Snapshot Has Come Out Of Hibernation
(3/18/2010

Hello Fran,

I am happy to report that I have been spotted alive (and apparently well), living in a ramshackle trailer deep in the forests of the Florida Mountains.  If anyone remembers and cares, I can be reached at tramparthalf@gmail.com.

    My phone is 850-415-5978 (although I do not answer it);  my address is 3055 Akers Trail, Chipley, FL  32428;  my voice mail is 850-658-9200.

I will be in Destin and Fort Walton Beach tomorrow, Pensacola on April 8th and New Orleans April 9th through April 16.  I may make a surprise appearance (or I may not) at the National Hobo Convention along with the
other cardboard "hobos."

Snapshot
 

"King Red Bird Express

"Guest Lecturer
(3/17/2010)

    Red Bird  was the guest speaker at the annual "Cedar Chips" meeting,  (The Tall Cedars of Lebanon) in PA.

Below is a copy of a letter sent out to members by   Paul Rehrer, PGTC.  Grand Tall Cedar
 

Dear Cedars and Cedarettes,

    My thanks to Karl Teller (Redbird Express) for dubbing yours truly as TALL TREE PAUL and delivering another episode of his adventures across our great land. This time he had two other hobos with him (Double B and double Bob. We enjoyed their presentation. We also had the largest attendance of the year and enjoyed our own Hobo Stew for refreshments after the meeting He'll soon be leaving again on his next trip. Our next meeting is on April 5 and will be our annual Barnyard night.  Remember, this is Casual dress (Barnyard attire) and NO Tux to be worn.

    Also, we make hoagies again on Wednesday April 14 We need help selling and making them on Wednesday. Only a few Cedars and Cedarettes showed up in March-we really can use your help, remember itsour only fund raiser and it's where we get the money to send to M.D.

    (Please note:We are still open for a Senior and a Junior.)

                                                                                         Cedarly Yours;
                                                                    Paul Rehrer, PGTC
                                                                      Grand Tall Cedar

    Everybody knows that I'm not a smart ass and know also that I never pickon people "BUT", seeing the last thing in Paul's letter, about being open for a senior, made me think. Red Bird, himself, is getting close to the age where he could be a "Senior" on most anything.  I hope he has enough stamina to keep him going when he's invited to tour the famus universities of Europe as a "Guest Lecturer". (There'll be no living with him after that.)
 
 


"I Guess Spring Has Sprung"
(3/16/2001

Max Freeman Is On The Move Too"
(3/16/2001

Hi Fran,

Sorry, it has been so long getting back to you but it has been a very busy winter for me. The southwest was warm, sunny and beautiful most of the time. The locals thought is was more rainy than normal but hey, when you live in the desert how much rain does it really take to be more rainy than normal. . . 2 days per month rather than 1? Anyway, all I had to do is ask them if they would rather live in New Hampshire this time of year and that silenced them instantly. Oh yeah, sorry about the snow and cold you got this winter. Maybe next year will be better. That stuff is about gone, right?

So what have I been doing? Traveling, hiking, meeting a lot of interesting people and having some really new and different experiences. It has been great this year! Of course is was nothing like two years ago when we cooked a meal on a shovel over the fireplace. Now, that was fun! But, it is very hard to find anything that can compare to that. But, I did have a really great time. And, it has kept me very busy. Even too busy to keep in touch with you. Sorry about that! Oh, by the way, a shovel makes a good serving instrument also.

So what are my plans? I am heading for Gila National Forest. I hope to hike some trails . . . maybe even a part of the Continental Divide Trail. We will see. I am not sure, but there may be snow up on the mountains. That could ruin my plans for hiking. But, oh well, after that, then there is Amory . . . just a month away. I am looking forward to seeing all the hobos there.

Sorry to hear about Charmin Harmon. He will truly be missed at Britt this year. I sure am glad you have your hobo web site and take care of the grapevine news . . . it really helps us bos keep up on all that is happening in the hobo world.

Well, got to run. You take care. I hope to see you down the road.
 
 

Max
 
 

"2010 Hobo Gatherings"
(3/15/2010

       It has been brought to my attention, Again, that my Hobo Gatherings page is woefully out of date.  I depend on all you folk to let me know What, When and Where so I can let everyone else know "SO" how about if Y'all get on the ball and send me the information so I can post it.

    Hey, I'm not as young as I used to was so I need help.

Fran
 

 Second Annual Rosenberg Railroad Festival & Hobo Days – A Living
          History Festival Celebrating Railroading In Fort Bend County

(3/14/2010)

    For a full description of the event use this link        and scale down to the bottom of the page.
 
 

Oops & Stupid Dog in Kentucky
(23/15/2009)

hey fran,

me and stupid dog are in eastern kentucky visiting my mom, we were just in alabama, atlanta, tennesee, and now here, heading out tomorrow.  i'll keep you posted.
tommy & stupid dog

oops... & stupid

his email is;  tdoxey77@yahoo.com

or oops myspace site
 
 

"Rik, Totem Pole, Palieri"

Is On The Road "Again"
(3/11/2010

    Yup, Rik is is roaming the U. S. A. again and, from what he told me, on the phone yesterday, he's got lots of interesting gigs in quite a few states.  I can't remember all he told me but I do know he's going to be in Arizona and Nashville, TN., amongst other places.   I understand that in Nashville he's going to be entertaining some of our great country and Western stars with songs, poems and stories  about Hoboes and our life.

    Historians haven't bothered with keeping good records about Hoboes but with good will ambassadors like Rik, and others in our family, we keep spreading the word, and truth, about  the Hobo Community.  Of course we don't want folk to admire us too much or they'll all want to hit the road and it would get as crowded as Times Square.

Anybody interested in Rik's plans and schedule, here and overseas, can get all that information on his web site at;

http://www.banjo.net/
 
 
 

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"Rusty Rails" Has Caught The Westbound

(3/10/2010

(Note From Mama Jo)

    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.  He loved to play fun jokes especially to his pastor who would retreat with jokes on him.  The caregivers at Woodbridge Health Campus Care Center where he lived never knew what to expect from Rusty Rails.  He was in an electric wheel chairs there.  The first week there he visited and prayed for so many of the patients that he ran the battery down on his wheel chair.  Brad was told the wheel chair battery was good for a couple weeks but Rusty Rails proved that theory wrong.

     We were visiting one afternoon on a beautiful day sitting outside on the front porch.  A gentleman getting off work said goodbye, Josh.  He said wait a minute I need to talk to you.  He was the maintenance man.  He stated he needed two ramps built and gave him the deminisions.  The guy stated all the areas in the care center had ramps why do you think you need more ramps?  He stated he was going to have the ramps separated but facing each other at a distance and then he was going to have nurses lay down between the ramps and he was going to put his wheel chair in high geer and jump the nurses Evil Kenevil style and then he paused and just cracked up laughing.
     One time he had his Dad buy shampoo and red dye.  He took the red dye and added it too the shampoo.  He then had a nurse help him wrap the present very pretty.  He gave it to his pastor.  The pastor opened and thanked Josh for a nice gift noticing something wasn't correct with it but didn't say a word.  He was suspicious of a prank and so noted.  He bought an old red wig and the next time he visited Josh wore it.  They both laughed.

     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.
     I have included some photos I took at one of my visits with Josh.  You can see how happy he always was with smiles.  You can also see what his life was like with a bad eye, arm paralysised, and had both legs amputee from the knee to the foot.  Just after the amputation a nurse asked if he needed anything.  He stated yes, will you tie my shoes I can't.  She came to the front of the chair without thinking kneeled down to tie his shoes and then realized he had no feet.  He laughed.
     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.

Services for Rusty Rails (Josh Bradley Villars)

Gundrum Funeral Home
1603 E. Broadway
Logansport, IN 46947

Phone: 574-753-3138

You can sign a guest book by clicking on the website and going to Josh Villars guest book.

http://www.gundrumfuneralhome.com

Condolences can be sent to:

Brad and Mary Villars
 211 W. Miami Avenue
Logansport, IN 46947-2532

Phone: 574-722-3846

It has been a sad week for the hobo family.  Please keep Iron Horse Brad and family for their loss of Rusty Rails and Minneapolis Jewell and Tuck and family for their loss of Charmin Harmon in your prayers.
 
 

Mama Jo

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"Charmin Harmon Has Caught The Westbound"
(3/8/2001

    On Sat. Mar 6  Charmin Harmon  our National Train whistler caught  the westbound. The Wake will be Wed Mar 10 at;
 
 

_O.E. Larson-Osborne  Mortuary---Rainville Brothers Chapel_

2301-Central Ave NE
Minneapolis,  Minnesota   55418
Toll-Free:  877-865-7959
Phone: 612-789-3571
Fax:  612-789-4854
 

(http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/facilities/fh/facilities/facilities.cfm?page=5&fh_id=1
1334&s_id=0E30ACBBAC4AEF4EC1237243A529D8C1)
 
 

There is an online guest book at;

_http://www.legacy.com/gb2/default.aspx?bookid=12184962579151_
 

Cards, Letters or flowers can be sent to;

Mpls.  Jewels,
2514 Washington St,
Mpls, MN  55418

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'Tramp Printer"
"World Traveler"
(3/4/2010

    Had a phone call from Tramp Printer today to let me know that, after traveling to the far ends of the earth, he, and the lovely, Full Moon Nan, are back home.  They traveled by boat, train, ship, and for all I know, also by donkey cart or Yak.  Here's, at least, a partial, list some of the places they visited;

    Hong Cong, Viet Nam, Saigon, Bangcock, Singapore, Cambodia, Java, Indonesia, Bali, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand and Fiji..

    Last summer they visited New Hampshire so you can say they've visited some of the most important, and most beautiful, places in the world.

    Of course Y'all know that Printer isn't a young man any more so it's probably a very good thing that he had Nancy along  to keep him on the straight and narrow and see that he didn't get lost in some jungle or stranded on some far off deserted island.  I consider Tramp Printer a good friend "BUT" even I have noticed that he's a bit technologically challenged.  Lets face it, he had trouble dialing my phone number and had to get the operator to help him.  With this problem, and maybe a few others age related, you can see that, without Nancy to look after him, he may never have gotten home again.  I can imagine him hopping a train for India and ending up in Berlin.

Thank you Nancy,

Fran
 

 "Ragbrai - The Great Bike Ride"
(3/6/2010

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 HoboConvention as it will bring 10,000-12,000 bike riders into Britt. If you are willing to help out please email to 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.

Linda Hughes
 

Latest Update on Trucker Phil

(2/7/2010)
For now I'll be leaving updates on Trucker Phil here, near the beginning of the Grapevine news.
Some new items will be below so  scale down to see them.

(To help Debi and Phil please see the "Frisco Circle" letter below.)

Hi Fran,

    Would you please post this update on the Grapevine for me?

So, here we are... Nearly two and a half months post-surgery... The trip to the Doctor's in Boston, for a 15 minute office visit rewarded us with the following Doctor's assessment...

The surgical site is looking good. The doctor also said that if the aneurysm had not ruptured and was just clipped, he would be able to return to work by now, but because of the rupture and the large area affected by the
hemorrhage, and the length of time that lapsed before he received help, there is no way to know how long it will take for Phil to reach his 'new' base line,  but don't get discouraged, because it is a long process...

We thank God for everyone who has helped us,  I honestly don't know what how we would be getting by at this time, but for the help of family and friends, as we still have not received any general assistance.  So once again, A
GREAT BIG THANK YOU to each of you! ... If you only knew how much we appreciate your concern for our welfare.  Honestly, words can not express...
 
 

We love you.

Love and peace to you all,
Debi
aka~Lady Nightingale of Serenity

Debi's email address... deborahlynn60@netzero.com
 

"Thanks From The Hobo Minstrel, Too"
(2/7/2010)

    I also want to thank all of you who have given Debi and Phil support and encouragement during this tough time they're going through.  Having gone through a few rough spots myself in the last few years I know how wonderful it is to hear from our Hobo friends and others even, if it's just with an email or card, to let us know you care and are thinking of us.

    It's a great feeling to know that as, long as we have the Hobo Family, we are never alone.

Thanks again,

    Fran

"King Stretch"
(3/3/2010)

    Got another phone call from Stretch last night.  Him  and Burl are doing good and are on the move.  He expects to make Amory and told me that King Inkman plans on being there too.  He had more news but, being a bit decrepit, I have a problem hearing, even on an amplified phone. so I couldn't get it all.

    Maybe when he calls someone else they'll send me the news in an email.

Fran
 

"Shoestring  Is On The Move, Too"
(3/3/2010)

Hello.  How are you?  I'm doing alright, I guess.

Well, this cold South Dakota weather's finally got the best of me.  So, I'm leaving on a Sioux City local drag from Sioux Falls.  The yard worker said its call time was 3:00pm this afternoon.   So, I'll walk down to the BNSF yards around 1:00 PM and pick out my ride.   (It's only an 85 mile chug to Sioux City from Sioux Falls).  Once in Sioux City, I'll be on BNSF's mainlines that come from Willmar, Minnesota.  I'll then catch out on a train for Kansas City's Murray Yard.  From there, I'll make my way to Kansas City Southern's yards at the "Knoche Yard".  I'll catch out on KCS south to Pittsburg, Kansas, to Heavener, Oklahoma, to Shreveport, Louisiana, to Beaumont to Houston, Texas.   (Then, I'll make my way from Houston's Englewood Yards west to Kirby, (San Antonio).   Then west to Del Rio, Alpine and El Paso, Texas.  Then, make my way to Lordsburg/Demmins and Tucson to Yuma.  I'll kick it in Yuma for a while; at least until this South
 Dakota weather warms up a bit!

I'll have to return back to Sioux Falls in April because I'm scheduled for my liver Ablation surgery then.

Take care and I'll talk to you later........

PS............My new email address is:
professional_hobo@yahoo.com

Have an awesome day!

~~~ "Shoestring" ~~~~~~~~~~

    Hey Shoestring,

        Thanks for keeping us up.  Good travelling, to you and extra good luck with the surgery.  Should be no sweat because the doctors do some great things these days. Hey, I'm living proof of that.  (Well - - - - - - semi living.)  I figure the way they keep this old carcass going they could, probably, even bring a dead rat back to life.

Fran
 

In The Spring A Hoboe's Fancy Turns To

Travel

"Like King Red Bird Express"
(3/3/2010)

    Got a snail mail from Red Bird yesterday.  (He monitors the Grapevine at his local Mac Donald's "Elderly Coffee Bar", but doesn't do email..)  He's been hunkered down in the PA snow belt but hopes to be on the road soon.  First stop will be Amory, as he has done for years.  This will be his fifteenth year there.  After that he starts traveling as he does every year, hoping to see friends and make gatherings all over.  He chewed my butt out a bit (He's kind of a disrespectful Kid.) for not having all the gathering dates posted BUT, I can't post them if nobody sends them.

    Anybody has them, please, send them to me.  Sheesh, even a Hobo has to make some plans ahead of time.

    Happy traveling, Red Bird.  I hope I'll get to see you again this year, down the road someplace.  Keep traveling and enjoying life.  That's what it's all about.

Fran
 
 

"Hey, The Weird One Is Still Around"
(2/8/2010)

    Yup, Raymond Tylicki Alias': Ray Tylicki, Rapid T, Transit Train, Railroad Postoffice is still around making a fool of himself only now he's doing it on various internet blogs, too.  Notice; This guy has more aliases than Carter has "Little Liver Pills" and what comes out of him is the same as what those liver pills, or X-Lax produces.  If you have any dealings at all with this guy watch your back and protect yourself.  Wow, talk about being soft as a sneaker full of oysters ! ! !!

    Guys like this can give all Hoboes a bad name.

Fran
 

"Hobo Queen Sunrise"

is Back in the USA
(2/4/2020)

Hi, Fran.

    I just wanted to send a quick note to let everyone know that I'm home safe and sound. I have some pics to share--what's the best way to do that?

Love,
Sunrise

    Anybody have a good idea for the pics?

Sunrise's previous note

(1/20/2010)

Hi Fran,

    You may or may not be aware that I am in Thailand on vacation. It's pretty far from New Hampshire, but it's quite a place to be sure. Last night as we were riding home in our taxi, we saw an elephant walking right down the side of the road in the city! It was crazy. Once we passed it, I turned around to look again and you'll never guess what I saw--a FRED. The elephant had a flashing rear end device on its tail! I've seen a lot of things, but that was pretty unique.

Today, I saw my first train. They don't have many freight trains around but they do have passenger rail. We leave tomorrow for Bangkok on the express train overnight. We'll spend a few days there and then return on a day train. I'm so excited. I've heard it's quite a trip.

Next week, I'll be giving either one or two hobo presentations to the 4th, 5th and 6th graders at Grace International School. Try explaining what a hobo is to kids who never see trains. Should be interesting.

All my best to you and the hobo family,
Sunrise
 
 

From Tammy Ford Mullins
(2/5/2010

    I would like to let the Hobo community that has had the good fortune of meeting my mom know that she has suffered from a stroke. She is doing fairly well but it has affected her speach and for those of you who know her know how she loves to chat. I ask that you keep her in your prayers.

Be Safe, Tammy.
fordtammy60@msn.com
 

"Amory Is On"
(2/5/2010

    I spoke with BoMiller, in Amory, last night anf he assured me that the Amory Railroad Festival will be taking place on April 15th through the 18th and Hoboes are welcome as they have been in the past.  I don't have details but you can contact Bo through their web site at:   http://amoryrailroadfestival.com/
 
 

"Pnantom 13,  Looking For The Hobo Shuffle
(2/6/2010

    Phantom 13 is looking for a recording, of Liberty Justice performing,or the music to, The Hobo Shuffle. Stan does a bit of street playing and would like to include the "Shuffle" but hasn't been able to pin down the tune.

    If anyone can help him he can be contacted at;

Phantom 13
aka Stan Lusk
7572 Cook Avenue
Citrus Heights  CA   95610

or call;   916 721-9468

The Hobo Minstrel Health Bulletin!
(1/14/210

    Ok, for, those of you that didn't know, I had a bit of a stroke two days after Christmas and was in the hospital until two days ago.  People have said, for years, that the good Lord looks out for drunks and sinners and, I guess, it must be true because I ended up with no ill affects except for a four inch scar  where the doctors "cut my throat"  I worried, for years, that something like this would happen but I thought it would be done by a jealous husband or boy friend.

    Seems that, despite the moral, sin free, saintly life I've always strived for, my carotid artery go a bit clogged up with grunts and garbage.  Liquid plumber, or Draino, wouldn't clear it so the docs cut my throat and reamed it out with a snake. (at least, they claim that's why they cut my throat)

    Anyway, I'm home again and am doing fine except, that I'm behinder as hell with everything, so, if I owe anyone an email or phone call please remind me.  My memory isn't as good as it used to was.  Of course it never was much good, except for remembering beautiful women, so any lapse can't be blamed on the stroke, "Or Old Age".

Love to all,
The Ancient Hobo Minstrel, Fran
 

A Frisco Circle for Debi & Phil

Many in the Hobo Family already know from the Grapevine that Trucker Phil, husband of Lady Nightingale (Debi) our 2002 National Hobo Queen, was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital for emergency surgery due to a brain aneurysm.

 Phil is slowly improving, as is expected from such a serious procedure, and I will continue to post progress reports on the Grapevine as I receive them.

 The purpose of this letter is to inform all that family and friends are raising funds to help Debi and Phil get through this crisis. They are wonderful people (although I have to admit she’s much prettier than he is) and I don’t think, that on their own, they’d ever ask their friends for help. That’s why I’m asking on their behalf.

Doctor’s charges, hospital fees and regular living expenses are mounting up fast. Phil’s inability to work for some time could create a financial calamity that they’ll be living with for years. In addition, Debi is staying in Boston so she can be close to Phil, creating more on-going expenses. They have no insurance and, for now, no income at all.

 My mailing list is only so large so I’m asking everyone who receives this letter to forward it on to, at least, the Hoboes that are on your own mailing lists. If some get the same letter from more than one of us, I’m sure they’ll be forgiving. For your friends who don’t use computers, perhaps you’ll be kind enough to call them on the telephone or notify them in some other way. I would also appreciate it if those who have a web site please add this letter to your site.

 Please do not send donations to Debi at her present Beacon House address as she may have a difficult time cashing checks at a Boston bank. For this reason, please send all donations to the address below. Their children will handle all donations and forward funds on to Debi and Phil.

Lady Nightingale & Trucker Phil
Aka Phil & Debi Batchelder
P.O. Box 516
Guilford ME   04443

 Any amount you feel you can comfortably send will be greatly appreciated and put to good use.

 Let’s get together and make this one hell of a Frisco Circle.

Please copy and send this on to others who may wish to help Debi and Phil.

Thank You,
Fran

"A Note From Queen Sunrise"
(1/20/2010)

Hi Fran,

    You may or may not be aware that I am in Thailand on vacation. It's pretty far from New Hampshire, but it's quite a place to be sure. Last night as we were riding home in our taxi, we saw an elephant walking right down the side of the road in the city! It was crazy. Once we passed it, I turned around to look again and you'll never guess what I saw--a FRED. The elephant had a flashing rear end device on its tail! I've seen a lot of things, but that was pretty unique.

Today, I saw my first train. They don't have many freight trains around but they do have passenger rail. We leave tomorrow for Bangkok on the express train overnight. We'll spend a few days there and then return on a day train. I'm so excited. I've heard it's quite a trip.

Next week, I'll be giving either one or two hobo presentations to the 4th, 5th and 6th graders at Grace International School. Try explaining what a hobo is to kids who never see trains. Should be interesting.

All my best to you and the hobo family,
Sunrise

        Hope you're having a great trip, Sunrise.  After I read your note I was out on my porch watching the chickadees, and other birds swarming around my feeders, eating and doing what birds do best, and I got to thinking about your elephant.  That got me to thinking about that old bromide, "Thank God Elephants don't fly"

"Look Out Below"
 

Greetings From Oaktree Joe
(1/22/2010

    Happy new year and good health to you and everyone. I visited the Combat Railfans in Gila Bend on Jan 2nd and saw Trainman, Stretch ,and Jet Set John among others. Thank you for your updates and hope to see more of everyone this year -

Oaktree Joe

    Have a good year and good travelling, Joe, and give my best to everyone you meet on the road.

Fran
 

"Important News About Tourist Union 63"
(10/15/2009)

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

    I'm sure that King Tuck won't object if Y'all want to send dues for more than one year at a time.  I don't believe any of us have paid any dues for a couple of years, at least, so the bankroll must be a little short.  We all owe Tuck many thanks for keeping this historic union going.

Fran
 
 

"Road Hog U.S.A."
(9/20/2009)

    Just got off the phone with Road Hog, out there in Reno, and he's sounding pretty chipper.  He has a few medical problems but he assures me that he's not doing bad and is getting pretty good care staying there with his friend. He regrets that his traveling days may be over and he doesn't expect he'll be able to make Britt, or other gatherings, any more.  Being on oxygen twenty four seven has put a crimp in his harmonica playing but he says he can still belt out tunes on his concertina.  Between that and his smokes he still has a lot to be thankful for but he does miss being able to get out and visit with friends.  Hey, Road Hog, we takes what we gets and do the best we can with it.

Fran

Road Hog U.S.A.
aka Donald D DeSimone
3495 Lakeside Drive   PMB # 312
Reno  Nevada    89509

(775) 827-0830
 

"2009 Hobo King & Queen"
(8/9/2009)


  Stray Cat               Inkman

    Congratulations to our new King Inkman and Queen Stray Cat.  In case some of you may have eye problems, because of age, Stray Cat is the pretty one with the beautiful braids and Inkman is "the other one".  I wish I could have been there to congratulate you both in person.  I hope your year of reign will be full of good times and great travel.

Fran
 
 

Help With Photos
(7/12/2009)

    This may be a good time to tell folk that if you send a picture to me, or anyone else, it should be reduced in size before you email it.  A photo as it comes from your digital camera can be as much as 2 megabytes and a thirty six inch picture.  A photo this large takes a hell of a long time to down load with a phone connection.  The picture of the mayor and Happy Hobo, above was two megabytes, 38 inches,  had a resolution of 350 and took me fifteen minutes to just copy it to my computer.  The photo now has been reduced to 3" X 4" with a resolution of 72 and is only 10 kilobytes.  A photo reduced like this can be brought back to any size and resolution in your own computer so, please, have mercy on me and anyone else you send pictures to and learn to reduce them before you email them.  Anybody can do it even my great grand daughter can do this and she ain't no  brighter than her father or her grandfather.

Fran
 

"Britt 2007 Photos"
(8/23/2007)

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.

St Louis Frank - Ratpack

More

I have put up all my photos from Britt 2007 on my website...
    www.railfanjohn.com

John Reeves
Jump Off John

Much thanks to Frank and John for the postings
 
 

2007, Britt Group Photo


 
 

Hobo Museum
(7/24/07)

Fran:

Let everyne know if they wish to donate to the Hobo Museum, they can do it ONLINE at
www.hobo.com!

Flatcar
 

"Links to "My Space" sites, and others"
(7/4/2007)

    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.

Fran
 
 

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
(why the green plus signs?)
(No reason except that I don't usually use green and wanted to see what it would look like)
(Hey, don't laugh.  Some day you may be old and get weird ideas, too)

    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.

To get to the Hobo Art page
click here

"The Hobo Minstrel"
11 Artisan Lane
Plymouth  NH   03264
(603) 536-3165

:minstrel@worldpath.net