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304

25 November 2006

More Carvings From “Dear Old Blighty” −by Marcus Hunt

Click to view an enlargement of 'Marcus Hunt #6.'

Click to view an enlargement of 'Marcus Hunt #8.'

Click to view an enlargement of 'Marcus Hunt #9.'

Click to view an enlargement of 'Marcus Hunt #10.'

Click to view an enlargement of 'Marcus Hunt #11.'

Click to view an enlargement of 'Marcus Hunt #7.'

Here's my “No.7” which
I sold privately. I called him
“Ugly Mug” and I must admit
I've really tried to up the
quality. Looking at the photo
there are a few things I'd sort
out before photographing it.

I always thought of Howard Hughes as being some kind of madman but after seeing the film “The Aviator” I realised just how much vision and foresight he had. It seems that often there are truly great men who border on madness and men who are mad that think they're great! I'm exploring different historical characters for carving. The first was Dick Turpin the 18th century highwayman followed by Howard Hughes. Ernest Hemmingway is next on my list. ~ Marcus

“ TAKE ME BACK TO DEAR OLD BLIGHTY ”

Take me back to dear old Blighty!
Put me on the train to London town!
Take me over there,
Drop me anywhere,
Liverpool, Leeds, or Birmingham, well I don't care!

I should love to see my best girl,
Cuddling up again we soon should be,
Whoa!

Tiddley iddley ighty,
Hurry me home to Blighty,
Blighty is the place for me!

{ WWI vintage song }

“Blighty” is a relic of British India. It comes from a Hindi word bilayati, foreign, which is related to the Arabic wilayat, a kingdom or province. Sir Henry Yule and Arthur C Burnell explained in their Anglo-Indian dictionary, Hobson-Jobson, published in 1886, that the word was used in the names of several kinds of exotic foreign things, especially those that the British had brought into the country, such as the tomato (bilayati baingan) and especially to soda-water, which was commonly called bilayati pani, or foreign water.

Blighty was the inevitable British soldier抯 corruption of it. But it only came into common use as a term for Britain at the beginning of the First World War in France about 1915. It turns up in popular songs There抯 a ship that抯 bound for Blighty, We wish we were in Blighty, and Take me back to dear old Blighty, put me on the train for London town, and in Wilfred Owen抯 poems, as well as many other places. In modern Australian usage, Old has been added, as in Old Country and Old Dart, as a sentimental reference to Britain.

303

23 November 2006

What Color is that Elephant ?White??!!
−by Bill Fivaz

As most of us know, when evaluating a hobo nickel, the most important thing is eye appeal ?how nice is the carving
and what is the subject. Somewhat further down the line in importance is the date of the host coin.

Well, there is going to be a very interesting coin in the Heritage FUN auction in January in Orlando,
part of former member, now deceased, Norm Talbert抯 collection.

Norm assembled a complete date set of hobo nickels, from 1913 to 1938 (actually, the last coin in the set is a “1938-S”,
a San Francisco mint coin with the date beautifully re-engraved to a “1938”). Among the coins is the one shown here,
a crude punched carving on a 1918/7-D Overdate! Boy, you talk about a 搘hite elephant?

What are the chances of someone (obviously not a numismatist) picking up an overdate Buffalo Nickel and
punching the obverse to create this piece? One thing it tells us is that it is not a modern work!

As I recall, the coin itself is a Fine coin with almost a full horn卲robably about a $3000 item if it was not punched.
It will be interesting to see what the hammer price will be on this lot. Stay tuned協ilm at 11!

Credit... “BoTales” • Auction Catalog #15 • Volume 15 • Issue No. 4 • Winter 2006

Dr. Cannon's bottle

Bottle sold on eBay Nov`06

THE MEDICINE CHEST −by DR. RICHARD CANNON

The 'Hobo Medicine Manufacturing Company' of Beaumont, Texas

“Thirty Years Too Late”

I own a machine made, corker, medicine bottle 8 1/4 inches tall, clear rectangular with rounded corners, and embossed Hobo Medicine / Registered / monogram / Trade Mark / Co. / Beaumont, Texas, that I really like. Beaumont is situated in southeast Texas about as close to Louisiana as it can get without being there.

News of the Pure Food and Drugs Act of June 30, 1906, may not have reached Singer, Louisiana, when G.D. Horton and “a few others” organized the Hobo Medicine Manufacturing Company on February 22, 1913. At least, it didn't seem to worry them as they went forth with the trademark and formula to share a combination of magic herbs with the world. They name their product Hobo Kidney and Bladder Remedy. Singer, 40 miles north of Lake Charles and with a present population of 175, in 1917 had six buildings in the business section destroyed by fire. The “plant” of the Hobo Medicine Manufacturing Co. was among them.

Read the full version of... “Thirty Years Too Late”

{Archival copy}

301

Carving Chips..... • Contemporary Whimsy Bottle Artists •


Scenes and Buildings in Bottles: “Carl Worner at Work” −by Bob Fredericks Construction date− 2002
Bob Fredericks, Contemporary Whimsy Bottle Artist

Another bottle by contemporary bottle artist, Bob Fredericks, this one shows a saloon scene with Carl Worner working on one of his bottles as various people watch. A dog sleeps on the floor, one man reads the paper, and another stands at the bar. The bartender is wiping the bar with a cloth. The caption “Carl Worner at Work” is part of the chip-carved canopy. It is signed and dated 2002.

Tools in Bottles: “Saw and Sawbuck”

−by Russell Rowley Construction date− 1977

Russell Rowley, Contemporary Whimsy Bottle Artist

This is a contemporary whimsy bottle made by collector and whittler Russell Rowley from Washington state. The sawbuck and saw fill the space perfectly. It is signed and dated 1977.

300

21 November 2006


“Saloon”	“Expert Shoemaker”	“Bread and Cake Baker”	“Shoe Repair Shop”	“Meat Market”

Carl Worner, Folk Artist Extraordinaire

“Folk Art in Bottles” • Scenes by Carl Worner

−by Susan D. Jones

Carl Worner was born in Germany and came to the U.S. probably in the 1870's or 80s, first in the New York − Newark NJ area. He traveled everywhere, to Maryland, Pennsylvania, western New York, St. Louis, Wisconsin, and Illinois. He seemed to make the Chicago area his home base. He was a great whittler and took the European tradition of putting whittled crucifixion scenes in bottles, and adapted it to his American lifestyle. Wherever he traveled, he bartered his bottle scenes for food, clothes and lodging. He made scenes with bakeries, meat markets, shoe repair shops, families at the dinner table, clocks, and at least one office building, but his trademark bottle was a saloon scene in a bottle. The last known dated bottle is 1919, but we have no idea when or where he died. A psychic, holding one of his bottles, said he was murdered, but we've never found anything to prove or disprove that. If anyone ever heard anything about him, please contact me. ~ Susan Jones sdjones@sdjones.net

Table of Contents for Susan D. Jones' “Folk Art In Bottles”

   Carl Worner was a bottle-making wonder, and from what we can gather from people whose fathers and grandfathers met him, he was a man with a fondness for a good cigar and a drink. We have found many places where he has been, but we have precious few facts about Carl, the man.

   His art is very distinctive. His trademark bottle was a saloon scene, often with the saloonkeeper's name over the bar, featuring a mustached bartender standing in front of rows of bottles and signs advertising Cuban cigars. In front of the bar, he put a table and chairs when space permitted. Two men usually stood at the bar, with glasses of beer raised in toast to each other. Sometimes the men were sitting at the table, and when the bottle was large enough, there were men standing and sitting. In one bottle, he carved a woman sitting at a table. Almost always he put a sign in front of the entire scene with the phrase "Find the Missing Man," or "Find the 4 Man." This was a challenge to find another figure, but he had hidden the last man under the floor of the bar, in a cubbyhole meant to be the toilet. Even when there was no sign to find the missing man, he would hide a man under the floor.

   Besides saloon scenes, Worner carved shops and even some vignettes of family life around the dinner table. He made several crucifixion bottles (which seem to be early examples of his work), and he probably made a bottle containing a mantel clock. Only about a fourth of the known bottles are signed, and even fewer are dated.

   There are very few hard facts about his life.

   Presumably the earliest bottle we know of is signed along with "Hanau a Main," a city in Germany he may have been born in. He made another religious scene in a pharmacy bottle from a Norwalk, Connecticut, drugstore that went out of business in 1896. He claimed to be from "New York, San Francisco and Honolulu" in 1901, and "New York and Chicago, Ill." in another. He was a hobo in 1912 or 1913 when he came into the H. C. Meyers Saloon in Granite City, Illinois. He asked for an empty bottle and a cigar box and returned with the saloon bottle, which he presented to Mr. Meyers. And he showed Meyers how to present the "missing man" riddle so that the hidden cubbyhole was obscured by the holder's hand. Whether or not he had always been a hobo is just conjecture. But he certainly moved around!

   Worner made bottles for saloons and businesses in the St. Louis area, all around Chicago, north central Illinois, a town along the Erie Canal around Buffalo, NY, Havre-de-Grace MD, Reading and Wilkes-Barre PA, and Newark NJ. Another possibly came from Terre Haute, IN. Almost all of these places are near the coast, rivers, or canals. The earliest dated bottle is 1890 (not known from where), a bottle from the Chicago area is dated 1900, and the bottle from Maryland is dated 1901. The latest dated bottle is 1919, from Chicago. In an undated bottle, possibly from the 1920's, he put his street address in Chicago, a center-city neighborhood. By finding the saloons and business establishments themselves, it is possible to get a range of dates on some of the undated bottles. For example, the "M. Rummel Saloon" bottle was probably made for Michael Rummel of Newark, NJ, whose saloon was listed in the city directories there from 1911 to 1916.

   It can be assumed that Worner was born in a German-speaking country, probably in Hanau. In one of his saloon bottles hangs a poem written in German, which translates as "He who has not wine, women, beer and song is a poor man his whole life long." He also used the German words for "beer" and "wine" on bar signs in that bottle. Other bottles were signed "Carl W鰎ner" clearly with an umlaut over the "o," and one was additionally signed "Gemacht bei Hermann Domke, B鋕ersgeselle," which translates as "made at the establishment of Hermann Domke, journeyman baker." That bottle is dated 1907. The 1890 bottle is signed "K. Worner," Karl being a common German spelling, but the 1901 bottle says "Chas." which is from English. It is doubtful that he ever became an American citizen.

   He made a Meat Market scene for a butcher in Chicago; the family still has the bottle. The story they associate with this treasure is that Worner made it for them at the Columbian Exposition (World's Fair) of 1893. The greatest number of his bottles have been found to come from Chicago and northern Illinois, including two which made reference to the coal industry. Perhaps he came to work in the coal mines, or perhaps he worked in shipping. Most of the places he made bottles were near water, either the ocean or rivers or canals. The Illinois coal country is connected to both the Great Lakes by river from Chicago, and to the Mississippi by canal to Molene. But the early Connecticut bottle may suggest that he came first to the east coast, worked around New York for a few years and went to Chicago to work building or servicing the Columbian Exposition. If he had a drinking problem, it could explain why he had only transient jobs and frequented so many saloons.

   Because nobody who knew him is still living, it makes the research difficult. Family traditions are usually based on facts, and a number of these bottles are still in the possession of the families for whom they were made by Worner. He seems to have moved around too quickly to have been listed in the directories of the cities where he patronized the bars, but he may yet be found in the U.S. census. This artist of great talent is also a man of mystery, and every new bit of information on his art shows us more about his wandering life.

{Archival copy}

These wonderful whimsy bottles are kissin' cousins to our Classic carved nickels.

Both were created by itinerate workers just trying to make ends meet.

We often mutter about how rare and expensive our Classic carved nickels are but
these bottled dioramas clearly took so much effort to construct that the artist
must not have created a huge body of work ...and... they are subject to attrition
since they are at risk of major damage under uncountable circumstances.

Just consider hauling these bottles around to shows and keeping them safe!

Count your blessings Hobo Nickel Collectors! ~ V-Dubya

299

18 November 2006

Maurice W. Graham
“Steam Train Maury”

     Maurice W. Graham, 89, of Napoleon, OH and formerly of Toledo, OH passed away Saturday November 18, 2006 at the Northcrest Nursing Home. Maury was born to Carrie and Andrew Graham. He worked as a union cement mason and founded the cement mason school and was the instructor. He also taught the cement trade to members of the U.S. Army. He served as a medical technician in the U.S. Army during World War II. Maury helped to restore the first cement street in Bellefontaine, OH. He was an amateur wrestler and taught a wrestling class at the YMCA.

     Maury was a member of Local 886 for 65 years, Seventh Day Adventist church, VFW, and active in the Hoboes where he was elected King of the Hoboes for 5 years, and was named Patriarch of the Hoboes. He volunteered much of his time traveling across the country visiting several veterans hospitals cheering up patients. He also visited several penitentiaries motivating inmates to improve their behaviors. Further, Maury was "Santa Claus" for 30 years at Franklin Park Mall and many private parties throughout the Toledo area. He was voted #1 Santa Claus by the children in Toledo, OH.

     Maury had a strong love of country and nature. He was a strong advocate to keep America beautiful.

     Maury is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Wanda; daughters; Alice (Marvin) Spangler, Karen (Terry) Carson; grandchildren: Kimberly (Jack) Rice, Jeffrey (Connie) Spangler, Jill (Eric) Lawinsky, Laura Carson, Terry II (Natalie) Carson; great grandchildren: Jessica and Justin Rice, Nicholas, Andrew, and Hannah Spangler, Nathaniel and Ryan Lawinsky; and several nieces. Maury was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters: Alice Ritter and Lou Brand, brother: James Graham.

     Friends may call at the Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Ave., on Tuesday, November 21 from 2-8 p.m. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are requested to the Hobo Museum in Britt, Iowa.

In Remembrance of Steam Train Maury ~ A Celebration of His Life

     Have you ever heard the phrase a person who wears many hats? Steam Train Maury Graham was a man who wore many hats in his life time. The phrase of wearing hats means he did several things. The reason I am mentioning this phrase is because seeing the hats on the casket made me think of the phrase.

     The lid of the casket had a Santa hat draped across the left hand corner because he loved playing Santa for thirty years. Leaning on the casket was his walking stick with his hobo hat hooked on it. Above his left hand was draped a Hobo neckerchief. He was a five times Hobo King and the Patriarch of the Hobos. He loved to ride the rails and he loved to tell stories of his experiences of riding the rails. An American Flag draped the bottom half of his casket and later covered his casket at the final service. Congress Lady Marcy Kaptur presented Wanda, his wife, at visitation a folded flag that was flown over the United States Capitol on November 20, 2006 the day 揝team Train Maury?Graham caught the Westbound. It was a presentation to the family of Maurice W. 揝teamtrain Maury?Graham 1917 ?2006, King of the Hoboes and the real Santa Claus. The words on the certificate explained 搊ther hats he wore?during his life time. Explorer, working man for community and country, patriot, World War II Army veteran, medic and healer, naturalist, woodsman, whose family extended beyond his own to embrace and our nation follower of roads not taken, asker of questions not asked, whole free and kind spirit enhanced and inspired countless people whose lives he touched personally.

     He was a husband for 69 years, father of two girls and grandfather to grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a Christian. He loved the Lord.

     On each side of the casket were several flowers and pictures of Steam Train Maury. The casket was a metallic light blue. On the light blue cover of the lid was a picture of a steam train with smoke coming out of the smokestack. Above the handle railing on the two sides were three close up pictures of a steam train. On the four corners of the casket were pictures of the same steam train.

     The service began with a tape being sung by Liberty Justice called 揑 Want to Ride a Freight Train to Heaven? The closing song was the Lords Prayer. Pastor Roy Lawinsky of the Seventh Day Adventist Church opening statement after reading the Obituary was I have a relative married to a relative of Steamtrain. I wasn抰 sure I wanted my family member married to a hobo. I read his book, Tales of Iron Road, Hobo Life of Maury Graham. After reading the book the pastor said, I wanted to know more about this man and his interesting life. The pastor read the eulogy written by his daughter, Alice.

     After the service the pall bearers carried the casket to the black hearse for the final ride of Steam Train Maury Graham where he will rest in peace at Restlawn Cemetery in Perrysburg Twp, Ohio. His last ride was a long one going several miles to the cemetery. The procession crossed two large train yards. At Restlawn Cemetery you could hear the whistles of the trains near by.

     As we entered the mausoleum two soldiers stood their as part of the military escort. Inside the mausoleum the casket was fully draped with the American Flag. A soldier marched to the head of the casket and gave a salute. He was joined by another soldier. After Taps were played they took the draped flag from the casket and folded it and presented it to Wanda, his wife.

Note card given out at the funeral home.

Bend In the Road

Sometimes we come to life抯 crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And He knows that it抯 only a bend...

The road will go on and get smoother
And after we抳e stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
is often the path that is best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load.
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow.
You抳e just come to a bend in the road.

The soldiers then marched out. This concluded the military services.

     A staff member of the funeral home stated the family invites the guests to dinner at Seventh-Day Adventist Church that the Grahams belonged too. A buffet table was set up with capacity of four serving lines. A delicious meal was enjoyed. This concluded the services for our friend Hobo King Patriarch (Father/Grandfather) of the hobos.

     Please remember Wanda, his loving wife, for 69 years. She too wore many hats being married to Steamtrain Maury. She was the lady behind the scenes: his private therapist during his stokes, his breadwinner paying the bills when he took off as a hobo, wife and mother of his two children, chauffer, Mrs. Santa, caregiver during his illnesses, military wife, and most of all his best friend.

     I have heard people remark over and over in the last few years; “I came to Britt because I read an article in Reader抯 Digest and I wanted to meet this man.” Steamtrain was a human magnet that attracted people wanting to meet him or be around him. He touched lives.

     In 2006 at Britt I did a Wall to honor Vets. In 2007 at Britt I will do a wall, In Remembrance of Steam Train Maury ?A Celebration of His Life. The tribute will be on the wall at the end of the Hobo Shelter at the Jungle. I will be asking for photos and information soon. Donations will be received at the wall for the new Hobo Museum in honor of Maurice W. 揝team Train Maury?Graham. All change and money collected this year for the Queens Drive will be in his honor.

Hugs, Mama Jo ?Hobo Queen 2003/2004

298

18 November 2006

Steel Rails Hummin'

Bill & Kristin Morris

Daddy, What's a Train?

Bill Morris

Not Your Regular Cup of Tea

~•~•~•~•~ “Railroad Folklore Through Storytelling and Song”

~•~•~•~•~

~穨穨穨穨 Bill and Kristin Morris

~穨穨穨穨 “Hobo Bill & Kristin”

~穨穨穨穨

Rhythm of the Rails

Speaker, author, illustrator, singer/songwriter and dinosaur sculptor! • Buddy Davis • Henpeck, Ohio

−by Buddy Davis

     The Railroad brought dramatic change to America and American society. People and goods were transported over long distances with ease and speed. The lines of communication made a gigantic leap in sophistication as telegraph wires followed the tracks. This mode of travel, transport and communication played a major role in the industrial revolution.

     Using songs, stories and a variety of period instruments, such as banjo, harmonica, guitar and washboard, Bill and Kristin lead the audience on an enriching and enjoyable journey through the history of the Railroad in America. The show touches on the railroad's beginnings on Christmas day in 1830, when the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company began the first steam-powered railroad to operate commercially, and spans to the present day when even diesel power is being replaced with electromagnets and wind tunnels.

     The main focus of the presentation is on steam power and the period of the late 1890s to the 1950s when steam engine were replace with diesel power. This was and remains today the most colorful period when the railroads were competing with each other to win the mail contracts by employing daredevil engineers (called Hoggers) like Casey Jones and Steve Brody. This was the period of train wrecks, robbers and hobos.

     “One of my earliest memories is the sound of the pulp-wood train as it blew for the crossing not far from my home. Living at the head of a cove, I could hear the sound travel up to the house as if a speaker was aimed in our direction. Investigating that sound became imperative, and the first time I lay in the honeysuckle and watched that train come by, I was hooked. By the time I was eight I was already singing train songs and trying to emulate the sound of the whistle on my harmonica. I stayed down at the tracks so much my grandmother started calling me "Railroad Bill." We moved to Asheville when I was nine and lived on a hill right above the Southern Rail yards. I began my hobo days at thirteen when a friend and I hopped a freight and rode to Knoxville, TN., where we got caught by railroad bulls and sent back home. From that time up until the present day I've gotten to know a lot of hobos, engineers, conductors and railroad people and along the way a lot of railroad songs and stories.” ~ Bill Morris

     Kristin Morris sings lead vocals, plays guitar and washboard as well as vocal harmonies as accompaniment to the music in this program. She also tells stories of her first train ride in Texas where if you flushed the commode you could watch the tracks go by underneath the train.

~穨穨穨穨   Lord Ketzal抯 Gift of Gold ~ A Traditional Maya Tale by Kristin   ~穨穨穨穨
~穨穨穨穨   ...OLD PAP... ~ A Story by Bill   ~穨穨穨穨

297

16 November 2006

“Hobos Travel to the Temecula Valley Wine Country” −by Stephen D. Cox

The inaugural meeting of The Original Hobo Wine Society featuring “The Winoboettes”.

     Traveling 60 miles north of San Diego lies the heart of Southern California抯 wine region. Rolling hills covered with vineyards, views reaching to 11,000 foot high mountains, air swept by ocean breezes, and world class wine makes for an exciting place to visit.

     On short notice, I hooked up with noted Hobo Nickel Collector and Engraver, Owen, aka Septictankhank, Covert. Together with our Ladies, we shared a day tasting wines in Temecula.

     First, it was Pat&Oscar抯 on the Pond for lunch. With a wonderful view, we had more ribs and salad than we could eat.

     At Thornton Winery抯 well appointed tasting room, we each ordered a different flight of wines, totaling 16 samples of wine. Amidst lively conversation, we proceeded to play musical chairs until the tasting was completed.

     A visit to Historic Old Town Temecula and a stroll along the quaint streets filled with art galleries, antique shops and the city抯 historic treasures completed the afternoon. For a treat, we finished the day with a Marie Calendar抯, Chocolate Satin Pie. Although our visit was short, it was filled with Great Food, Great Fun and more importantly... Great Friendship!

296

Carving Chips..... • 1.3 Megapixel Microscope Camera •

This little microscope camera certainly is simple to use! It's totally controlled with software on your computer... once you have
the microscope focused on whatever detail you want to capture. I was hoping for a camera that would capture an entire carved nickel but my microscope is too powerful for that purpose. I've been told that I can purchase different objective lenses but that'll take some consideration. My first trial photographs apparently were taken using the “video” option in the software rather than the “still” option which captures images at dramatically higher resolutions for sharper images. The next hurtle to clear is providing lighting from “10 and 2” so one's eyes can differentiate between incuse (the “SE”) and raised (the “05”) details. ~ V-Dubya

Postscript... 16 November 2006

Steve Ellsworth had more success using this great little camera with his microscope because he had lower power .3x and .5x objective lenses.
Lighting is still a challenge as you can tell here but these S.L.E. “Raven” carving photos are significantly better than anything my scanner can produce and the photos he sent me were HUGE (super high resolution.)

Investigating coin photography will continue! Here is an interesting link to an extended discussion on: “Coin Photography & Lighting...”. ~ V-Dubya

295

Carving Chips..... • Clearing Off My Desk Before My Texas Trip •

Bob Shamey

Spring 2006 BoTales Auction Catalog Is Progressing!

Click on any photo for an enlargement.

Steve Cox

294

2 November 2006

It's All Greek to Me! ~ “Graecum est; non potest legi”

These Greek busts would look really COOL carved on nickels! Check out: “APOLLONIANS”

Click on photo's title to read about that coin. Click on photo to view an enlargement of that coin.

Click to view an enlargement of this photograph

Athena
566-514BC

Athena
465-443BC

Dionysos
461-430BC

Apollo
461-413BC

Hermes
450-400BC

Apollo
424-358BC

Hera
421-402BC

Arethusa
413-357BC

Dionysos
411-350BC

Athena
400-338BC

Apollo
370BC

Persephone
369-338BC

Zeus
359-336BC

Demeter
346-338BC

Heracles
336-323BC

Alexander
323-291BC

Athena
310-266BC

King Areus
310-266BC

Poseidon
277-239BC

Helios
230-205BC

“

” ~ These images do not accurately represent the originals because I mirrored them to show all busts facing to the right.
Also... these photos are of reproductions coins and not original specimens. ~ V-Dubya

293

Advertisement..... • Wiseman Hobos On Their Way To Orlando! • −Heritage Auction Galleries

Wiseman Hobos On Their Way To Orlando!

Heritage has enjoyed the privilege of auctioning important parts of the incredible collections of U.S. coins and paper money assembled by Troy Wiseman. The vast majority of Mr. Wiseman抯 extraordinary collection of tokens and medals were sold in our September Long Beach Signature Auction, but he saved his outstanding Hobo Nickel Collection for the January 2007 FUN ?as a special treat for members of the Original Hobo Nickel Society! This is one of the finest sets ever offered, and includes both classic and modern examples; many are accompanied by OHNS certificates. Prepare yourselves for an incredible viewing opportunity of the Troy Wiseman and Norm Talbert Hobo Nickel collections, and a chance to add some wonderful pieces to your own collection.

For more information, visit HA.com or www.hobonickels.org/news.htm.
The catalog will be pasted online at HA.com during December 2006.

To receive a complimentary book or catalog of your choice, register online
at HA.com/BT5617 or call 866-835-3243 and mention reference #BT5617

The World's #1 Numismatic Auctioneer
HERITAGE Auction Galleries
Annual Sales Exceeding $500 Million ?250,000 Online Registered Bidder-Members
800-872-6467 Ext. 222 ?or visit HA.com
214-528-3500 ?FAX: 214-443-8425 ?e-mail: Consign@HA.com
HERITAGE NUMISMATIC AUCTIONS, INC. / CURRENCY AUCTIONS OF AMERICA
Auctioneers: Samuel Foose: Texas 00011727; Jim Fitzgerald: Texas Associate 16130;
Mike Sadler: Texas Associate 16129; Scott Peterson: Texas 00013256; Robert Korver: Texas 13754.
This auction held subject to a 15% buyer's premium

Heritage is supporting OHNS financially in return for placing advertising in “BoTales” and on our website. Be sure to tell them “Thank you!” ~ V-Dubya

292

27 October 2006

“Quirky Buffaloes, a collection of Buffalo Nickels by date and mintmark” −by Amanda

How to Grade Circulated Buffalo Nickels

Buffalo nickels are very tricky little coins to grade, MS especially, as the Mint practice of the time was to use the dies as long as possible. But worn pieces are difficult, too, for much of the same reasons. One commonly held notion is that in order to be VF, a coin must have a full horn. This is not true. There are some coins that are certainly MS that don't even have a full horn! I am going to delineate most of the circulated grades and point out why the coins grade as they do.

AU-55

AU-55
1913 P Type One
On this coin, you can see wear on the high points of the design, the buffalo's head, shoulder and flank and the Indian's cheek. Still a nice amount of mint lustre. The strike on this is a little soft, as you do not see the usual definition common to Type Ones.

{Archival copy}

Read Amanda's complete “Quirky Buffaloes” Grading webpage at

291

26 October 2006

“Inunnguaq” to be carved in gold!
“The inuksuk...is a metaphor. It reminds [the elders] of the time when people were attached to the land by an unbroken
thread of reference, when they created great dancing circles, built fish weirs, placed huge inuksuit on hilltops,
made traps to catch the most cunning animals, and communicated by rearranging or shaping fragments of the landscape.”

Judith Varney Burch “Arctic Inuit Art” −by Norman E. Hallendy

Inuksuit are among the most important objects created by the Inuit who were the first people to inhabit portions of Alaska, Arctic Canada, and Greenland. The term Inuksuk (the singular of Inuksuit) means “to act in the capacity of a human.” It is an extension of Inuk, meaning “a human being.”

These stone figures were placed on the temporal and spiritual landscapes. Among many practical functions, they were employed as hunting and navigation aids, coordination points, indicators, and message centers. The Inuit also constructed a stone figure called an Inunnguaq which means “in the likeness of a human.” In addition to their earthly functions, certain Inuksuk-like figures had spiritual connotations, and were objects of veneration, often marking the threshold of the spiritual landscape of the Inummariit -- the Inuit who knew how to survive on the land living in their traditional way.

Alex Janvier portrays the white buffalo coming alive and leaping into action. The four cardinal points are marked with stylized teepee pegs joined by sixteen stones -- another important symbol of spiritual renewal. The “heartline” shows that the buffalo has life. The lines in the background suggest water, the source of life.

With such a fantastic buffalo on the reverse... this gold piece cries out to me to have an “Inunnguaq” or an “Inuksuk” carved on the obverse. I will let you know when I manage to pull this one off! ~ V-Dubya

“Inukshuk”... from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Click on either title below to view the desired table.

290

25 October 2006

OHNS Membership Medals Program is Now Over !

To all members of the Board of OHNS, and all active members:

The following information regarding the OHNS Membership Medals is being presented... the program is now over until further notice.

Verne has issued the last of the medals that were available to the list that he has been able to retrieve from the information in the Gallery Mint shipping records. His time and effort has put to rest a question that had arisen regarding the continuation of the project that was started by Ron and Troy.

At the present time there are no longer any medals available to be presented to any past, present or future memberships. The board of OHNS will take up the subject at the next meeting in Orlando, in Jan `07.

Thanks- Rollie

To the best of my knowledge... medals were sent to all OHNS members qualified to receive medals through 12/31/2005.
Unfortunately the last two batches of medals had to be sent out to members without any engraving done on the medal's reverse.
In the future these few medals without the member's name engraved on them may well become valuable collectors' items! ~ V-Dubya

289

Carving Chips..... • Ojos de Oro from Steve Ellsworth •

288

24 October 2006

No. 557 Davenport 0-4-0 1915 Pullman Interior of the car

Monte Holm Equipment Evaluation

“House of Poverty” Museum

   Wasatch Railroad Contractors was requested to make an evaluation of equipment belonging to a late, great hobo, Mr. Monad (Monte) Holm. The equipment is located in Moses Lake, Washington and has been on display for a number of years at the 揌ouse of Poverty?museum.

   Mr. Holm passed away earlier this year, and while the exact future of the equipment is unknown, his family wanted to know the condition and value of various items.

   The collection includes an ex-US Army Class S-160 Consolidation steam locomotive, a former Great Northern caboose, former Spokane, Portland & Seattle private observation car, a 0-4-0 steam locomotive, and various track machines, railroad-themed amusement rides, as well as a wide variety of railroad collectibles ranging from old books to tool collections. WRC also performed evaluations on two stationary boilers, as well as an old steam tractor.

      • No. 557 is a former U.S. Army locomotive. While the tender is not original to this locomotive, No. 557 does not look too bad for becoming a static display for so many years.

      • This is a small Davenport 0-4-0 locomotive. So small in size, in fact, that it appears to only require one operator.

      • This is the observation end of a 1915 Pullman heavyweight. It has seen service on the Spokane, Portland & Seattle and even more recently on the Burlington Northern (note the drumhead) before becoming part of Monte Holm抯 collection as a private car.

      • The interior of the car has been kept in good condition, complete with antique office furniture. The car also contains a dining area, stainless steel kitchen, and 3 private rooms, each sleeping 2 people.

Source: Wasatch Railroad Contractors ~ www.wasatch-rr-contractors.com

Postscript... Additional Descriptions of Monte's Railroad Equipment

   All three of these steam locomotives are located at the “House of Poverty Museum” that's part of Moses Lake Iron and Metal. The “Mon” in “Mon-Road” is for Monte Holm, the owner of Moses Lake Iron and Metal. Monte seems to welcome visitors if he's not too busy. In addition to railroad memorabilia and equipment (and there's a lot, including two BN cabooses and a SP&S business car that is in excellent shape!), there's agricultural equipment, branding irons, antique cars, tractors and the largest collection of small gasoline engines I've ever seen.

2-8-0 #557 Davenport 0-4-4T

      • 2-8-0 #557 was originally built by Baldwin in 1943 for the U.S. Army. The S-160 class locomotive wound up on the Alaska RR after its European tour of duty. It was the last steam locomotive in service on the Alaska. Monty used to fire up the locomotive on occasion through the 1970's, but due to insurance costs it is no longer operated. If anyone has any additional information on this locomotive I'd appreciate hearing from you.

      • Originally built by Davenport for Vancouver Machinery Depot in 1920, this 0-4-4T became Canadian Sugar Factories #9 in 1933. It was acquired by a private owner and moved to Thorp WA in 1972. It's been at Moses Lake Iron and metal for several years now. I have no information on the caboose.

Little Locomotive

      • This little locomotive is a bit of a mystery to me. The lettering around the smoke box is: “*RMITAGE HERSCHELL CO” (9:00 to 3:00 CW) and “NORTH TONAWANDA N.Y.” (9:00 TO 3:00 CCW). The “*” is for letters obscured by a hinge. I should have measured the track gauge but I'm guessing it is 7 inches. The man that works there said it was one of two built for a (worlds?) fair.

Source: Washington State Steam Railroads and Locomotives ~ Parks and Static Displays ~ wasteam.railfan.net

Additional Resource: More Steam Railroads and Locomotives ~ wasteam.railfan.net/OtherSteam.html
Featuring Steam Locomotives and Railroads in: Colorado, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico.

287

24 October 2006

Monte Holm Dead at 89

−by Matthew Weaver ~ Columbia Basin Herald staff writer

The Moses Lake businessman / Great Depression-era hobo / sheepherder / scrap metal tycoon / rail line owner / former
Moses Lake city councilman / House of Poverty museum owner / mural subject died Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at 1:12 p.m.

   Holm's daughter, Karen Rimple, said he passed away peacefully, and the family still wants to have a ceremony dedicating the mural which depicts Holm at various stages in his lifetime as planned at 11 a.m. on May 13.

   Rimple said Holm requested no services, memorial or flowers.

   He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Ruth; his daughter Karen and her husband Wayne Rimple; two grandsons and their wives, Larry and wife Rika and Steven and wife Carmen; and five great-grandsons.

   Holm spent his youth in Clarkston, the son of a Lutheran minister. His mother died when he was about 6, and he went to live with an aunt for about nine months until her death. He left his home with his father and stepmother when he was 13.

   During his six years as a hobo during the Great Depression, Holm traveled all over the United States on trains, working off and on as a sheepherder in Montana during that time.

( Read the full Herald article. )

Monte had been an OHNS member since 1999 and I had corresponded with him several times. He was always interesting, pleasant
and helpful. When I read his book “Once a Hobo ... The Autobiography of Monte Holm” it had an impact on me that I will never forget.
It is one of those rare books that changes your view of the world around you. I will miss him! ~ V-Dubya ... 10/24/2006

{Archival copy}

Previous “Monte Holm” OHNS News Items: Once A Hobo ...

The Fabric of Life

286

23 October 2006

Art Nouveau and Art Deco medals

“Marianne” National Symbol of France

Click on any photo for an enlargement.

−by C. Bonnefond

−by Henri Dubois

−by Felix Rasumny

−by Oscar Roty

−by Henri Dropsy

Shown above are five example “Marianne” medals with the permission of Author and Photographer Nicolas Maier ...

www.finemedals.com

After the art medal had reached its heights of artistic quality and individuality in the Italian Renaissance,
hundreds of years passed in which the medal was only regarded in its utilitarian character.
The artistic aspect was almost totally neglected, routine replaced art.

In the late 19th century the art medal was revived by Hubert Ponscarme, Jules-Cl閙ent Chaplain
and Oscar Roty. They together with a whole generation of highly talented medalists were
responsible for a new rise of the art of medal in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco period.

www.finemedals.com focuses attention mainly on Art Nouveau and Art Deco medals. Considering the great
amount of medals made during this period, my aim is not to show as many medals as possible but the more
extraordinary ones. Please note this is a non-commercial website, the medals are not for sale. ~ Nicolas Maier

It sure would be nice to see our nickel carvers produce a variety of “Marianne” carved nickels.
There are 24 different medals shown on Nicolas' “Marianne” webpage! ~ V-Dubya

{Archival copy}

French Art Nouveau and Art Deco medals: 1890-1940

Art Deco Art Nouveau (A Collection of Links)

285

22 October 2006

Ray Castro's Latest Carvings are Really the “Cat's Meow”

Hi... I am Ray Castro, OHNS Member #933.

I have been carving for 7 months now, and as many of you can see,
my style is starting to go towards the “Art Nouveau” look.

I still plan to carve the old standard hobos so we will see what develops.

Check out my website for carvings that are available for purchase:
“Ray's Hobo Nickels” ~ www.rayshobonickels.com

My thanks to all who have responded with their helpful hints and encouragement.

“There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way.” ~ Christopher Morley

284

21 October 2006

Railroad Model Scales
Scale	Ratio	Height
Z	1:220	3/4"
N	1:160	1"
HO	1:87	2"
O	1:48	4"
G	1:22.5	8"

The Size or Scale of Railroad Models

    One of the questions asked most is regarding the size or scale of railroad models. This gives you a quick and simple reference to the available model scales, used mostly by model railroaders.

    The most popular scale is HO. HO has been referred to as Half O and is 1:87 or 2" tall. These trains easily fit a large layout area of say 4'x6' with room to populate your scene with structure kits, figures, vehicles, and all the necessary detailed landscape scenery to make your layout as real as you can.

    The second most favored scale is N scale which is 1:160 (approx. 1" tall). These are much smaller and are often referred to as tabletop or apartment size model train layouts. These offer many great details, but are much smaller than HO to allow for less space used. If you don't have much space, I recommend you start with an N scale set first.

    There are two ways to go after the N and HO scales. There is an even smaller set than the N scale which is known as Z scale. This scale is small enough to allow an entire working set to fit inside a briefcase. The Z scale sets have a ratio of 1:220 and stand only 3/4" tall. Since they are so small, many of the fine details you see with an N or HO scale set are lost, however, they are still just as fun and make for great holiday gifts for the person who has it all!

    To move to the larger sets, you would progress from HO scale to O scale. The O scale set is 1:48 and stands approx. 4" tall. These are much larger, but not the largest.

    You may have heard of Garden scale, which is G scale which is the largest you can easily get without buying your own railroad line. These G scale sets are large at approx. 8" tall and have a ratio of 1:22.5.

Author unknown. ~ vrw

282

20 October 2006

Heritage to Offer Troy Wiseman and Norm Talbert Hobo Nickels
2007 January Orlando, FL (FUN) Signature Coin Auction #422 ( Catalog

)

Lot 14097

Lot 14123

Lot 14140

Lot 14115

Lot 14126

Lot 14141

14097 ~ Another very collectible carving by “Bo.” This is a reverse carving of a donkey or mule, another favorite subject of Bo. This is the plate coin on page 75 of Romines' first book, and allegedly is the coin Bo was working on when he injured his hand in 1957. Above Average. Accompanied by an OHNS certificate. Ex: OHNS Auction # 14, lot 10.

14115 ~ This is most likely an early “Bo” carving (an original, to be sure), as the hair technique, nose, and ear all fit Bo's style. The hat has a plain crown and no hatband; the nose and mouth have been slightly altered and there is a two-line collar. Illustrated on page 39 of Romines' second book. High Average. Accompanied by an OHNS certificate. Ex: OHNS Auction # 12, lot 17.

14123 ~ Another original work by Bo from the Bill Fivaz Collection. This piece shows a large-eared clown with fuzzy hair at the back of his head and the typical clown nose, make-up, and collar. An Above Average piece. Accompanied by an OHNS certificate. Ex: OHNS Auction # 12, lot 12.

14126 ~ This is special ... a carving by “Bert” Wiegand, Bo's mentor and friend. Bert taught Bo to carve hobo nickels, and their styles are quite similar, with the hair/beard technique, the ear and hat configuration, the profile and collar design, etc. Carvings by Bert are quite rare and very much sought after. His unique way of “signing” his name on his coins is part of the mystique ... removing the LI and Y from LIBERTY, thus leaving his name ... BERT. The coin has attractive iridescent toning, and is illustrated on page 39 in Romines' second book. The epitome of the Superior classification, this coin will undoubtedly break all sorts of records. An opportunity that seldom comes around. Accompanied by an OHNS certificate. Ex: OHNS Auction # 12, lot 14.

14140 ~ Third and final chance to buy an original “Peanut Ear”! Virtually identical to the other two lots in this auction by the same (unknown) artist, this Classic carving is on a 1913-P (Type Two) nickel. The crown of the hat is stippled and all the other diagnostics are present. Don't let this one get by! A pleasing Above Average offering. Accompanied by an OHNS certificate.

14141 ~ A second reverse carving of a horse's head by one of the masters, “Bo,” and also from the Bill Fivaz Collection. These two horse's head pieces are very rare carvings, and certain to draw spirited bidding from hobo nickel collectors.
Again, a Superior designation and a lovely addition to an advanced collection.

Shown here are six example lots from the upcoming FUN2007 auction with the permission of Heritage Auctions.

281

19 October 2006

“Freddy the Pig” is Moving to the Kansa Territories

Freddy's Mom

Freddy's first “Professional Head Shot”

Freddy's Pop

Freddy's Mom is so proud of her famous son!

Freddy's Pop is in a big rush to get to the party!

Dick Sheehan is bringing “Freddy the Pig” with him to celebrate my birthday next week... Thanks Dick!!!

From 1927 to 1958, Walter Brooks wrote 26 books starring one of the great characters in American children's literature,
Freddy the Pig. Freddy is Everypig - he oversleeps, overeats, daydreams and writes poetry. He's even a bit lazy.
And when he's scared, his tail uncurls. He is by turns a cowboy, explorer, politician, publisher, poet, magician, banker,
campaign manager, pilot, detective. Whatever the situation may call for, Freddy always rises to the occasion!

Most pigs get justifiably nervous, panicky even, when they hear “head shot” (or even “head” and “shot” used in the same sentence) but not our stalwart Freddy!

280

Recent Sales of Carved Nickels ~ October 2006

$516.07 (pair) J.Olivencia	$407.50 S.Adams	$312.99 B.Jameson
My most recent carving is inspired by the gun engraving community. There have been a few guns engraved with the cattle brands over the years so I had to do a Hobo Nickel of Cattle Brands. Many on the obverse are early recorded ones, with my JO monogram snuck in there, and the background is textured to resemble hide. And on the reverse is the EARLIEST recorded one, year 1762. Inlayed in 24kt gold of course. ~ J.O. 9/24/06

$345.20 “Raymond”

$264.77

$253.00

$204.50 J.Press

$198.51 R.Perrico

$194.49 B.Jameson

$181.45

$160.09

$152.38 R.Perrico

$130.27 D.Boulay

$111.24

$109.97 S.Cox

$109.00 J.Paonessa

Click on any photo for an enlargement.

279

14 October 2006

What was a nickel actually worth
when it was being carved?

Babe Ruth's salary in 1932 was $80,000. In 2005 the GDP deflator was 12.3 times larger than it was in 1932 and the CPI was 14.3 times larger. This means that if we are interested in Ruth's purchasing power of in “all things produced” or “housing and meals” then he was earning the equivalence of about $984,000 or $1,144,000 in 2005. The Unskilled Wage Rate was 44 times higher in 2005 than in 1932. So if we wanted to compare his wage to what someone selling hot dogs would earn, we could say his “relative wage” is $3,520,000. GDP per capita and GDP are 89 and 212 times larger in 2005 than they were in 1932. Thus Ruth's earnings relative to the “average output” and as a relative “share of the GDP” would be $7,120,000 and $16,960,000 in 2005.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is most often used to make comparisons partly because it is the series with which people are most familiar. This series tries to compare the cost of things the average household buys such as food, housing, transportation, medical services, etc. For earlier years, it is the most useful series for comparing the cost of consumer goods and services. It can be interpreted as how much money would you need today to buy an item in the year in question if it had changed in price the same as the average price change.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) deflator is similar to the CPI in that it is a measure of average prices. The “bundle” of goods and services here includes all things produced in the economy, not just consumer goods and services that are reflected in the CPI.

The Unskilled Wage Rate is a good way to determine the relative cost of something in terms of the amount of work it would take to produce, or the relative time it would take to earn its cost. It can also be useful in comparing different wages over time. The unskilled wage is a more consistent measure than the average wage for making comparisons over time.

The Gross Domestic Product per capita is an index of the economy's average output per person and is closely correlated with the average income. It can be useful in comparing different incomes over time.

The Gross Domestic Product is the market value of all goods and services produced in a year. Comparing an expenditure using this measure, tells you how much money in the comparable year would be the same percent of all output.

    I can well remember my Grandmother “going on and on” about how she used to work for ten cents an hour during the Great Depression and how she was pleased to have even that much. Of course this was usually being said in the context of how ungrateful her grandchildren were and, as a kid, naturally I couldn't really relate to her experiences.

    Recently someone on an Internet Forum asked a question, something to the effect of... “Wasn't a nickel too major an investment during the depression for a person to risk it by defacing it?” They also wondered just how much return that person could expect for their carved nickel. I searched tirelessly but can not find the original discussion which started me thinking along the lines that have culminated here in this short article.

    We can't really speak to the question of how much return a person could expect for their carved nickel. That was dependent upon way too many circumstances and variables that are beyond our knowing. I suspect that many carved/scratched nickels were done more out of boredom than with any thought of monetary gain. However... the question of how major an investment the host nickel was is an interesting one that can be pondered for a spell.

The equivalent monetary value of a nickel earned in 1913.

   Unskilled Wage Rate
  GDP deflator | GDP per capita
   CPI | | | GDP
   | | | | |
1913 .05 .05 .05 .05 .05
1918 .08 .08 .10 .09 .10
1923 .09 .08 .11 .09 .11
1928 .09 .08 .12 .10 .12
1933 .07 .06 .10 .06 .07
1938 .07 .07 .15 .08 .11
1943 .09 .08 .21 .18 .25
1948 .12 .11 .30 .23 .34
1953 .13 .12 .41 .30 .48
1958 .15 .14 .51 .33 .60
1963 .15 .15 .61 .41 .79
1968 .17 .17 .74 .57 1.16
1973 .22 .22 1.04 .81 1.77
1978 .33 .31 1.56 1.28 2.93
1983 .50 .44 2.21 1.88 4.52
1988 .59 .51 2.56 2.59 6.52
1993 .73 .60 3.02 3.18 8.50
1998 .82 .65 3.54 3.94 11.17
2003 .92 .72 4.20 4.69 14.00

The numismatic/collector value is a totally different subject!

    From this I conclude that pulling a nickel out of your pocket and scratching on it in 1913 would be quite similar to pulling out a five dollar bill today... if you were jobless and could only occasionally find employment as an unskilled laborer ...and making origami out of it in hopes of enhancing it's value. That is if you went past complex folding and involved a pair of scissors!

    If one moves forward to roughly the time of the second world war then that five dollar bill changes into the equivalent of a one dollar bill being “defaced” today. A lot depends on when the nickel was being carved as one would expect. ~ Verne R. Walrafen

278

Carving Chips..... • More “Real People” Carvings by Veteran Engraver Steve Ellsworth •

Angak'china

Hokyan Angak'china

I駏piaq Uumaaga

Chief Koon-Kah-Za-Chy “Kiowa-Apache”

Click on any photo for an enlargement.

Madelaine Placquemine

Gabriel Du Pr?/SPAN>

How do you name nickel carvings?

I enjoy picking names from my everyday life; the things I find in books while reading recreationally, the bits and pieces I pick up off the Internet while surfing, and the events that occur in my family's life.

As an example... Gabriel Du Pr?is a French/Cree M閠is Indian sleuth and fiddler who is, along with his love Madelaine Placquemine, at the center of author Peter Bowen's Montana Mystery series.

• • • • • V-Dubya • • • • •

277

Carving Chips..... • Art, Candace and Ralph are Working on a “Schnozz” Article for BoTales •

Sold on eBay 2001

Ralph Winter's

Art DelFavero's

Candace Kagin's

Gail Baker's

Click on any photo for an enlargement. All five of these “Schnozz” carvings share the characteristic that they are carved on “S” Mint nickels!

Typical “S” Mint Reverse.

Once Sport has published "Schnozz" in BoTales I will post the
full article on the OHNS website for your edification! ~ V-Dubya

276

7 October 2006

Letter to “Life in These United States” Editor, Reader's Digest

−by Margaret E. Giltner “Grand Duchess” • Jan 16, 1948

A King or Queen gains admittance and holds their title by being heirs to the Throng.
Therefoe only royal blood, royal money, royal education reigns, in countries ruled by Kings or Queens.

Our United States can boast of a King too, and he, Jeff Davis reigns as King of the Hobos.
Grand Duchess, Duchess, Supreme Knightess, Grand Supreme Knightess,
Duchess of the Knights of the Road, etc titles are held by merit.

How much good do you do for your neighbor, are you a good neighbor, what do you do for your friends, your city, your state?
This you must answer well, only, to reign, and keep your title.

If people can have titles because they have money and education - - why not have titles for GOOD DEEDS?
And that, says King Davis is why we Knights of the Roads have ours.

Where else in the world can you find this opportunity?

Donated by Elmer Giltner, RM#855 • October 2006

275

5 October 2006

“Self Styled Hobo King Was Native Of County”
−by Jack Kennelty, Daily Tribune, Wednesday Afternoon, September 1, 1954

   “Finis” could be written today to the fantastic, the almost unbelievable tale of John Edward Everhart, 56, alias Jeff Davis, bogus king of the hoboes, who died here in the Westmoreland County Jail Sunday morning.
   Old Jeff, who had masqueraded as king of the hoboes for years until unmasked by the real Jeff shortly before being committed to jail here, is really a native of Carpentertown, where he was born August 22,1898, and he has four sisters and other relatives living in Chicago. It was thought he was without living relatives.
   After his death here Sunday morning as a result of a heart attack, Warden William R. Hohn searched his effects and found six scrap books containing newspaper clippings, photos, autographs and other data proving that Everhart had for years lived off the countryside and his alleged kingship of the Royal Order of Hoboes.
   Ever since the death of the bogus king Warden Hohn has been sending telegrams and making long distance phone calls in an attempt to find his next of kin, without results.
   Monday's Daily Tribune told of the phony king's death, but at that time he was known only as Jeff Davis. Yesterday, it was revealed in the Tribune, his name was believed to be John E. Eberhardt. This information was gleaned from a total of five telegrams and phone calls made by Warden Hohn.
   After seeing a picture of Everhart in the Monday Tribune and then his name in the Tuesday edition his relatives came forward late last night and identified the body at the Coshey-Buchanan Funeral Home here.
   Last night Warden Hohn also received a call from the real King of the Hoboes, Jeff Davis, who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. The real king, like all royalty kind and just, asked jail ...

... authorities to send a spray of flowers to the pauper king at his expense. He told the Warden he had heard of the death of the pretender on a TV program.
   His relatives here say they have not heard of him in years, and even when his mother died some years ago they could not reach him for the funeral.
   Funeral arrangements for Everhart will be announced later.
   In addition to his son, Frank, who is flying here for the funeral, the “king” is survived by the following sisters: Mrs. Clara Heller, 264 East Main St., Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. C. H. Marth, 408 Everson St., Scottsdale; Mrs. Dom Cesario, Mt. Pleasant, RD 2 and Mrs. Martha Hill, Mt. Pleasant, RD 3.
   Warden Hohn said he had called some of the relatives of the “king” here prior to his identification after finding their names in the scrapbooks, but of course they knew nothing of his guise as Jeff Davis, king of the hoboes.

John E. Eberhart

   John Edward Eberhart, 56 years old, formerly of Carpentertown, died here Sunday, but his identity was not announced until Tuesday night. He was born August 22, 1898. During World War I he served with Company D, of Connellsville. He is survived by one son, Frank, of Chicago, Ill., and the following sisters: Mrs. Clara Heller, of Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. C. H. Marth, of Scottsdale; Mrs. Dom Cesario, of Mt. Pleasant RD 2, and Mrs. Martha Hill, of Mt. Pleasant, RD 3. Blessing services will be conducted at the Coshey-Buchanan Funeral Home, West Pittsburg street, at 10 o'clock this morning by Father Gearing of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Internment will be in the Greensburg Catholic cemetery.

“You still think you have troubles? How would you like to be in my predictment?
Now that he is dead many think its me who is dead.” −Jeff Davis, “King of Hoboes”

Extracted from: “a HASH on LIFE Scrap Book” −by Jeff Davis • 3rd Edition 1956 • donated by Elmer Giltner, RM#855 • October 2006

274

Carving Chips..... • Elmer's Hoboes File Inventory •

Elmer Giltner dropped by our home last weekend for the express purpose of donating his “Hoboes File” for our use.
It gives a nice glimpse into the subject over the 1940's to 1970's timeframe. THANKS Elmer! ~ V-Dubya

  1) “And Life Goes On” −by John P. Mulgrew “Jazbo of Old Dubuque” (signed) • Eleventh Edition 1945
  2) “And Life Goes On” −by John P. Mulgrew “Jazbo of Old Dubuque” (signed) • Twelfth Edition 1946
  3) “THE HOBO NEWS” A Little Fun To Match The Sorrow −by Patrick Mulkern, Owner • Vol.6, No.19 May 7, 1946
  4) Letter to “Life in These United States” Editor, Reader's Digest −by Margaret E. Giltner “Grand Duchess” • Jan 16, 1948
  5) “HOBO NEWS And REVIEW” Eckoes From The Jungles −by Jeff Davis “King of Hoboes” • Vol.XXXXV, No.1 1953
  6) “a HASH on LIFE SCRAP BOOK” Some Of My Life and Adventures −by Jeff Davis “King of Hoboes” • 3rd Edition 1956 (2 copies)
  7) “a HASH on LIFE SCRAP BOOK” Some Of My Life and Adventures −by Jeff Davis “King of Hoboes” • 4th Edition 1961
  8) “HOBO NEWS REVIEW” A Boxcar Review of Who's Who in Hobo Jungleland −by Jeff Davis “King of Hoboes” • Vol.57, No.125 1966
  9) Christmas Card −from Jeff Davis “King of Hoboes” • Dec 16, 1966
10) 61st Hobo Jamborie Announcement ~ Harrisburg, Pa −from Gordon “Bud” Filer “King of Hoboes” • Apr 4, 1969
11) “The Hobo News & Review” −by Walter E. Fisher “Crown Prince of Hoboes” • Vol.2, No.7 Jan 7, 1974
12) 66th Annual Hobo Convention Announcement ~ Attalla, Alabama −from Gordon “Bud” Filer “King of Hoboes” • Mar 24, 1974
13) “Hobo News & Review” No Stranger Shall Be A Stranger in a Strange Place −by Walter E. Fisher “Crown Prince of Hoboes” • Mar 1977
14) 71st Annual Hobo Convention Announcement ~ Altoona, PA −from Gordon “Bud” Filer “King of Hoboes” • Mar 5, 1979

273

3 October 2006

Small Traveling Exhibits

−by American Numismatic Association

“The History and Romance of Hobo Nickels Exhibit” ~ Excerpts

Click on photograph to view all three exhibit panels.

From... Gail Baker, Manager of Market and Brand Development, American Numismatic Association

Click to view this announcement.

As a part of its mission, the ANA Money Museum circulates a
number of small, easily transported traveling exhibits for circulation
to ANA member clubs, museums, schools, libraries, and banks.

The exhibits should be booked at least 6 to 8 weeks
in advance of the exhibit dates.

Loan periods are flexible.

272

Carving Chips..... • Photos That Found Their Way To V-Dubya's Desk •

From Bob Finlay Photos by... Kelsey Barker, Glendo Corp.

From Marcus Hunt

From Phillip Lanmon

Moonwalk

Roman Soldier

“Don Glaser”

$142.25

$156.95

From eBay

$301.00

$80.77

$228.39 Olivencia

$283.75 Boulay

$459.05

Click on any photo for an enlargement.

271

Carving Chips..... • The Golden Boys Fresh From Las Vegas •

The Golden Boys were a vocal quartet formed by brothers Roberto Correia Jos?Maria, Ronaldo Correia Jos?Maria, and Renato Correia Jos?Maria and a cousin, Valdir Anuncia玢o.

They were all born in 1937... the same year that Clifford Odets' “Golden Boy,” premiered
in New York City and that the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco opened to vehicular traffic.
“How can this be?” you ask... and well you should!

That was a “golden year!” ( Stephen D. Cox “hosted” them while they were in Las Vegas. )

These fine fellows have decided to retire here with me in the Kansa Territories... an excellent choice!

Here you see the Golden Boys' point man and manager Oscar Gallo...
“El Dorado Gallo Pavo”

as they call him behind his back.

I'm pleased that I was able to book the entire vocal group and keep them
together here in the Kansa Territories during their retirement years.

They tell me that their manager isn抰 a very nice guy anyway?br> rather pushy and always taking advantage of them.

So they are glad to see him retire to the West Coast
with lots of miles between him and them. - V-Dubya

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