2012 Hobo Guide
News-Tribune
Hobo code of ethics established in 1889 in St. Louis An ethical code was created by Tourist Union #63 during its 1889 National Hobo Convention in St. Louis Missouri. This code was voted upon as a concrete set of laws to govern the Nation-wide Hobo Body; it reads this way: 1.Decide your own life, don’t let another person run or rule you. 2.When in town, always respect the local law and officials, and try to be a gentleman at all times. 3.Don’t take advantage of someone who is in a vulnerable situation, locals or other hobos. 4.Always try to find
work, even if temporary, and always seek out jobs nobody wants. By doing so you not only help a business along, but ensure employment should you return to that town again. 5.When no employment is available, make your own work by using your added talents at crafts. 6.Do not allow yourself to become a stupid drunk and set a bad example for locals’ treatment of other hobos. 7.When jungling in town, respect handouts, do not wear them out, another hobo will be coming along who will
need them as bad, if not worse than you. 8.Always respect nature, do not leave garbage where you are jungling. 9.If in a community jungle, always pitch in and help. 10.Try to stay clean, and boil up wherever possible. 11.When traveling, ride your train respectfully, take no personal chances, cause no problems with the operating crew or host railroad, act like an extra crew member. 12.Do not cause problems in a train yard, another hobo will be coming along who will
need passage through that yard. 13.Do not allow other hobos to molest children, expose all molesters to authorities, they are the worst garbage to infest any society. 14.Help all runaway children, and try to induce them to return home. 15.Help your fellow hobos whenever and wherever needed, you may need their help someday. 16.If present at a hobo court and you have testimony, give it. Whether for or against the accused, your voice counts!
their favorite candidate.
HOBO SOUVENIRS BATTERIES, PARTS & FULL SERVICE Professional Mechanics on duty to service your golf car.
Stop In & Check Out Our Showroom
MILLER & SONS SALES & SERVICE Britt, Iowa 641-843-4132 James Ave. South (1/2 mile)
“It’s the service after the sale that counts” MS-84636
Enjoy your visit to Britt
DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED
MarveaMary’s
A Vintage Mix of Charm & Cheer
Made special for Hobo Day: Aprons, dip mixes, soup, tea, salsa, jam & jelly.
Gigantic garage sale in the Smidt Motors Bldg. Aug. 9th & 10th
Vagabond Craft Show and Collectables will be held in conjunction with the convention this year, much to the pleasure of “treasure seekers”. On the
HOURS: Tuesday-Friday ~ 9:30 AM-4 PM Saturday ~ 9:30 AM-12:30 PM Closed Sunday & Monday
(641) 843-3876 970 HWY. 18 EAST • BRITT, IOWA
MS-84810
2 TIME RECIPIENT PRESIDENT’S AWARD-WINNING DEALERSHIP THIS AWARD IS BASED ON OUTSTANDING SALES & SERVICE WITH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
MS-84635
Saturday marks a wellknown highlight of the convention as the hobo community invites everyone to City Park for the annual king and queen coronation. At noon, more than 500 gallons of mulligan stew are served to those in attendance. The stew recipe is one that convention chefs have used for
The Hancock County Ag Museum opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2002. Making a big debut after a long effort, organizers are offering a facility designed to educate people, especially the younger generations, about the days of farming in early Iowa. The museum will be the site for hands-on learning. So take a step back into the past and revisit the days of old. Learn about the tools and machinery used to first farm the land in this area. The museum will be open
CLASSIC CAR SHOW For the car enthusiast, don’t miss out on the classic car show. Twenty-eight classes of cars make up the annual show and whatever your favorite classic car may be, you’re sure to find a favorite here. See them all Sunday, Aug. 12 on Main Avenue. Also during the car show a craft show will be held in City Park. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair and visit for the afternoon and listen to the entertainment. Feel free to get up and dance if the mood strikes you.
a.m. A 5K walk will also be held for enthusiasts. Each year, hundreds of all ages participate in the event. The well-supervised and marked route takes runners through the early morning Britt area, as well as provides a tshirt to commemorate their effort.
OTHER EVENTS Don’t forget to take in the fire lighting ceremony at the Jungle on Thursday, which marks the official start of the convention. Also, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the ladies tea, followed by an inspriring organ concert by Luther the Jet at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
ATHLETES IN ACTION For the athletic types and their supporters, the 5K and the 10K runs start Saturday at 7
Stop In & Buy Your Britt, IA T-Shirts! Many adult sizes and colors Men’s & Women’s Clothing, Shoes, Sandals, & Handbags
980 HWY 18 EAST • BRITT, IOWA
OPEN 8AM-8PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY DURING HOBO DAYS
Stop in & get your next new or pre-owned vehicle from Pritchard Auto Co.
MS-85120
If you’d like to advertise in this section next year contact the News Tribune at 1- 888-273-5553.
AG MUSEUM
from 1-4 p.m. Saturday during the convention.
WELCOME TO BRITT, HOME OF THE NATIONAL HOBO CONVENTION
PRITCHARD AUTO CO.
www.kellyrealestate.net Steve Kelly, Broker - 641-425-7712 Paul J. Kelly, Assoc. Broker - 641-843-4102 DeAnna Kelly, Salesperson - 641-425-9044 45 Main Ave. So., Britt, Iowa 50423 Office: 641-843-4102
MULLIGAN STEW
many years after gaining mulligan stew-making secrets from the real hobos of earlier conventions. This tradition—which started as a free meal for only the hobos—now gives everyone a taste of hobo grub.
June 7, 2012 • 3
Welcome To Britt, We’re Glad You’re Here!
641-843-3871
KELLY REAL ESTATE 63 Main Ave. South, Britt, Iowa 641-843-3570
CRAFTS AND COLLECTABLES
Giving back to our communities for nearly 100 years If you are intrigued with our town & would like to live here year round, see us for all your housing needs!
MS-84634
You are sure to want something to remember the experience of being part of Hobo Days, so be sure to get a souvenir while you’re here. The Hobo Museum and Gift Shop has a great selection of hobo poetry and books. Hobo poetry, hobo knots, tshirts, caps, cups, spoons, thimbles, postcards and posters are also available through the Chamber of Commerce office, located in the Cobbler Shoppe on Main Avenue.
open streets, many conventioneers have a chance to shop the tables of the merchants. The market sets up Thursday and runs through Saturday night. Each year there are new exhibitors, as well as the favorites from years before selling handmade rugs, doll clothes, wood and shell items, miscellaneous glassware and antique dealers, hat-wear, jewelry and a variety of other items.
Unique items are a specialty here!
News Tribune file photo
Welcome to Britt
WELCOME FROM P2
GOLF CARS
A familiar sound The whistle of the train has called hobos over time. The whistle has become part of the annual ladies tea during the National Hobo Convention and Hobo Days in Britt each year. The tea is served by hobos to residents of the community as they gather to celebrate during the week. At left, a participant blows an instrument that sounds like a train whistle to show approval for what’s happening during the tea.
2012 Hobo Guide
News-Tribune
SIDEWALK SPECIALS ALL WEEK LONG!
MS-84796
18• June 7, 2012
BRITT CITY COUNCIL - Front row from l - r: Mike Ostercamp, Bryan Aitchison, Curt Gast, Dwight Leerar. Back row: Doug Weiland, Mayor Jim Nelson and City Clerk Jeanie Purvis. Whether it’s taking in the many activities or visiting with hobos in the Hobo Jungle, Hobo Days provides a fun-filled weekend away from the rest of the world.
COBBLER SHOPPE
e
Th
• Marshall & Swift Agent • eBay Consignment
21 Main Avenue North •
(641) 843-3512 •
Britt, Iowa 50423
Jim Nelson, Mayor of Britt Jeanie Purvis, City Clerk; Darcy Eisenman, Deputy Clerk
City Hall - 843-4433... Police - 843-3822... Hospital - 843-5000 MS-84783