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Older News & Events ScrapBook . . . Page 21
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Leaf through OHNS ScrapBook... 
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603
20 December 2008
From Steve Adams' Personal Cassone
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“Bertrand Van Morgan”
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602
19 December 2008
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James Stewart, Gravette, AR
James Stewart is a Vietnam veteran and Confederate flag-flying native Texan who engraved his first knife for Lile Knives in 1975, at a time when most engraving was done on fixed blade models. Jimmy Lile would mail a few knives to Stewart in San Antonio, giving him complete artistic control and without any instructions about what to engrave, unless Jimmy's customer had a specific request. Always mindful of the collector, the only thing Jimmy requested was that each engraving would be “one of a kind.” When Steward completed the knives, he would mail them back and Jimmy would deliver the finished pieces to his customers.
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The “Five Civilized Tribes” Lile Lock Folding Hunters (above right) are among Jimmy's most prized works. Each of these special Lile Lock Folding Hunters is dedicated to one of the “five civilized tribes” of the old Indian territory−the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole nations. The story of the uprooting of these five tribes from their ancestral homelands in the southeast and their deportation, often under conditions of great suffering, to Oklahoma in the late 1830s was special to Jimmy Lile. Jimmy was of part-Cherokee extraction, and he nearly named the set Tsalagi−the Cherokee word for the infamous “trail of tears.” On one side of each knife is a portrait of an outstanding chieftain of the tribe to which that knife is dedicated. Although these knives appear to be scrimshawed, actually they are lightly carved. The opposite side of each knife features the seal of its particular tribe. The “Five Civilized Tribes” set was presented in a custom, French-fitted wooden box made by James Stewart, who also did the engraving. Jimmy was prouder of this set than any other he ever created. ~ “James B. Lile, The Arkansas Knifesmith, Knifemaker to the World”, 2007
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601
15 December 2008
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Cliff Kraft... $153 on eBay
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Classic... $12 on eBay
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Classic... $74 on eBay
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Jim Stewart... $89 on eBay
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Bill Jameson... Commission
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Hobo counterstamp on a the reverse of a heavily worn 1817 U.S. large cent.
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Classic... $184 on eBay
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Classic... $92 on eBay
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Classic... $106 on eBay
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Dave Boulay... $91 on eBay
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Dave Boulay “Self Portrait”
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Translation... “The Hobo File #22 [ bits and pieces ]”
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600
9 December 2008
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Hobo Nickels “Down Under”
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These four coins, referred to as a variety of Hobo nickels, are part of a substantial and significant collection of coins and banknotes acquired by the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, Australia, and generously donated over several decades by the late William (Bill) D. Bush, previously of Vancouver, Washington, USA. Removal of the reverse design on each coin, probably by machining, smoothed the surface for etching.
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Minted in 1912, this Liberty nickel features Tom and Jerry on the reverse, cartoon characters created in 1940 for “Tom and Jerry”, a series of animated theatrical shorts by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.
This Buffalo nickel minted in 1916, features an etching on the reverse of Jiggs, a cartoon character first introduced in “Bringing Up Father”, a comic strip created in 1913 by George McManus.
Created by Chic Young in 1930, Mr. Dithers, the irascible character featured in the popular comic strip, “Blondie” is etched on the reverse of this Buffalo nickel minted in 1925.
The reverse of this 1935 Buffalo nickel features the image of Sarge, a cartoon character still appearing in the long running comic strip “Beetle Bailey”,
originally created in 1950 by Mort Walker.
~ Wendy Circosta ~ Asst. Curator of Design, History and Society.
Hobo Nickel photographs by Paul Donnelly
Mickey Mouse
on 1926 5¢
Owned by
Ralph Winter
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Has anyone else seen any carvings by this artist previously?
V-Dubya
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Quality
Designation
Certificate
04−BF−075
September
2004
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599
Carving Chips.....
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Just in case you've been wondering why nothing new has been posted on our website the last couple of weeks!
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Son-in-law Brian & 36in BlackDrum
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Corpus Christi, Texas... 6-SeaTrout, 2-BlackDrum, 1-RedDrum, 8-BlackDrum and 2-SheepsHead
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598
18 November 2008
Two Examples of Slang Carved on Hobo Nickels
“Ische ga bibble?”
is mock-Yiddish purportedly meaning
“What, me worry?”
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ISHKABIBBLE ~ This slang expression came into existence in the USA quite suddenly around 1913 with the ostensible meaning “I should worry!”, which means of course, “Don't worry!” or “Who cares?”. It had quite a vogue for a decade or two and was the name of a character played by Merwyn Bogue on a 1930s radio show called Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge. In his autobiography, Bogue said that he took his stage name from a song he used to sing on the radio show... Isch Gabibble “I Should Worry?”, words by Sam M. Lewis and music by George W. Meyer, dated 1913. This song seems to have been the immediate source for the sudden arrival and popularity of the term. It was firmly stated by contemporaries that no Yiddish connection existed at all. Bogue said he changed the spelling to “Ish Kabibble” to make it easier to say. ~ V-Dubya
Isch Gabibble
Sam M. Lewis
Melody - George W. Meyer 1913
I never care or worry
Isch Gabibble - Isch Gabibble
I never tear or hurry
Isch Gabibble - Isch Gabibble
When a friend says he's feelin' blue
When a friend says his room rent's due
Just tell him in a friendly way
Get used to it
Get used to it
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When I owe people money
Isch Gabibble - Isch Gabibble
If they befriend or lend me
that's their lookout
They shouldn't yell or shout
I should worry if they steal my wife
And let a pimple grow on my young life
Isch Gabibble - I should worry?
No! Not me!
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ICH CA BIBBLE ~ The Color of Money Auction Sale XLII Lot#1389 11/15/08
ICH KIBIBLE ~ Troy Wiseman Collection of Hobo Nickels ~ Heritage Auction Lots#8136-8137 ©2007
ICH KIBIBBLE ~ BoTales p1,6 Spring 2003
ISHKABIBEL ~ Alpert's "Hobo Nickel GuideBook" p7 ©2001
ICH KIBIBBLE ~ Alpert's "Hobo Nickel GuideBook" p7 ©2001
ICH KIBEBBLE ~ OHNS 1996 Denver Auction Lot#48, F211
ICH GEBIBLE ~ OHNS 1996 Denver Auction Lot#4, F183
“Heini Schmidt”
is German slang carrying the connotation of a
“Simpleton”
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HEINI ~ Originally a nickname for Heinrich (Harry and Henry in Anglo-Saxon languages), today in Germany is an unflattering term used to refer to a “goofball” or “moron.” It's a name you would call somebody who is a little dense at times in a funny way, sort of like a “simpleton.” Thus, you don't really want to walk around calling Heinrichs Heinis unless they are good friends of yours.
So... engraving “Heini Schmidt” on these coins seems to be in jest, quite similar to having today engraved “Alfred E. Newman” or “Homer Simpson” on a caricature. Giving our Hobo a Dunce Hat if you will! ~ V-Dubya
HEiNi SCHMiDT ~ Online auction September 2008
HEINI SCHMIDT ~ Troy Wiseman Collection of Hobo Nickels ~ Heritage Auction Lot#8139 ©2007
HEINI SCHMIDT ~ Quality Designation Certificate F347
HEINI SCHMIDT ~ OHNS 1996 FUN Auction Lot#32, R201 and Alpert's "Hobo Nickel GuideBook" p35 ©2001
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597
15 November 2008
Hobo Art Coinage ~ The Color of Money Auction Sale XLII
 
Thumbnails ↓
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Lot#1389 ~ “What, me worry?”
Price Realized... $316
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Lot#1390 ~ “Germany above all”
Price Realized... $230
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Lot#1391
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Lot#1392→
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Lot#1393→
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Lot#1394
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596
9 November 2008
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Nickel Carver Hallmarks
Steve Adams recently sent me a trial piece (upper left) that he created when he made a hallmark punch for Arthur Hutchinson that had been floating around his workbench. I can't find any examples of this hallmark used on a “Hutches” carved nickel so perhaps he received it after he was too ill to use it. If anyone has an “AH” hallmarked specimen I would love to acquire a photo of it so I can show folks!
I knew Steve had also created a hallmark punch for Joe Paonessa so I showed Joe the “AH” trial piece and he graciously created a “JAP” trial piece (upper right). I have seen examples of this hallmark used on “Paonessa” carved nickels but I don't have a photo of an “JAP” hallmarked specimen in hand to show you right now. ~ V-Dubya
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This is Joe's most recently carved nickel and he used his hallmark punch on it.
V-Dubya ~ 12/1/08
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31 October 2008
Winter 2008 “BoTales” Feature Articles
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BoTales Banner Banter & Editor's Message ..... 2
Announcing OHNS 2009 Annual Meeting ..... 2
New OHNS Members ..... 2
Auction Manager's Message ..... 3
OHNS Auction 17 Catalog, Lots 1-138 ..... 4-28
“I visited some of the Public Buildings Today” ..... 28
Auction 17 Bid Sheet ..... 29
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Membership & Quality Designation Form ..... 30
Auction 17 Rules ..... 31
“Trestle Trudy” by Joseph Kocian ..... 31
“Nora McFolley” by John Carter ..... 33
OHNS Hobo Tokens Available ..... 34
Heritage Auction Galleries Advertisment ..... 35
Introducing “The Fobber” ..... 36
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Introducing “The Fobber”
−by Stephen P. Alpert, LM10
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“The Fobber”
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The ONLY way to enjoy all the other fantastic content in “BoTales” is to join OHNS. So quit procrastinating and do it NOW!
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594
30 October 2008
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Quality Designation Terminology
“Hobo Nickel GuideBook” −by Stephen P. Alpert
← Click on QD headers to see an example carved nickel of that specific Quality Designation.
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A top-quality work of art by a very talented hobo nickel artist. There may be beautiful fine detailing, boldly altered features, unusual subjects depicted, pushed and raised metal techniques to enchance the relief (of hat brim, ear, nostril, etc.), messages engraved, etc., all masterfully done. They generally have nice eye appeal.
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A very nicely done hobo nickel by a talented artist. Finely carved details, a nice ear, an altered profile, delicate detailing, and a nicely dressed field are features commonly found on Above Average hobo nickels. The hair may be nicely punched or carved, usually with a realistic texture. Accessories may be present such as a pipe or cigar, eyeglasses, an altered or enchance date, and wording in the field. Usually there are several, sometimes minor; features that prevent a high-end Above Average piece from being of Superior quality: some part of the design may be a bit sloppy; the Indian's hair design may be left unaltered on the dome of the hat; traces of the braid or feathers may still be visible; etc.
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A hobo nickel made by an artist with enough talent to create a nicely altered coin. Finer details may appear in the hat and collar(s), such as shading. Usually the feathers and braid are removed and these areas are decently dressed. An ear is usually present, and there may be some profile alteration.
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A decently-made hobo nickel, done by an artist with some limited talent. The workmanship is somewhat sloppy, and may be crude in places. A variety of tools and techniques were usually employed to form the various features that may appear on Below Average hobo nickels: hat details (brim, band), punched or carved hair and beard, an ear, collar, altered nose, etc. Usually there is an attempt at removing the feathers and braid and dressing those areas. Extending the hair down the braid is an awkward shortcut that mainly appears on Below Average to Average hobo nickels.
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A poorly-made hobo nickel. Usually made by someone with very little or no artistic talent, who probably wanted to get into the action of creating hobo nickels upon seeing how well the better makers were doing. Crude quality hobo nickels often consist of just punches or scratches that outline a hat and form a beard. A single punch (forming a dot or dash) may be used repeatedly to create the design. Probably a nail or screwdriver, and a hammer, were the tools used. Other pieces may have rough scratches or chisel marks, or poor attempts at carving. The features are roughly formed, and usually there was no attempt to remove the feathers and hair braid, or dress the field. Alterations such as adding an ear or changing the profile generally were not attempted, as they require artistic talent beyond the limited abilities of the makers of crude hobo nickels.
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592
23 October 2008
“Enjoying” The Balmy South Seas Breezes −by V-Dubya
Tandeloos Izaak
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Caraïbisch Zeeschuimer
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The story goes that Tandeloos Izaak, “Toothless Isaac”... “Ike” to his many friends, had faithfully swamped out the “In den Ouden Vogelstruys” café in Maastricht, Netherlands every night after closing for all of his retirement career. Then upon one occasion Ike had had the great good fortune to find a gold tooth. A customer and friend with the requisite dental skills did Ike the favor of implanting his newly found treasure front and center for all to see and admire.
Unfortunately for Ike, the fellow who had lost the tooth was a local tough named James “Jimmy” James, Jr. Although, just how tough one can be with a name like Jimmy James is a matter of pure conjecture for certain. No one had seen hide nor hair of Jimmy for nigh onto two decades but he had returned to visit his mother upon the passing of his father, James “Big Jim” James, Sr. It turns out that Jimmy wasn't known by his birth name any more but rather by his pseudonyms Caraïbisch Zeeschuimer, “Caribbean Pirate,” and Gezagvoerder Bloed, “Captain Blood”, much to Ike's misfortune. Both Ike and Jimmy disappeared the very same night and are rumored to be
| Carvings from the fertile imagination of Stephen Cox |
“enjoying” the balmy south seas breezes together, albeit to different degrees to be sure! Can you say... “Shanghaied”? ~ V-Dubya
Postscript: Today is the sixty-eighth anniversary of my birth. If I had known I would live this long I'd have taken better care of myself! I quite recently fell fifteen feet out of a tree and am still regretting that stupidity every time I move. Lately I managed to really upset one of my few remaining friends, something else I regret with every breath, but he hasn't sent anyone to break my kneecaps YET! Somehow I've managed to survive all these years and hope to live a few more to see my eight grandchildren grow into adults. I want to thank Stephen Cox for ALWAYS remembering my birthday and for carving his wonderful nickels which give me such an enjoyable distraction from the trials and tribulations of everyday living! ~ Verne “V-Dubya” Walrafen
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Translation... “The Hobo File #21 [ bits and pieces ]”
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590
15 October 2008
Stonefield Recalls the Golden Age of Railroading
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Wisconsin Historical Society ~ Cassville, Wisconsin
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Inside the depot, visitors can watch as one of the last telegraph operators in the country, Dean Martin, taps out Morse code messages and shares tales of his days working for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad as a telegraph operator. Outside the depot, headquarters of the mythical Governor Nelson Dewey Line whose motto is “Going Nowhere and Always on Time,” is a restored velocipede, a three-wheeled handcar used by the station section-master to inspect the track, and a restored baggage cart. Visitors can also climb aboard a restored Burlington caboose.
In the restored Soo Line boxcar a display of boards from a section shanty from Oxford Junction, Iowa, recalls the lives and times of hobos who rode the rails. The boards contain numerous carvings made by hobos to communicate with other hobos who were riding the rails. The earliest dated carving comes from June 1871; the other dates fall between 1897 and 1900.
We have Allen Schroeder, Director of the Stonefield Historical Site, to thank for these special carved board photos.
Allen has agreed, as time allows, to acquire additional photos for us. So keep your fingers crossed! ~ V-Dubya
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589
Carving Chips.....
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The Entrance of 20 Exchange Place, New York City ~ Photographed by Alan Roche
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“Would someone
please hand me
my hammer and
cold chisel?”
~ KP
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American Numismatic Society Magazine ~ Winter 2004
On the cover: Sculpted copy of James Fraser's five-cent piece at the entrance of 20 Exchange Place.
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Translation... “The Hobo File #20 [ bits and pieces ]”
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587
Carving Chips.....
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Recipes from Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Senic Railroad
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It happened at a “Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Senic Railroad” work session. I was a member of the Kitchen Car crew finishing the daily lunches. We were inside our Kitchen Car, a converted boxcar, and I went outside to clang the dinner bell signaling “lunch is ready.” Folks from the various work crews started walking our way when someone hollered, “Have you ever thought about putting your specialties in a cookbook?” Right then, #463 (one of the coal-fired steam engines) slowly rolled by us filling the air with smoke and steam and spewing some soot into the boxcar. At that moment, “SOOT - It's What's For Dinner” was born. ~ Nan Clark
“SOOT - It's What's For Dinner” can be ordered → here ←.
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Carving Chips.....
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United States Civilian Conservation Corps 1933-42
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United States Civilian Conservation Corps 1933-42
The CCC was a work relief program for young men from unemployed families, established on March 21, 1933, by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As part of Roosevelt's New Deal legislation, it was designed to combat unemployment during the Great Depression. The CCC became one of the most popular New Deal programs among the general public and operated in every U.S. state and several territories. The separate Indian Division was a major relief force for Native American reservations.
Vintage Lincoln Cent teapots are highly sought after in the exonumia field, especially by collectors of love tokens, hobo nickels, tramp art and trench art. These items were made by hand by people with some spare time. What makes this one special it that it comes in a box indicating a connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps.
On the inside of the box cover is written: “William A. Holbrook Co 11J3 CCC Warwick, MASS.” The CCC program in Massachusetts, active from 1933 to 1942, focused mostly on the improvement and development of state park resources. During that period approximately 68 camps enrolled nearly 100,000 men. The program not only touched the lives of the enrollees and their families but also left a lasting legacy of forest improvements and recreational resources throughout the state, including the Warwick area.
The CCC souvenir pillow (left) is an example of a multitude of such pillows created during that period. The CCC rank pin (center) recently sold for $63 on eBay and the well used CCC belt buckle (right) recently sold for $52 on eBay. It is silver in color but may be brass. Research on this buckle via its company number, which is 357 out of Virginia, resulted in three possible camp areas... CAMP HOLLY DAMASCUS, AREA 1933, CAMP IRON MOUNTAIN, SUGAR GROVE, P.O.1938 and CAMP STONY FORK, WYTHEVILLE, P.O.1940X. There is printing on the back that is not clear. The measurements are 3"x2.125".
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Postscript: Additional Vintage U.S. Coin Teapots... but may well be unrelated to the CCC.
Did you ever pause to wonder how many nickel were carved in CCC camps from 1933-42? ~ V-Dubya
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585
22 September 2008
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Fred “Roo” Ross, Esq.
OHNS's “Cartoon Scratcher Emeritus”
I think I'd prefer to be OHNS's “Cartoon Scratcher Emeritus” rather than OHNS's “Artist Emeritus.” In my teens and twenties, I used to pen background art for underground comic books, concert posters, town function fliers, and etcetera... but I could never lay claim to the title of “artist.”
I used to know a hobo artist called “Joe the Jeweler” who worked county fairs in middle Ohio (and presumably all over the middle of the U.S.) decades ago.
He was a true artist: he would painstakingly engrave (not carve) scrolled initials, flowers, hearts, anchors and the like into silver dimes, quarters and halves for fairgoers.
He was a nice old guy; his wife always traveled with him around the fair circuit.
Joe used to tell me about eating armadillos (“Hoover pigs”)1 when he rode the rails and slept over in hobo jungles... and I believe (if I remember correctly my days as a highschooler who did broom pushing around the fairgrounds) that Joe would even “customize nickels” with armadillos and dogs for the odd buck or two.
This was way back in the early and middle 1960's, and I'm sure Joe has long since boarded the Great Boxcar.
But, out of respect for the real artist he was, I think I'd better just stick with "Cartoon Scratcher"... the title he hung on me when I once showed him my cartoon art sketchbook.
I am honored to make my little contribution. Call upon my poor talents whenever they can serve the OHNS! I hope someday to attend an OHNS function in person, as I'd get a great charge out of meeting y'all. ~ Fred Ross, a.k.a “Roo” ~ OHNS RM557
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1 31 January 1931, New York Times, pg.1: The natural game of the country has vanished, been hunted to extinction, not a raccoon is left. And as for rabbits, they are so rare that they are called “Hoover Hogs.”
“Hoover Hogs” was originally applied to jackrabbits during Herbert Hoover's Great Depression, but the nickname was also applied to the armadillos, Spanish for “little armored ones.” Armadillos were referred to by a wide variety of names including “Poor Man's Pigs” and “Poverty Pigs” by down-on-their-luck Americans who had to eat them instead of the “chicken in every pot” Herbert Hoover had promised during his 1932 presidential campaign. ~ V-Dubya
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584
21 September 2008
Owosso Hobo Fest 2008
Saturday, September 20th & Sunday, September 21st
Steam Railroading Institute ~ Owosso, Michigan
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On the right are Mama Jo, Hobo Santa, Big Skip and Jack Who standing by the largest operating steam locomotive in Michigan, the
Pere Marquette 1225,
which was featured as the model for the steam engine in the Christmas classic movie “The Polar Express”.
On the left are Grandpa Dudley, Mad Mary, and Mama Jo (front row) with Big Skip and Hobo Santa (back row). ~ Ralph “Bazoo” Winter
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583
Carving Chips.....
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Winter BoTales is Progressing
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LOT 72 −
Wabon Eddings Carving Tools
Hobo Nickel Carving Tools used by Wabon “Slim” Eddings
What's rarer than a hobo nickel? The carving tools of a late era original hobo nickel artist. All tools offered in this lot belonged to the late Wabon “Slim” Eddings (1917-1999), who carved and punched nickels from the early 1980's to mid 1990's. This set consists of over sixty (60) pieces used by this historical, master artist. Included in this lot are various punches, blades, knives, vise, punch surface, anvil, sharpening stone, cup holder, Del Romines book #1 with notes by Wabon Eddings himself, a tin of test coins, hammer, and of course the two punches which the artist signed some of his works with “WE”. This rare lot comes with the original shipping box from an Eddings's Estate representative. The chronology of ownership of this item is stated as follows: 1) Wabbon Eddings, 2) Owen Covert, 3) Arturo “Cinco” DelFavero, and 4) Lot 72 Winner.
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Translation... “The Hobo File #19 [ bits and pieces ]”
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581
19 August 2008
The Britt News-Tribune
What makes a modern day hobo?
Former hobo king, Iron Horse Brad, has held his share of jobs, but love of the road brought him to Britt.
While hanging out down at the Hobo Jungle I heard someone comment, “These aren't hobos!” after they asked if I could point out a hobo for them to photograph.
I don't know what they expected a hobo to look like, but it did get me to thinking - what makes a hobo and why do they choose this lifestyle.
The hobos visiting the yearly convention in Britt are certainly not the traveling workers of the 1930s, driven by necessity to hop a train to the next job.
Many of today's hobos have never ridden the rails at all, preferring to travel by car or bus. Many have jobs or are retired. These “hobos at heart,” as some like to call themselves, feel the pull of the lifestyle and just like to commune with kindred spirits.
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580
Carving Chips.....
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Ohhh...Geesh!! Instant Nicknamed Carver! Taint fair... Taint fair a tal!
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Please let us know if you have a carved nickel by this artist in your collection!
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Most photographs can be left-clicked on to view an enlargement.
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Translation... “The Hobo File #18 [ bits and pieces ]”
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578
13 August 2008
Something caught my eye... −by Steven G. Adams
Ya know... the strangest thing happened to me in Pennsylvania.
In between doing chores for my mother,
I decided to take a stroll in some favorite woods where a RR track just happens to pass through.
Something caught my eye... it was a corroded slightly bent spike.
The closer I looked, the stranger this tale gets.
Since it was discarded I picked it up, and dammed if your OHNS number wasn't corroded right into the top of the spike.
Guess I'll have to send it to you for a paperweight or something. ~ Steve
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577
13 August 2008
Carving Chips.....
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2008 American Buffalo One-Quarter Ounce Gold Uncirculated Coin
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For the first time, American Buffalo Gold Coins are available in both proof and uncirculated versions in four sizes - one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce, as well as a four-coin set which contains one coin in each size. These are collector versions of the official United States Mint American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Bullion Coin.
The designs are based on the original 1913, Type I Buffalo nickel, as designed by James Earle Fraser. The obverse features a profile of a Native American. The reverse features an American Buffalo (also known as a bison). The 2008 American Buffalo Gold Uncirculated Coins are presented in an elegant hardwood box, on a fixed platform with a matte finish and a faux leather inset. Each set is accompanied by a custom-designed certificate of authenticity signed by the Director of the United States Mint.
Struck with a diameter of 22mm, this coin is only fractionally larger than our beloved buffalo nickel which is 21.2mm in diameter. As such this would make a superb host coin for some COOL modern carvings! ~ V-Dubya
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576
11 August 2008
What did I do to deserve getting so “hammered”?
A long time coin dealer in Michigan told me of this nickel some time ago. He had owned it for so long (since 1982) that he had actually lost track of it. My constant calls, and his need to sell something in our poor economy, prompted him to come up with it.
This rendering is a great specimen, though not the greatest punching/carving. The edge of this coin is trenched out 360 degrees, also the rim has been hammered, then sanded down to create a frame like border around a fairly unique subject.
Thanks Dennis for finding it! ~ Arturo DelFavero
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575
10 August 2008
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Hand Carved −by Tom Mathews
Keeping the art form alive!
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Tom Mathews
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I was born in a small railroad town called Hearne, Texas. Hearne hasn't changed a great deal in the past 75 years or so, and it seemed like a natural setting for the stories assciated with these nickels. Those stories parallel a number of the people that I've known from there.
For instance, the story of Harmon the Boxer has similarities to my brother Scott. The railroad tracks run directly in front of his funeral home in Hearne. The story of JP Jones came from my uncle Jack who was in fact the Justice of the Peace in Hearne for most of my lifetime.
All of the stories came from actual people that live or have lived there. Of course, a lot of it is “made up,” but came from real people.
Carl the Yegg
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Jeff
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Harmon the Boxer
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Brother Pete
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The Preacher
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Carl the Yegg {#4} is indeed a trouble maker- quick to fight, cheat and steal. He particularly liked to steal hats. The one he's wearing on this nickel is one of those stolen hats. He didn't even care that it was too small for him. I'm sure we'll hear more from Carl. For those unfamiliar with hobo terms, a “yegg” is a trouble maker. The word comes from a combination of two phrases- “rotten eggs”, and “rotten to the core” The 'core' of an egg would be the yolk, hence “yeggs”.
Jeff {#5} is the local Bull. All the hobos have to watch out for Jeff!
Harmon the Boxer {#9} rode the rails into town one day. He decided to pay the Preacher a visit and offer his services. The Preacher greeted him warmly, and when Harmon offered his help to the Preacher, the Preacher asked, “Why would I need the services of a fighter?” Harmon replied that he wasn't a fighter, he was a boxer. “What's the difference?” the Preacher asked. “Well” said Harmon, “you don't understand. When someone dies, I embalm them, put their good suit on them, and then put them in the box.”
Brother Pete {#11} is a member of the Preacher's congregation. He always has a nice hat! Happy D. Hobo was 'eyeing up' his hat that day in church.
The Preacher {#12} doesn't have much to do. Mostly weddings and an occasional funeral with 'Harmon the Boxer' (more about Harmon later). He preaches every Sunday at the little church on the edge of town, and has to deal with problem individuals like Happy D. Hobo.
Jimmy the Snitch
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Old Hank
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Roger
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James the Banker
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Jack the Salesman
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Jimmy the Snitch {#14} is the hobo that all the other hobos have to be careful around. He'll sell out his fellow hobos to Jeff if he thinks there might be a bottle of wine in the deal.
Old Hank {#15} is old! Nobody knows for sure how old he is, but there is a rumor that he sold nails to Noah. Hank told me himself about Noah's wife, Joan of Ark.
Roger {#17} is a carpenter. He works around the church, and builds boxes for Harmon.
James the Banker {#18} always has empathy for the hobos. He lets them sleep in his barn, and his wife feeds them for doing a few chores for her.
Jack the Salesman {#19} is a part time hobo. Most of the time he sells vacuum cleaners, but he'll join the hobos when sales are down
Allen
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JP Jones
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Happy D. Hobo
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Skillet
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Li'l Eddie
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Allen {#20} is the son of James. He attends college at Texas A&M University about twenty miles from Hearne.
JP Jones {#21} was the Justice of the Peace (JP) in Hearne. Here's a little story he was involved with.
Happy D. Hobo {#22} lost his hat. He looked everywhere he could think, and the hat was just gone. After searching for some time, he decided that someone had just put his hat on their head and walked off with it. It could have been Carl the Yegg- he has a thing about stealing hats.
Skillet {#23} is the cook for the Preacher, Harmon, and all the other hobo's that help out.
Li'l Eddie {#24} is riding the rails most of the time, but when he's in Hearne he hangs around the local hobos. He's a little mischievous, but a harmless sort of fellow.
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9 August 2008
Fall 2008 “BoTales” Feature Articles
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A Sneak Peek at Auction 17 ..... Front Cover
BoTales Banner Banter & Editor's Message ..... 2
President's Message ..... 3
OHNS Members Honored by MSNS ..... 4
Three's A Match & Who is “T.K.?” ..... 4
“Mess Cook” Caught the Westbound ..... 4
New OHNS Members ..... 4
OHNS Board & OHNS Tokens Available ..... 5
Membership & Quality Designation Form ..... 6
My 2008 ANA Summer Experience by Dan Freeland ..... 7
Get Your Scholarship Letter Submitted ..... 7
Attention All Carvers ..... 7
“Chickaloon Catty” by Deborah Coon ..... 8
“'Lil' Spike” by Robbie Horvath ..... 9
“Chuckles” by S. Berenhaus ..... 10
“Penny Follie” by S. Burton ..... 10
“Polly Dee” Rosebear by Clifford L. Kraft ..... 10
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Contest Deadline Extended ..... 11
“It's best at under-bridge temperature” ..... 11
Letter to the Editor ..... 12
Introducing “Virtuoso” ..... 14
Introducing “The Charmer” ..... 14
Introducing “Squiggly” ..... 15
Hobo Nickel Carver Keith Pedersen ..... 16
Auction 17 Submission Deadline September 1st ..... 17
Thematic Collecting of Hobo Nickels ..... 18
My Interest in Hobo Nickels by Tugboat Maloney ..... 20
Recent eBay Auction Results ..... 21
BoRetro, “Willie” by Jeffrey Daniher ..... 22
BoRetro, “The Kaiser's Head on U.S. Nickels”
by D. Wilson ..... 23
The Unpardonable Sin (From 1938 Hobo News) ..... 23
A Sneak Peek at Auction 17 continued ..... 24
“The Road” by Ben 'The Coast Kid' Benson ..... 24
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Introducing “Virtuoso”, “The Charmer”, and “Squiggly”
−by Art DelFavero, RM552 and Stephen P. Alpert, LM10 and Verne R. Walrafen, HLM620
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“Virtuoso”
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“The Charmer”
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“Squiggly”
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The ONLY way to enjoy all the other fantastic content in “BoTales” is to join OHNS. So quit procrastinating and do it NOW!
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573
Carving Chips.....
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Spanish Shopkeeper Finds Homer Simpson Euro
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~ By Raquel Castillo ~ Fri Aug 8, 2:59PM
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Candy shop owner Jose Martinez shows an official Spanish 1 Euro coin with the face of Spanish King Juan Carlos (L) and another one altered to look like a face of cartoon character Homer Simpson in the northern Spanish town of Avile August 8, 2008. Martinez found the Homer Simpson coin in his shop's cash register while counting the days' transactions last week. REUTERS/Eloy Alonso
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MADRID (Reuters) - A one euro coin has turned up in Spain bearing the face of cartoon couch potato Homer Simpson instead of that of the country's king, a sweetshop owner told Reuters on Friday.
Jose Martinez was counting the cash in his till in the city of Aviles, northern Spain, when he came across the coin where Homer's bald head, big eyes and big nose had replaced the serious features of King Juan Carlos.
“The coin must have been done by a professional, the work is impressive,” he told Reuters.
The comical carver had not taken his tools to the other side of the coin displaying the map of Europe. So far, no other coins of the hapless, beer-swilling oaf have been found in circulation. “I've been offered 20 euros for it,” said Martinez.
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