Britt, Iowa

National Hobo Convention

Hobo Foundation

History is top priority for Hobo Foundation

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

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

Today the Foundation, based in Britt, carries on the ambitious goals set by these original hobos. Working committees were established in 1989 to put into place several unique hobo tributes within the town of Britt.

The world's only hobo memorial
The Evergreen Cemetary Committee donated a quiet corner of their cemetary in Britt to the Hobo Foundation.

The annual memorial service is held here around the graves of Hardrock Kid, Mt. Dew, Pennsylvania Kid, Slow Motion Shorty, Connecticut Slim and Lord Open Road.

Gypsy Moon and other work each year to make mementoes which they sell during a convention auction to raise money for the Foundation goals. They have been able to establish a unique and beautiful resting place for hobos with the proceeds.

The Hobo Jungle Park
The Hobo Jungle Park is located along the south side of the Soo Line railroad tracks in Britt and is the center of activity during the week of the Hobo Convention.

The hobos and their friends start gathering a week before Hobo Day. By the time the ceremonial fire is lighted on Wednesday, there are as many as 40 people gathered as a hobo family in the park.

A shelter house, with restrooms and showers was built in 1992 with funds raised by the hobos and donated labor given by Britt residents.

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

Collections for the museum have come from all across the country with a significant amount dontated by George and Midge Horton of Vining, Iowa.

Convention hobos have made their crafts and donated them to the museum, others have donated books they have authored. Rambling Rudy donated many items from his own museum during the winter of 1993.

New York Maggie and Connecticut Shorty, daughters of Connecticut Shorty and other hobo familes have made generous contributions to the museum

Clothing which had been worn by the old hobos, the few earthly treasures of the old 'bo and various convention memorabilia have come from families as they sort through a deceased hobos belongings.

A photo history , dating from early 1930's conventions to present, is always on display at the museum. In addition to still photos, the museum plays several video tapes of hobo conventions during museum hours.

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