National Hobo Convention

Hobo Convention Royalty

Grand Head Pipe Charles Noe came to Britt in 1900 as the representative of the Tourist Union 63. He was the spokesman, the decision maker for the group of nomadic laborers. He said "yes" to the Britt businessmen's invitation and brought the hobo convention to Britt that year.

There have been many decisions made by hobo leaders ince, but the hobo king's authority is limited to say the least. The king is the hobo public image. For a year, as he travels the country, he will seek out newspaper offices, hospitals or railroad gatherings in search of publicity for the hobo culture.

Kings and queens often make pledges during their campaign speech on the convention stage that they fulfill during their term.

Steamtrain vowed to visit VA hospitals and retirement homes. He did that all across the USA. Minneapolis Jewel promised to plant shade trees in Municipal Park during one very hot convention. She did.

Blue Moon asked the crowd to strive for peace among all God's creatures and her works over the following months reflected that goal.

Over the years, a royal head or two have been bonked by skillets, shovels and walking sticks as candidates and want-to-be candidates argue "hobo politics". It's a legend, this on-going disgruntlement, as one of the brothers becomes the king and the man in the spot light.

Hobo Benson, during the 1940-50's and Pennsylvania Kid, of the 1960-70's, were often in a kingly brawl. El Paso Kid left the 1991 convention during a feud and has never returned.

Even as recently as the convention of 1993, tow factions pitted against each other in a kingship battle. It seems that the royal battles are a true part of the conventions tradition.

It's politics, hobo style, where elections are won by applause and showmanship is more important than knowmanship when it comes to winning a hobo election.

Hobo Kings and Queens

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