The Hobo from California
True account from 1938 letter written by my aunt
I am from a family who made memories and saved memories. I found the non-descript small cardboard box, full of letters over ten years ago when I had inherited them. I'd known the letters were there because I had opened a couple to find out the overall topic/years written. The year was 1938. They were of love letters past between my mother's oldest sister, Louise, and her husband-to-be, Bill. I frankly felt a bit voyeuristic with my discovery, so put them aside for "another day." Today was that day!
If you've read a couple of my stories, you might already know that 1938 was not a very good year for my family. My grandfather and an uncle were shot and killed that September. I'm including these stories for more background, but this story is only about one letter I found in that bunch, and it is of Louise writing to Bill about a hobo from California.
My aunt wrote from Arcadia, Louisiana and sent letters to my uncle wherever he had to go to find work of various kinds. Where my family lived was in what they called the "mill" quarters, which basically were low-rent houses clumped together for poor people, often owned by whomever the mill owner was. Miss Lill was the owner/manager of the Arcadia quarters. These quarters were situated parallel to the train tracks. Hobos back in the 30's were a regular part of life, it seems, and I wanted to find out more, so I have included a couple of websites as references. My aunt just chose to write about this one particular character.
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Excerpt from my Aunt's letter, her words (and spelling):
"Listen, Darling, there is a hobo sitting out on the front talking to the kids and I can't write for listening to him.
His home is in Rhode Island. He just came from California and he is talking about seeing some of the movie stars out there. He said that he saw Gary Cooper , Tom Mix, and several others.
He is not bad-looking, either. He looks to be around 22 or 23 years old. He "studders" and talks so funny.
I feel sorry for him. He asked the "shariff" to let him stay in the jail house and the shariff told him to get out of town. Miss Lill is going to let him stay out or sleep on Mrs. Booth's back porch.
At first, I was afraid of him but I'm not now. He seems to be alright. I guess you are tired of hearing about him now. I guess you just as well hear about him as I am. I can't help listening to him.
Pardon me darling, but this old boy just said that he saw Mae West and she told him to come up and see her some time. He said he went up to see her one time and she wasn't at home.
Darling, he is crazier than you are. I sure wish you could hear him talk.
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References of Historical and Human Interest:
About the Creator
Shirley Belk
Mother, Nana, Sister, Cousin, & Aunt who recently retired. RN (Nursing Instructor) who loves to write stories to heal herself and reflect on all the silver linings she has been blessed with :)
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Comments (5)
This is such a fascinating glimpse into the past. What a treasure those letters are.
Daahlink - Very interesting; we both relish our past stories. Though 'Hobos' on the streets are in L.A. and now even more rampant in N/Y due to issues, of course, that weren't even prevalent in the 30's. jk.bud.in.l.a.
Thank you for sharing your family stories treasure 🥰Its always fund going back in times but even unpleasant times are a tressure, it shows how resilient human can be.
Fascinating story Shirley. Finding old letters can help give us a glimpse of the past.
The way she is telling him about the homeless man, reminds me of me. I love to tell random stories to those I'm close to. I didn't think it was a thing back in letter writing days as well because it's not as convenient as texting