Hobo gathering in Derry PA Sep 23 2004!

[Anonymous]

Hi Folks,

I have information for you on the 2004 Derry Station Hobo Gathering in Derry, Pennsylvania. This will be our seventh year and I am looking forward to it. My co-host, Ohiotom, promises that he is going to stay off ladders, keep his bones intact, and show up this year.

The gathering begins Thursday, Sept. 23, with the hobo picnic held by the Derry Station Railroad Days Committee. The picnic kicks off the weekend long celebration of Derry's railroad heritage. The festival's hobo king and queen (usually children) are judged and crowned by the real hobos in attendance at the picnic. Last year we had the distinction of having three hobo kings here... Hobospike, Redbird Express and Grandpa Dudley.

We're doing something new this year on Friday, Sept. 24. Some of Derry's retired railroad workers are going to come to the jungle for a spaghetti dinner with the hobos. These gentlemen have a wealth of stories and information about railroading in Derry and are delighted to have the opportunity to share them.

The festival parade is Saturday morning. The hobos ride in the parade on a wagon pulled by an antique tractor. There is stage time set aside on Saturday and Sunday for hobo musicians.

There is a large area at the festival for selling crafts. The committee has offered to give a booth to the hobos at no charge for selling their crafts, tapes, CDs, books, etc. The only stipulation is that the items must be handmade. No flea market items are allowed. Anyone who wishes to is welcome to sell flea market type goods in the jungle.

We have hobo stew made on an open fire on Saturday and Sunday for the hobos as well as visitors from the community.

Our jungle has water, electricity and a bathroom. It is close to stores, a Laundromat and showers. Most important, our jungle is located right beside the Norfolk Southern mainline so those attending get to watch an average of 67 trains per day passing by.

Anyone who has questions can get in touch with me at [e-mail] or Ohiotom at [e-mail]. I hope to see a lot of old friends and some new ones too.

The Duchess of Derry

"Information on the Derry Gathering"
from the Duchess
(8/6/2004)

[cpbloom]

And what does NS have to say about this?

[csxengineer98]

is this the weekend of the derry rail road days?
csx engineer

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cpbloom

And what does NS have to say about this?

"Wet cleanup MP56!"

[Modelcar]

....Well that took my eye....The Derry Station Hobo gathering was an unknown to me until a few years ago we visited with friends in Latrobe, Pa. and we were looking at the Depot / restaurant there in Latrobe and taking some pictures. Through our conversation we happen to drive over to Derry and our friends showed us the location of the "Hobo gathering site" there. Prior to that I never heard of the gathering. Believe it is a pretty big get together.

[dharmon]

Apparently being a vagrant hobo, involves a pretty active social schedule. A gathering here, and there...seems like there's just no time for other ...activities..

Is there like the hobo A-list, of hobos that just have to be there or it's a "non-event" and such.....

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dharmon



Is there like the hobo A-list, of hobos that just have to be there or it's a "non-event" and such.....

LOL! Yeah, they're in such hot demand, they have to be flown in special, trains would never get them there in time...[}:)]

[gabe]

What a coincidence!

I just heard that they are now having a rail police gathering at the same time and place.

Gabe

[dharmon]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gabe

What a coincidence!

I just heard that they are now having a rail police gathering at the same time and place.

Gabe

No, that's the next day, just before start of the Hoppin' Hobo 5K Run/Walk Charity Event to raise money for paralyzed and amputee hobos

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cpbloom

And what does NS have to say about this?

Knowing NS half of the NSPD will be there.

[gabe]

Good,

If I knew people were holding a gathering/celebration of trespassing on my property, I would bring out the entirety of the police force.

Not a popular position of mine, I know, but an honest one.

Gabe

[csxengineer98]

is it the same weekend as the derry rail road days? i dont know if someone mentioned that or not yet?
csx engineer

[Modelcar]

...The first post seems to lay it all out as to just what is taking place...all week long.