Hobos Prefer An Old King

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29908, 23 August 1962, Page 13

Hobos Prefer An Old King

(N.Z. Press Association — Copyright)

BRITT (Iowa), Aug. 21 America’s “Knights of the Road” today voted 89 - year - old “Scoop Shovel” Scotty McDougal as "King of the Hobos.”

‘‘Scoop Shovel” won the applause of the crowd of 15,000 at this farming community’s 62nd annual "Hobo Day” celebration, United Press International reported. “Lord Open Road” James, challenged the more elderly candidates by declaring that “it is time for youth to come roaring through for the hobos.” James, who said he had

been “on the road” for only 35 years and preferred to be known as from everywhere, U.S.A., contended that "since we have a young President of the United States we need a younger king for the hobos." James’s sentiments were

echoed by “Big Town" James Gorman, of St. Louis, who called the retiring king David Bettison a "Castro bush ape," referring to Bettison’s heavy growth of beard. Gorman also challenged Bettison’s eligibility to seek re-election because he now operates a rock quarry in Nebraska. "If he’s a hobo. I’m Haile Selassie,” Gorman said.

The “Knights of the Road" elected 20-year-old “Michigan Sue” Bonnie Schwab as their queen. She was unopposed for the office, previously held by “Boxcar” Betty Link, who was unable to attend because of ill health.

Townspeople ladled out nearly 1200 gallons of stew to the visitors.