And another… August 23, 2007

Today we say goodbye to Grace Paley. That really hurts. Read her NY Times obit here.

One of these days, maybe tomorrow, I’ll post something not about someone who’s died.

August 14, 2007 Another Old New Yorker departs… August 15, 2007

As of yesterday, there are no more Mrs. Astors–for the first time in 150 years. None, at least, of the New York variety. Brooke Astor died at the age of 105. Kitty Carlisle Hart was on the list of invitees to the funeral, but I guess she won’t be there.

Homeless Brothers… August 9, 2007

The National Hobo Convention begins today in Britt, Iowa.

From hobo.com, the Hobo Code:

As inscribed in the Annual Convention Congress of the Hoboes of America held on August 8, 1894 at the Hotel Alden, 917 Market St., Chicago Illinois;

1.-Decide your own life, don’t let another person run or rule you.

2.-When in town, always respect the local law and officials, and try to be a gentleman at all times.

3.-Don’t take advantage of someone who is in a vulnerable situation, locals or other hobos.

4.-Always try to find work, even if temporary, and always seek out jobs nobody wants. By doing so you not only help a business along, but insure employment should you return to that town again.

5.-When no employment is available, make your own work by using your added talents at crafts.

6.-Do not allow yourself to become a stupid drunk and set a bad example for locals treatment of other hobos.

7.-When jungling in town, respect handouts, do not wear them out, another hobo will be coming along who will need them as bad, if not worse than you.

8.-Always respect nature, do not leave garbage where you are jungling.

9.-If in a community jungle, always pitch in and help.

10.-Try to stay clean, and boil up wherever possible.

11.-When traveling, ride your train respectfully, take no personal chances, cause no problems with the operating crew or host railroad, act like an extra crew member.

12.-Do not cause problems in a train yard, Another hobo will be coming along who will need passage through that yard.

13.-Do not allow other hobos to molest children, expose to authorities all molesters, they are the worst garbage to infest any society.

14.-Help all runaway children, and try to induce them to return home.

15.-Help your fellow hobos whenever and wherever needed, you may need their help someday.

16.-If present at a hobo court and you have testimony, give it, whether for or against the accused, your voice counts!

Not a bad code…

Changes May 23, 2007

This isn’t really news from Room 206–it’s news from the homefront.

Things are noisy, dusty and chaotic around here these days. As some of you know, three houses on two sides of us are being demolished to be replaced with “townhomes.” Don’t get me started on the destruction of perfectly usable, and beautiful, old homes in favor of what’s replacing them. Just don’t.

That said, however, it has been a fascinating show. I’ll admit to that. The most fascinating and bizarre act was last weekend, when one of the houses was saved from razing (yay!) and moved to a site about four blocks up the street. About a hundred people turned out at 3AM to accompany it to its new home. Here are a few pictures, click the thumbnails for a larger image.

The house ready for moving. There had been several days of digging, raising, reinforcing and other preparation. That’s our yellow house in the background.

The house was “skated” over to the now vacant lot next door. This way the rockery on the corner could be left intact.

Sliding complete. It took about an hour…a few feet at a time. It was an amazing operation, and surprisingly quiet.

Hooking up the truck that will tow the house.

Three o’clock Sunday morning…ready to roll.

And it’s off!

Pulling out onto Phinney Avenue.

About a hundred people turned out to watch. There were some 15 official vehicles, including crews from various utilities that were there to disconnect cables, streetlights etc. to make room overhead.

Around the bend by Red Mill Burgers and Starbucks, which won’t open for another three hours.

Going down a slight hill.

Looked like about three inches to spare.

The last corner was the tightest.

Going up Palatine Avenue.

Back at our house, it looked like this.