You are here

Friends of Carl Sandburg Home Announces Hobo Ball

Share

Published Date

September 5, 2010

All are invited to the annual Hobo Ball at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site...except, perhaps, for the goats, which will have to stay out back in the field. Photo by Danny Bernstein.

Every unit of the National Park System, regardless of its size, needs friends - a group that will raise money for all the activities that can't be funded by the National Park Service.

The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site thrives in part because of its friends group - The Friends of Carl Sandburg. This organization supports diverse and growing educational programming for school groups and a writer-in-residence program. This past spring Poet Christina Lovin resided in the Historic Farm Manager’s House and served as the Inaugural Carl Sandburg Writer-in-Residence.

The friends group's major fundraiser, the Hobo Ball, will feature dinner, entertainment and an auction on Saturday, September 11, at the Kenmure Country Club in Flat Rock, North Carolina. The theme for the evening honors Mr. Sandburg’s youth and his time exploring our country as a hobo. He worked as a laborer on farms and railroads and this experience helped define his life-long interest in working people and shaped his writings.

Proceeds from the event enable the Friends of Carl Sandburg at Connemara to support the historical, literary, educational, and interpretive activities of the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site. Among these activities are the annual student poetry contest, the Folk Music Festival, summer education interns, and the Carl Sandburg Writer-in-Residence program.

“The Friends have consistently been there in funding the site’s education programs and developing the Carl Sandburg Writer-in-Residence. Their support is critical to ensuring school groups, families and all who visit have an enjoyable and meaningful experience,” says Connie Backlund, park superintendent.

Superintendent Backlund shares that her favorite part of the site "is the sense of tranquility that it offers for those who visit. Coming here is like stepping back into the time the Sandburgs lived here from 1945 -1967. You feel as if the family is still here and will return any moment from a hike up to Big Glassy Mountain."

Dress for the Hobo Ball is casual, and certainly denim is popular. The last event included many guests in hobo attire complete with knapsacks! Tickets are $75 per person and seating is limited.

For information or to secure reservations, please contact Kathleen Hudson at 828-698-5208 or Jan Spicka at 828-891-1606. Additional information is also available at www.friendsofcarlsandburg.org.

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.