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Railroad Tramps BY MELISSA SPELTS
With the railroad going through Roy, the community was often approached by tramps who liked to ride the trains. They called them “railroad tramps.” Henry Dalton taught his family to be kind to them. He liked to sing a song that ended with these words: “And now then kind folks, please remember That every poor man’s not a scamp, For there’s many a true heart a-beating Beneath the old coat of a tramp.” He kept extra blankets in the hay loft for them, with the understanding that they would not smoke or light a match. They never did. One time, a young man that looked haggard and nervous asked if he could stay the night. Henry said yes. While helping him to the loft, Henry asked him when he had eaten last, how long he had been away from home, and how long it had been since he had heard from his family. Henry made sure he had a good meal that night and left him with writing paper and a pencil so he could write to his family. The next morning, the boy handed Henry a letter and said, “Mail this for me. I hope I can beat it home.” One summer’s day, Henry’s daughters, Golda, age 9, and Florence, age 6, were working in the house while the rest of the family was in the orchard, when a tramp came to their door. Before they answered the door, they thought it would be a good idea to ask the man to help with chopping wood while they prepared some food. Neither girl wanted to be the one to ask the man for help. Florence was the bravest of the two, but when she asked, the man did not look happy. He walked back towards the wood pile, but when the girls went back with some food, this man was nowhere to be found. He had gone. At least they tried. The Dalton family is a great example of LOVE and KINDNESS to those who needed a little boost.
Have a special Roy history moment you would like to share? We would love to hear from you. Please contact melissa@connectionpub.com
