In 1933, out of work with none in sight,
he went on the bum, hopping freights
around the country. Later on he shar-
ed some of his adventures and hinted
at some stories too awful about which
to speak. Later in 1933, he got a job as
a guide at the World’s Fair in Chicago.
He especially liked talking about Sally
Rand and her Fan Dance. He had an affinity
for railroad yards and railroad cars and
often would take me, his son, to the yard
restaurant for a hot, roast beef sandwich
with mashed potatoes and gravy during
which he would share stories about Sally
Rand and her Fan Dance. Once, right there
in the restaurant, he got up and imitated
the fan dance. He was the fan dance fan.
I think he could have talked forever about
Sally Rand and her Fan Dance except, that
is, around my mom.