Little Boys Big Dreams and the Hobo Wars

Book excerpt: In 1948 Joseph Kinnebrew was a little boy becoming aware of his place in a bigger world. Back then his territory was small, he was maturing from age six to eight. Living with his family on a steep hill running down to Commencement Bay in Tacoma, Washington, Joseph, in those days just Joe, with his dog Skipper, and neighborhood pal Freddie with his dog Chipper were serious adventurers. Young boys, “persons of curiosity”. In this entertaining chronicling Kinnebrew shares two summers of idyllic childhood, sometimes serious, sometimes hilariously comedic experiences of little boys growing up, still attached to their mothers who fed, healed and comforted them. Valuable lessons they would carry forward into the remainder of their lives. Joe’s life ahead with uncommon abilities would be exceptionally accomplished. He tells a story of charming innocence, emotions and evolving beliefs along with how he and Freddie struck gold on the steep hillside of a gully, shared secrets with Skipper and Chipper, and ditched Davy who told everyone his father owned the Wonder Bread company. Exploring the beaches of Puget Sound these boys played marbles inside their fort deep in dense blackberry brambles, safe from troublesome little girls and babysitters. They built many “forts” to spy on dreaded hobos who resided at the bottom in the gully near their homes. Parents had forbade them going to the gully where it was said the hobos kidnapped children and sold them into slavery sending them to Arabia. And then profound and lasting lessons for impressionable little boys from their encounters and friendship with Bobbie the older seriously handicapped young man who lived nearby. Kinnebrew provides magical and captivating glimpses into his childhood. Two years later, in 1950 his family moved to the Midwest, Joe forever leaving behind his best friend, Freddie, towering fir trees, salt water, mountains, and his compelling innocence. Little Boys, Big Dreams is an unforgettable touching recollection of precious unspoiled youth.