Hoy’s Remarkable Autograph

To the Editor:

I enjoyed your article on autograph albums (AW, July 16).

I have an interesting entry in my mother’s album. It was written by William E. “Dummy” Hoy, a deaf-mute who played Major League baseball for 14 years. It reads like this:

I am deaf yet I don’t care.
Since I can see all I dare.
Don’t pity me because I can’t hear,
Because it is not one bit fair.
Some people wish that in some cases they were deaf,
and I will give an illustration on this leaf.
Now, Eva, when you take unto yourself a “hub,”
I hope you will sail in a peaceful tub.
And never utter “Old Woman” or “Old Governor” in each other’s face,
Nor disturb your neighbors’ peace.
Perhaps God will bless you someday,
In the shape of a plump little baby.
At the hour of midnight it may have the colic,
And make a heap of noise as to make you cough.
Then to “hubby” you will whisper with emphasis, “Oh, I wish I was deaf.”
May happiness, content and prosperity be thy lot.

— W. E. Hoy, D.-M., Houckstown, O., May 7th, ’82. Contributed by Betty L. Spahr, Findlay, Ohio.