22 New Horse to Ride May 31, 1929

Continuation of trip from Detroit with new horse - Clara.

May 31, 1929
     Replacing Cap with Clara was something not included in my plans for this trip. Riding on paved roads verses soft dirt works hardship on horses hoofs. Clara has had more experience and is used to pavement so I believe she will hold up better than Cap. Hope she works out for entire trip to Glacier National Park.
     Replacing a horse and having her shod involves costs. More than I had anticipated. So I had to look for a way to supplement my finances. When I was in Branson I discovered I have a flair for reciting selections in front of an audience. Many little towns have programs in the evenings with passing-by entertainers. This gives an opportunity to pass the hat and helps my finances. I will keep this in mind in the future

6-1-29
     Mr. August Von Hecks, RR. #2 Box 99, South Bend, Ind.
L. R. Luther, New Carlisle, Ind.  Clara is carrying me right along. Have about 85 more miles to go. She is a little sore but I suppose she will get over that. I don’t push her like I did Cap by any means. Stopped at Von Hecks the night of the 5-31-29. He is from New Jersey. I was well cared for, though Clara had quite a hard time of it.
     Am staying at a farmers by the name of Irvine Redlander. Mr. Redlander gave me a place to stable Clara for a day in town. Clara began to get lame from the hard roadway. June 1 being Saturday, Mr. Redlander asked me to go to the gleaner hall where he runs the dance floor. I danced with the dancers and they certainly were a jumping lot. I recited some selections and then passed the hat among the crowd. I picked up $2.30. Must work this stunt as often as I can. Was offered a job for a week. I think it would be best if I head straight for Chicago. Must get Clara shod tomorrow with rubber pads then push on. Mr. Redlander’s address: Irvin Redlander, Route 2, Box 24. Rolling Prairie, Ind.

6-3-29
     Had Clara shod with rubber pads at La Porto, Ind. Mr. Carl Ulrich, 510 Monroe
St. La Porte, Ind. Mr. Ulrich is the best blacksmith I have ever seen so far. I learned more watching him than I have from any other.

6-4-29
     Stayed the night of June 3rd at Mr. Carson’s of all the shiftless, he and his wife were the laziest I have ever seen. Everything was dirty within the house and all kinds of junk lay scattered about the grounds. Manure filled the barn and barnyard. Slept in the barn as it was very cold and damp. The weather for the last few days has been very disagreeable cold and damp. My distance to Chicago is rapidly shortening and I am wondering just what I will do when I get there. Clara is developing a stipple in her right rear leg and I dare not run her otherwise she is somewhat improved. She now has a cold as well as myself.
     I passed through Valparaiso today for the second time. In 1927, February, I stopped all night in this town when I hitchhiked from Kentucky. This time I saw it with different eyes. One’s appreciation of things even changed with this experience.