Dead Mans Clothes: The Bum Camp of Tolt Washington

by Dale L. Davidson

The Bum Camp of Tolt, Washington Dead Man's Clothes is a collection of anecdotes from the author about growing up next to railroad tracks and the State of Washington Convalescent Home, known to the locals as "the bum camp."

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dead Man’s Clothes took me on a journey through Tolt’s railroad days, weaving short stories that felt as familiar and warm as sitting around a family table, listening to elders recount their youth. Growing up in a Greek and Italian family with deep roots in Carnation, this book resonated deeply with me. My dad, the tenth of thirteen siblings, was born in a house that’s now a park bearing our family name. My grandfather was a railroad foreman, and my dad attended Tolt High School—our family undoubtedly crossed paths with the Davidson family mentioned in these pages.

The stories reminded me of my Auntie Mondina, affectionately called “Auntie,” who cooked at the Bum Camp, and my uncle, who served as Carnation’s mayor for 25 years. These personal connections made the tales of shenanigans, hard work, and camaraderie in the Snoqualmie Valley come alive for me.

What I loved most was how the book captured the spirit of a time and place I’ve only known through family lore—the humor, the mischief, and the grit of life along the tracks. It’s a treasure for anyone with ties to the area or an appreciation for the charm of small-town stories. If you’ve ever heard a story told by someone who lived it, you’ll feel right at home in these pages.

[Doug Haynes · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may be the worst book I ever read. The 'humor' in it is terrible and usually completely lacking; I was hoping for some rural humor or even some dad/grandpa jokes but what I got instead was some really terrible stories where the intended humor seemed to usually come from the narrator being either mean or ignorant; there is a story about pissing in a bums wine and watching him drink it and I think it's supposed to be a funny story because the author shows no shame in his action.

[Mick · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of mostly charming and funny vignettes. Dale lived for most of life in Carnation (used to be Tolt), Washington. Despite the title, just about the first third of the book is about the camp. Those are by far the most enjoyable of the stories.

[K Brindley-Koonce · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book and learning more about the camp in our town. The stories were definitely entertaining!

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banger

[Doug Haynes · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may be the worst book I ever read. The 'humor' in it is terrible and usually completely lacking; I was hoping for some rural humor or even some dad/grandpa jokes but what I got instead was some really terrible stories where the intended humor seemed to usually come from the narrator being either mean or ignorant; there is a story about pissing in a bums wine and watching him drink it and I think it's supposed to be a funny story because the author shows no shame in his action.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of anecdotes rather than a cohesive narrative it really is a time capsule. The author was born in 1939 in Snoqualmie Valley Washington and lived next to a "bum camp" along the railroad tracks, a state run facilities for homeless men in the 40s. Such things don't exist anymore and he makes a compelling argument for why they should.

[Jeff Suwak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in a little grocery/everything store in Lake Quinault, an area I visit several times a year. The store has always reminded me of Lee Chong's store in Steinbeck's Cannery Row, which is perfect because this book reminds of Cannery Row. Not so much in plot or writing style, but in the general spirit. This book is life affirming and full of a joy for life. I'm very glad I found it.

[Teri Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know - I panned Katharine Hepburn but I love this no-name colloquial laden assortment of anecdotes. It makes me want to go back in time and live on a farm in Tolt. Err, I mean, Carnation.