The Hoe
This is the story of The Hoe. A "prop," passed on at each Province VIII assembly, to a member of the Peanut Gallery. To receive The Hoe is an honor, not bestowed upon just anyone, but someone who truly embodies the spirit of The Hoe.
It all started at Spring 1991 Conclave at the Holiday Inn in Bloomington, MN hosted by Epsilon chapter. The theme for Friday night's party was "the 70's." Of course, there were leisure suits galore, but a small group of Beta Sigmas had the bright idea to go as the Village People. One of these young men was none other than Mark "Iggy" Ellingson. His costume was that of a construction worker. He had a hard hat and a…HOE! Now right away the hoe wasn't funny. At first it was just a cumbersome plastic garden implement. The hoe didn't catch on until… she walked in. She was an attractive young woman dressed in a French maid's outfit. She had been hired to sing Happy Birthday to someone at the party. She did a little show, and she went around with her little feather duster, and all enjoyed it. At this point in the night, everyone had had plenty of adult beverages and things began to get funnier. While this woman was earning her paycheck, Mr. Ellingson steps out into the middle of things and starts pumping his little plastic hoe into the air. As soon as he begins, everyone starts chanting to the woman… HOE HOE HOE HOE HOE! Now The Hoe is a Province VIII legend, and it travels from city to city bringing peace and good will to all who come in contact with it.
-Jesse Robertson
The Hoe has been to every city in Province VIII: Fargo, ND; Brookings, SD; Omaha, NE; Iowa City, IA; Minneapolis, MN; and Des Moines, IA. It has also traveled to other Province meetings and even to Grand Council Conventions.
The person with the honor of holding and taking care of The Hoe from one Conclave to another is known as either The Keeper of The Hoe or simply The Pimp.
Here is a record of the honored Brothers who have held the title of The Pimp.
Spring 1999 Fall 1998 Spring 1998 Fall 1997 Spring 1997 Fall 1996 Spring 1996 Fall 1995 Spring 1995 Fall 1994 Spring 1994 Fall 1993 Spring 1993 Fall 1992 Spring 1992 Fall 1991 Spring 1991 |
Mark Ellingson Tony Godfrey Kim Kraenow Troy Collins Pete Boldingh Christy Askew Sean Higgins Chrisann Rauzi Chrisann Rauzi Rob Quenzer Alan Reither Darren Scheele Wayne Walls Brian Reisetter Curt Morgan NON-CLAVE Brad Harms |
If anyone has further information on the story of The Hoe or has been The Pimp at one time or another, please let me know.