On Sept. 1, 1931, Birdie and Edna Mae Martin had a son. They named him Lecil Travis Martin. He led an interesting life. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1949 and was involved in the Korean War.
One day, sitting in a cafe near the railroad tracks, Lecil saw a man he knew riding in a boxcar. “There goes Willie,” he said, and from that a song and a legend were born.
After he retired from the Air Force, Boxcar Willie became a beloved entertainer, famous for his hill billy style and persona.
Just Writing! 
A slice of history
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Yes :). Thanks.
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LOVE this post! The photos are great and I thank you for the sweet little nugget of history that I’m sure most people don’t know….I sure didn’t. He’s the kind of guy I’d love to have a cuppa with and listen to his amazing stories that came from riding the rails! I’m so fascinated by trains and now Box Car Willie….going to do a little studying up. Thank you!
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My pleasure :). I made sure to check on what Rochelle wrote this week before I did my own story, because she is the maven of the historical nuggets! I was glad to see no one else had made the connection yet.
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Not one I’m aware of, but an illuminating slice of history.
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Wonderful! (And I was raised in this stuff!)
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It was definitely a part of my musical education. “Life is like a mountain railway”. really takes me back!
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Sweet stuff!!
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You never know what kind of humble minor moment could spark a living legend
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I had never heard of either. Thanks for this piece of musical history!
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My pleasure! I love it when I learn something new, so it’s great to know I’ve helped someone else do the same 🙂
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I think you channeled your inner Rochelle this week. A great way to share a snip of history. Good story flow.
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I did check to make sure Rochelle hadn’t written about Boxcar Willie. She’s certainly the maven of the historical snippet 🙂
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I think you could give her a run for her money. 😀
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Is there anything so evocative as the name Boxcar Willie? It brings to mind a whole way of life. Good one, Linda.
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Thanks, Sandra. My grandpa used to sing his songs, and his voice was very similar to Willie’s. Lots of good memories.
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Dear Linda,
Our Ozarks Writers League OWL used to meet at Box Car Willie’s in Branson four times a year. He is something of a legend. Love the story. Good job!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks, Rochelle. I did check to make sure you hadn’t written about him, since you are often so good at digging out these little nuggets of history 🙂
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Nice. Yes, I’ve heard of him.
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Many hadn’t, so I’m glad to have introduced him 🙂
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Boxcar Willie – I’d forgotten all about him! Guess who I’m going to be catching up on this afternoon!
Here’s mine!
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He could sing, that’s for sure. A simple, down-home style with no frills.
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Interesting! I’ve heard the name but assumed it was out of a film, not a real person.
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Nope, he was real. If you’re not into old-timey hill billy style music, you probably won’t enjoy him. I do. The guy had a great voice 🙂
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Great story, Linda. Wonderful connection to the prompt.
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Thanks, Bill.
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My pleasure, Linda.
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i never heard of him. thanks for introducing him to me. 🙂
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You’re welcome 🙂
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I’d vaguely heard of Boxcar Willie (such a great name) but this has inspired me to learn and listen more. Great piece, thank you.
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He’s not everyone’s cup of tea, just old-timey down home country music.
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These sort of stories are life’s goldmine. Loved it.
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Thanks, James.
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I have learnt something new, which I always enjoy. Thank you.
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Always love learning new things 🙂
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I love a good origin story. I’ve heard the name but have anything to attach it to until now.
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Oh, I’m happy to be the link for you :). Makes my day.
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Fascinating piece of history. A good tale. Well done
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Well done
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