I ran into Vinny on the street today. He is looking chipper and well, and learning to speak again well. He is very understandable, though a little horse. He gave me a copy of the Village Voice artical about him, and sends his thanks to all who sent cards.
The artical is from August 13, 1996 and is titled "Street Indian - thirty five years on Saint Marks Place"
In the artical he explains the origion of his dog's name, Goomp. "Well, I saw this really down and out dog - some sort of mixed airdale, and I thought he looked like a Goomp, so I said, 'Hey, Goomp, come here.' And he got up and came over."
He was born on the Eel River reservation in Brunswick in 1943. In the artical they give his name as Farquail, though his tatoo says Harquail.
I would like to add my own thanks to Vinny's to all who brightend his days in the hospital. I hope at some time when it is warmer to get him a harmonica, and his permission to tape some of his extrodinary playing, and pass it on to our dear old Mudcat cafe. He really is very good.
All the best,
Larry