Blew Out the Gas

August 24, 1891, Oshkosh Northwestern

Not being familiar with the slang of the late 1890's, I'm assuming the hobo mentioned had a run-in with the gas pipe and was overcome by the stuff.  Sounds like there were several instances of vagrants making themselves at home in the area.  

And what IS a "blue jay social?"  I saw that phrase and was intrigued.  I found the term used in many instances in newspapers of the 1890's and early 1900's.  The only possible explanation was contained (in of all places) the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineer's Monthly Journal, Volume 30 from 1896, where it is described below:

There's always something of interest in the old news accounts of the day.  Sometimes, I even learn something or come away confused, which is pretty often!