King Tobias

Visitors to Great Falls may not be aware of this, but our fair city has its own monarch. That's right... there's royalty living right within our city limits. But he doesn't live in a palace. Instead, he lives on the streets. He's a local homeless man named Tobias, and in the same vein as Emperor Norton of San Francisco,  he has appointed himself a king - specifically king of the Great Falls homeless population.
 
King Toby is something of a celebrity in Great Falls, and the city's residents always take the time to greet His Royal Highness, buy him a cup of coffee, or listen to one of his imperial decrees. Known for his outlandish attire, elaborate proclamations, and odd cardboard signs, Tobias takes his position very seriously. In fact, he considers it his duty to take care of his "subjects," and one can find him working with the local churches, shelters, and soup kitchens to keep the city's homeless clothed and fed. Even the mayor of Great Falls has noted King Toby's service to the poor.

Rain or shine, Tobias panhandles daily on one of the city's street corners, or pushes around his shopping cart (which he refers to as his "chariot") collecting cans from the businesses on Main Street. As self-proclaimed "King of the Great Falls Hobos," Toby reigns from the abandoned Deerfield Train Yard on 7th Ave. It's here that he holds "court" with members of the homeless community.

King Toby is as friendly as he is eccentric. So if you happen to see him, why not say "hello" to Great Falls' most interesting resident. It's sure to be an experience you won't soon forget.

Check out his facebook!