The Worst Hard Time

The Worst Hard Time

by

Timothy Egan

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Worst Hard Time makes teaching easy.

The Last Man Club Term Analysis

A group of four men in Dalhart, Texas, including George “Doc” Dawson, “Uncle” Dick Coon, and John McCarty, who were long-time residents and regarded as pillars of the community. The club was based on an agreement to remain in Dalhart until they died—an expression of their dedication to the town they loved. John McCarty left to take a better-paying job in Amarillo, Texas. Dick Coon left to go to Houston to help relieve a respiratory ailment, and he died there in a hotel. Doc Dawson was the only one who remained, though he had been contemplating a move before dying at home of a brain hemorrhage.
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The Last Man Club Term Timeline in The Worst Hard Time

The timeline below shows where the term The Last Man Club appears in The Worst Hard Time. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 17: A Call to Arms
Westward Expansion and the Settlement of the Southern Plains Theme Icon
John McCarty was furious with Roosevelt’s offer. In response, he formed the Last Man Club, designating himself as president. No matter what, he and other like-minded nesters said, they... (full context)
Chapter 23: The Last Men
Economic Hardship and Lessons of the Great Depression Theme Icon
...in a bank account. He did not want to leave the High Plains—he had taken the Last Man Pledge seriously, but his health was in peril. Friends advised him to go to Houston.... (full context)
Anglo Culture and Racism Theme Icon
Economic Hardship and Lessons of the Great Depression Theme Icon
Environmental Devastation and the Dust Bowl Theme Icon
...the XIT and a small service was held. He had never been asked to join the Last Man Club, but he stayed on the plains until his last breath, never giving up. Unfortunately,... (full context)
Environmental Devastation and the Dust Bowl Theme Icon
...Dawson died of a massive brain hemorrhage. His son later found the Doc’s “tattered, crumbled” Last Man Club card in his wallet. (full context)