I was a bit too young to see them in operation, but there were a couple older one armed guys in the neighborhood who got tangle up in them trying to clear a plug.
I think that every small town in Iowa had a man with a hook acquired in that manner.
Not a real member - just an ordinary guy who appreciates being able to hang around and say something once in awhile.
Happily Trapped In the Past (Thanks, Joe)
Not only a less than minimally educated person, but stupid and out of touch as well.