Ben Franklin Mob H3

An Incomplete History of the Ben Franklin Mob

The esteemed Big F*cking Mess that is the Ben Franklin Mob Hash House Harriers hosted its inaugural hash at Paddy’s Pub on February 19th, 2004. The BFM joined its Philadelphian forefathers Philly H3 (est. 1977), Liberty Belle H3 (est. 2001), and Philly Full Moon H3 (est. 19??), focusing its own weekly debauchery in the Center City area. Founders and early mismanagement included Little F*cking Winkie, Sara C*nter, CYHMN?, Saving Ryan’s Privates, E=MyC*ck Squared, Strap On, and Self Service. 

The hash has weathered temporary detainment by overcautious hazmat officers, polite misunderstandings with various authority figures, and overzealous social media posts asking whether flour piles in the neighborhood were actually nefarious poison. BFM has persevered through the rise and fall of treasured events (White Dress, Green Dress), kept up the torch for Philadelphia’s hashing traditions (Marathon Beer Check, Festival of Lights Trail), and championed new events for our hashing community (Mayor’s Cup, Fearadelphia). The Ben Franklin Mob is currently the largest and most active Philadelphia kennel, working to support our fellow kennels and keep the traditions of hashing in Philadelphia thriving.

Many hashers have donated their time, efforts, and liver health to keep the BFM running over the years. As we welcome new faces, we are also reminded of one of hashing’s four core goals: to persuade the older members that they are not as old as they feel – history be damned.