How did they communicate? And what were some of the popular symbols used? While hobos are still ill-defined by many historians, one definition has remained consistent: they were migratory workers who searched for temporary jobs across the country, with most train-hopping to new locations. The origin of hobos dates back to the start of the railroad, yet became relatively significant after the conclusion of the American Civil War when soldiers who had returned from battle began traveling in search of post-war work.
Between and , the hobo population surged from , to , Hobos became even more notable in the s and early s. Famous hobo and writer Jack London wrote:. Perhaps the greatest charm of tramp-life is the absence of monotony. In Hobo Land the face of life is protean—an ever changing phantasmagoria, where the impossible happens and the unexpected jumps out of the bushes at every turn of the road. The hobo never knows what is going to happen the next moment; hence, he lives only in the present moment.
However, hobo life lost its charm after the Great Depression threw the lives of working people into turmoil. A place to sleep This symbol possesses a number of different connotations most notably as the "equals" concept in mathematics , but in the British system of hobo signs it indicates that here you can find a place to sleep for the night. Alarm A French hobo sign indicating that this dwelling is wired by an alarm. Angry dog A Swedish hobo sign indicating the danger posed by dogs in the area.
Authority A symbol from the French system of hobo signs indicating that an authority figure lives at this location. Avoid this place A French hobo sign that says to stay away, this place is dangerous. Avoid this place alternative A French hobo sign that says to stay away, this place is dangerous.
Bad dogs and people A Swedish hobo sign indicating that both aggressive dogs and aggressive people live here. Bad policeman French hobo sign- the policeman in this area is bad. Bad water A hobo symbol that signifies water not to be drink. Bad-tempered man A house with this sign on it means that a bad-tempered man lives inside. If a bread symbol could be found, there was a chance of a simple meal and a full belly. Doctor lives here: Life on the road and on the rails was hard and brutal. Get cursed out here: Hobos were regarded in some towns as human trash, and certain folks took pleasure in verbally demeaning and insulting any hobo who happened by their way.
In areas like this, the law would take measures against any hobo who retaliated in any way. Wet town; alcohol here: The symbol of an open mug meant that this town serves alcohol. Go around this town: If a hobo had an unpleasant experience in a town, they communicated it with this symbol. Those who came across it were advised to take the long way around to avoid trouble. Go this way: This was a common directional sign that indicated the right direction to go when faced with a crossroads or intersection.
By heading in the direction indicated by the line, other hobos could save time and avoid danger. Dogs in garden: Dogs were often staked or left free to roam within the boundaries of garden plots to keep would-be robbers from plucking vegetables. Judge lives here: Disturbing the home of a judge or other agent of the law was a good way to get thrown in jail quickly. Kind gentleman lives here: A top hat represented a kind or rich gentleman, and a triangle represented a home. Together, they indicated that this was the house of a kind or rich gentleman or family.
I went this way: If two hobos agreed to meet up down the road, whoever got to a landmark or structure first would leave an arrow symbol along with their moniker road name to let their pal know that they would be waiting in the next closest town.
Jail is okay: As a hobo, sooner or later, going to jail was inevitable. Sometimes, it was a survival tactic to get a meal or avoid approaching danger. The trick was to find a jail that was clean and not dangerous and then get arrested. Table feed: Feeds were far and few between—at least feeds that were specifically for hobos.
There were, however, functions that would tolerate hobos attending, such as church gatherings. When an event like this was discovered, a hobo might let others know using the table feed sign. Get out of town quick: Only enter this town if you have to. Get your business done and get out as quickly as possible. This code warned of possible conflict and was a message to keep your head down, try not to be obvious, and keep to yourself as you pass through.
Railroad men look the other way: Rail workers and railroad police could be some of the cruelest and roughest of the people hobos would run into. Owner is out: This symbol could apply to a home or a business where the owner was not present for long periods of time.
This symbol turned in the opposite direction meant that the owner or occupant more than likely was present. Waste disposal into streams and other bodies of water was often poorly regulated, and this symbol gave warning to all that the water was likely not sanitary. Money for work here: This is a good place to work for money. Hobo jobs generally consisted of hard work with low pay, but there were opportunities that sometimes allowed a strong, steady hobo some longer-term security.
This symbol could also indicate the availability of migratory farm-work jobs. Chain gang: In locations where the jail was connected to a chain-gang work scheme, a hobo who saw this symbol would move away as quickly as possible to avoid being roped into a position on an unpaid work crew. Easy marks: This symbol boasted of the ease of gleaning money or food from a town or group of individuals.
I ate: This was good news for a hobo entering an unfamiliar town. This symbol encouraged hobos who followed by letting them know that their next meal may be close. Hobos frequently traveled great distances only inches from danger. Public Domian, Source Unknown. This symbol provided a clue to the hot spots. Work for money was always welcome when a hobo was trying to break free, even temporarily, from the transient lifestyle.
Crime happened here: Hobos were a superstitious bunch. A code such as this was scrawled where a major crime was committed. It warned that this area could be a dangerous place. Help if you are hurt: Minor injuries or sickness could lead to major setbacks for hobos. It was good to know where it was safe to seek help when it was needed. Cowards; will pay to get rid of you: Hobos had a tendency to cause fear in some households or towns that had little or no protection.
Residents would gladly offer food or money rather than deal with confrontations with hobos. Nothing happening here: This was a general statement that the approaching community had very little in the way or resources. It was better to walk through and continue on in search of a better place.
Good place to catch train: Hobos' travels quite frequently revolved around the rails. Good place to sleep: This sign guided the weary hobo to shelter that provided an element of protection or warmth. Barns, bridges, and abandoned buildings were prime camping spots. Keep quiet; baby here: One thing that most hobos agreed upon was that it was important to protect and respect young families. Hobos were often unwelcome. Farmers and small-town people were often preoccupied with their own survival.
Sometimes, they had no time or patience for a man who said he was hungry and would work in exchange for food. The man could be legitimate, a thief, or a criminal on the run. These strange symbols are the way hobos passed information on to the next guy usually a guy, but as Willy pointed out, though he did meet his first wife on the road. And as the chart shows, Hobos had a lot to say. On that long-ago October afternoon, Willy told me about back-breaking farm work, long hot days and long cold nights.
He had a small dog that kept him company and would even ride a hay rake with him when he found work on the many farms that dotted the countryside.
Some hobos were friendly, he said. Others were kooks, and some were dangerous scoundrels—or some combination thereof. Men like Willy filled me in on the specifics, and they left me awed by the hardships they survived. Willy went on to various gigs after his road-bound days were over.
He owned and ran a lunch wagon that was a victim of sabotage. The way it happened, a nurse walked in and handed me my discharge papers while Willy was out getting X-rays. He returned to an empty room.
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