Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
HOBOGLYPHS
HOBOGLYPHS. In their travels, HOBOS left notes for each other near railroads, on fences, buildings and trestles. These coded messages provided information on places to camp, find a meal, or dangers.
Because hobos were often illiterate, messages had to be easy to read but look little more than random markings to everyone else for secrecy. The code contained circles and arrows that made up the directional symbols. Hash marks or crossed lines usually meant danger. Many of the hoboglyphics were nearly impossible for people outside of the hobo community to understand. Other symbols were easier to understand: a cross meant anyone willing to talk positively about religion would get a free meal.
The hobo culture was dependent on railroads. With fewer trains operating in the United States, the number of hobos declined. In 2000 there were estimated to be about 20,000.
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Source:
1. "Hobos Begin Annual Move," Telegraph-Herald, March 10, 1910, p. 10
2. "Police Break Up Hobo Convention," Telegraph-Herald, May 23, 1915, p. 14
Hoboglyphs: Secret Transiest Symbols and Modern Nomad Codes, Web Urbanist, Online: http://weburbanist.com/2010/06/03/hoboglyphs-secret-transient-symbols-modern-nomad-codes/
Hobo Signs. Angelfire. Online: http://www.angelfire.com/folk/famoustramp/signs.html
CyberHobo's Signs. Online: http://www.cyberhobo.com/signs/hobosigns.html
