HOBOGLYPHS

HOBOGLYPHS. Hobos were nomadic Americans at the start of the 20th century and through the GREAT DEPRESSION. In 1910 an article in our local newspaper referred to them as "members of the United Order of the Sons of Rest" and "Weary Willies." (1) Rejecting these labels," they took work wherever they could and never spent too long in one place.

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 but in 2000 was still estimated at about 20,000.

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Source:

1. "Hobos Begin Annual Move," Telegraph Herald, March 10, 1910, p. 10

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