Hobo Graffiti
Newspapers, hobo memoirs, and the passage of time have created a mystique about signs hobos left to communicate with each other. Join us as Charlie Wray of the Historic Graffiti Society explores stories of the symbols passed from one hobo to the next, the written monikers left by legendary hoboes, and whether, after decades of their research, the Hobo Code is fact or fiction. This first aired as a free on-line public monthly program of the National Railway Historical Society, Washington, D.C. Chapter on 2/18/2022. For more information about our programs and our organization visit www.dcnrhs.org
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We lost Colossus of the Roads a few days back. West bound ➡️ 🤠
I still remember ( late 1960’s ) seeing “ TEX “ KING OF TRAMPS written on a big cement pillar that supported an off-ramp of the Ballard Bridge going Fisherman’s Terminal . It was in white paint with a paintbrush not sprayed. Burlington Northern and other Trains would come to the Interbay Train yard for repairs and what not but no freight loading or unloading right by the Wharf . My friends Dad had a cement pumping company there and the Hobos would camp by the shop. We’d go gock at that crude camp spot now and them . I was curious if we’d ever see a real Hobo sitting there cooking as you’d see in movies or cartoons. Never actually did but there a little campfire spot with old empty tin cans and cheap wine bottles around. The clutter changed from time to time so we knew it was-being used . It was a somewhat hidden The Port of Seattle Police didn’t patrol very much back then and now I see why it was there . Train coming’s and goings there would’ve been a better spot for Hobos than Downtown Seattle. There were other scrimmages and scribblings in chalk and charcoal there too but that “TEX “ stood out to me . I wonder if it was the real deal by the man himself ? Quite possibly ….
So fascinating to learn that there are monikers early as the end of the 19th Century
😮 i had no idea “Big Rock Candy Mountain” had such a grimey story! I forgot this was about monikers until 15 minutes in - fascinating stuff, thank u!
This is absolutely fantastic! I saw Charlie speak at RR days in June of 2022. Very informative and motivating.
Interesting stuff
No comments on this amazing video? Love it! Thank you for documenting this amazing culture
I can attest that it never leaves you, when things aren't going good knowing that you have the knowledge and experience to leave is extremely tempting. At times life on the road seems like a better alternative than trying to survive in today's society. There is use of hobo code but generally soley for aesthetic purposes in tags but this has fallen out of fashion in favor of more anarchist or occult themes.