The American Hobo
The rhythm of the rails, freight hopping hobos, rambling over the horizon, an American tradition. HOBO derived from Ho Boys and/or Homeward Bound soldiers, they used the railroad to get across the country, the USA. Such a romantic idea! Many of these folks built this county, the lumber jacks, the merchant seaman, the musicians, the Civil War, the Great Depression, all were in need to ride the freight trains.
A system of SIGNS and SYMBOLS evolved out of the need to find work, friends, food and stay safe. That’s is where Civilian come in. I LOVE symbols! Sex Symbols, Alchemical Symbols, all kinds of symbols! But these HOBO SYMBOLS, I have created so many versions of these over the years, it’s a little ridiculous. So, these, are created for 2023, fresh, repurposed, especially WOMAN WITH FIREARMS, a little favorite of mine :)
I have FINALLY finished these current versions of the HOBO SIGNS. I LOVE THESE SO MUCH! The idea that icons are created to communicate, a subterranean language to help folks you don’t know, but that share something with you, share the desire to travel on the rails, or don’t know where they belong, or just need to get somewhere.
The American Hobo History of the Railriding Worker
Iconic doc film about the American Hobo. Narrated by actor Ernest Borgnine. Appearances by author James Michener and country music legend Merle Haggard. Performances by Merle Haggard, others. Interviews & narrative by Bobb 'Santa Fe Bo' Hopkins (Founder of The Hobo Times newsletter). Features recreational riders and retired hobos (railriding workers). Camera & audio by Chet Hopkins. Digital restoration by Barrett Productions. (c)1973 Super Chief Films
