Hobo signs were cryptic symbols left by travelers on fences, sidewalks, and train stops from 1880 to 1940 in the US. They provided information on hospitality, food, law enforcement, and shelter. Some signs warned of police presence or lack of hospitality, while others indicated a homeowner’s hospitality or the availability of necessities like medical care […]
The hobo bag is a crescent-shaped bag carried over the shoulder with a single strap, made of soft materials. It evolved from the term “vagabond” and has remained popular since the 1950s, with a range of prices and materials. It can be practical and secure, with some versions having multiple compartments. The hobo bag is […]
A hobo stove is a small, portable stove made from a paint can or similar container with holes drilled for airflow. It can burn almost any type of fuel and is useful for outdoor cooking, camping, and survival situations. A hobo stove gets its name from the fact that it is small, easily portable, and […]
Hobo soup is a classic soup made by blending ingredients harvested by hobos or donated by kind people. It can contain various vegetables and sometimes meat. It was discovered by a Minnesota reporter in the 1950s and is now a brand. It can be expensive to buy, but recipes are available to make it at […]
Hobos are homeless wanderers who travel from place to place, often by train. They may be homeless by choice or due to economic circumstances. The homeless lifestyle has been romanticized, but it is a difficult life with risks of injury, illness, and persecution. Hobos have developed their own society, including a code of ethics and […]
