Nov 8, 2023 · What follows are 60 of the most common hobo symbols, along with their translations and interpretations. Most of these are relics from the early 20th century, but some are still used by travelers and train hoppers today.

Feb 2, 2020 · Hobo signs are symbols that hoboes used to provide direction for others on the road. The next hobo to pass by would see the sign and know that they could find a meal at this home, or to watch out for the dishonest man who lives here. But, were these signs ever really used on the road?

Nov 16, 2021 · Popularized in the late 1800s and early 1900s, hobo code supposedly consisted of distinctive symbols to communicate vital information. They alerted other transient workers to trouble, such as an...

Aug 22, 2018 · Some of the abstract­ed sym­bols of the hobo code look a bit more like emo­ji: a loco­mo­tive mean­ing “good place to catch a train,” a build­ing with a barred door mean­ing “this is a well-guard­ed house,” a cat mean­ing “a kind lady lives here.”

Oct 14, 2019 · As a result, symbols began to crop up, left by ingenious hobos, tramps, and (sometimes) thieves as warnings and aids for fellow travelers (and any keen-eyed chrononauts). These markings, carved or chalked into walls and gate posts, deftly judging the character of the homeowners or town.

We have over 380 hobo signs that we have gathered over time. When possible we have the source listed. Not all signs are listed alphabetical but grouped by likeness. Search on a sign name or common word in the description across multiple Hobo Signs. Occupants are timid. The ladle is upside down. Dry Town - dipper inverted.

In the 1930's Hobos used a "hobo code" which is a series of mark/ hobo signs. Tramps, bums, and homeless are not a hobo. Real hobo works to pay their way.

Aug 20, 2023 · To cope with the uncertainties of life, hobos developed a system of symbols they’d write with chalk or coal to provide fellow “Knights of the Road” with directions, help, and warnings. Hobo signs, California, c. 1870s.

The Hobo Codehelped travelers decipher what was in store for them at specific locations, the signs drawn in chalk or pencil on fences, walls, or doorways, while most of the population was completely unaware of the what the symbols meant (or indeed of their very existence).

Aug 4, 2021 · However, hobos' paths crossed infrequently, so the hobo community developed a written communication system of signs. Mysterious and temporary, these signs helped hobos move more safely around the country looking for work.