HOBO QUILT - The Original Blocks are Based on the Secret Language of Riding the Rails

I found this fascinating:

“From the 1880s to the 1940s, hobos were a part of American life, with up to 250,000 travelers on the road at one time. ...   Hobo signs were their secret language: They gave direction and advice to the savvy traveler including where to find food, water, a place to sleep and possibly work. Based on these signs, hobos could tell how they would be received by a home owner, the police, a community or even a dog. The meanings of hobo signs reflect all sides of the transient life, from the honorable to the unsavory. These signs also tell the story of what it took to survive as a hobo. Most importantly, this subculture was a significant part of American history that is worthy of remembrance.”

https://mountainx.com/blogwire/hobo-quilt-dedicated-to-the-saluda-historic-depot/



For more information on Hobo Signs:

https://www.google.com/search?q=hobo+symbols

I just happened to stumble across this today and thought I would share some more.

Here is the book:




Some more quilts:

I did know of Hobo symbols that signaled danger or opportunity on the road, but wasn’t aware of the quilting.

Hi Anne

I can't thank you enough for this post.  Many years ago , in grade school, I read a book that made a reference to hobo signs. It has long since been in the back of my mind.  I do especially appreciate the links.

While hobo signs may be gone, hobos are still with us.  Still hidden near railroad tracks, though I dont know of any who ride the rails, there are encampments with hundreds of tents and their own government. Of course, we use the term homeless now.

John F Dean wrote:While hobo signs may be gone, hobos are still with us.  Still hidden near railroad tracks, though I dont know of any who ride the rails

I can confirm there are some who still do! I never had the chance (or the guts let's be honest) to try that in my days on the road but I met a few people who did.

Hitchhikers also leave messages for each other (usually on road signs or similar things) but not in a complex secret langage as this.

I had heard of the symbols, but I'd never seen them! It is so nice to perpetuate this culture and history in an art such as quilting!

Anne Miller wrote:I just happened to stumble across this today and thought I would share some more.

Here is the book:

Just snagged a copy of this from Thriftbooks, and going to keep it here at Wheaton Labs. This is quite a coincidence: today is our Quilt Day Half-Assed Holiday. :)

Thanks for sharing these photos. :)