Tangier Sound

The day of the hobo is over. It is not “safe” to travel with no money, credit cards or real destination. We are careful not to get too close to disheveled strangers in tattered clothes who may ask for a handout or a place to rest. Those of us fortunate enough to have an income which enables us to have purchasing power far in excess of basic human needs are uncomfortable around anyone who, for whatever reason, lacks what we take for granted.

The desperate times during and after the great depression are just stories to most of us and the notion of being open, generous and compassionate to a man broke and on the road is non-existent. There was a time, however, when thousands of hobos wandered the roads and railways of America. I know, because I met some of them.

My father had a sandwich shop on Route 30 in Wayne, Pennsylvania. I remember seeing and talking to hobos. All they asked for was something to eat and a place to rest. One old fellow stopped twice a year, once heading West and once traveling East. He carried an old guitar and would sing for his supper. They were never turned away and no one chastised or judged them. They were, after all, hobos walking toward a horizon that only they could see.

But how did they know where to stop? What led them to choose one home, farm or business over another? The ones who came to our door always passed by first and then turned around and came back. They did not come as beggars. They knew that they would be offered something to eat, a place to rest and some company. The adults swore that there was some kind of a code, mark or signal that identified this business as friendly but no one ever found it. Many years later I came across these symbols in a magazine, the name of which I have long since forgotten. There may be more, but these are all I have. No one but the hobo’s ever saw the mark that identified my father as a compassionate man. Which one do you think it was?

Peace to all,
Pat Costello (Dear Old Dad)

These people will help you if you are sick.

Poor water.

Good jungle, make yourself at home.

Police officer lives here.

This symbol tells you what direction a buddy is traveling in.

Dishonest man, don’t ask for work.

Good place for a handout.

You can sleep in this farmer’s barn.

Religious people, be sanctimonious.

Bad bull, stay out of rail yard.