Riding the Rails

Hobos would draw symbols on the sides of buildings and other structures to alert fellow travelers to work, food or danger from town to town. Credit: Courtesy of National Hobo Museum

Connecticut Shorty (center, in black overalls), Rik Palieri (kneeling with a banjo) and others at Britt Hobo Days in Britt, Iowa, circa 1999. Credit: Courtesy of Rik Palieri

Steam Train Maury Graham (center-left in a red shirt) riding a float in the parade at Britt Hobo Days, circa 1999. Credit: Courtesy of Rik Palieri

Hobos at Britt Hobo Days in Britt, Iowa. Steam Maury Graham stands center-left, with a long white beard and hat, circa 1999. Credit: Courtesy of Rik Palieri

Steam Train Maury Graham at Britt Hobo Days in Britt, Iowa, circa 1999. Credit: Courtesy of Rik Palieri

New York Maggie (left) and Connecticut Shorty (right) at Britt Hobo Days in Britt, Iowa, circa 1999. Credit: Courtesy of Rik Palieri

A hobo nickel (heads) Credit: Courtesy of National Hobo Museum

A hobo nickel (tails) Credit: Courtesy of National Hobo Museum

A 2001 press clipping announcing the then newly elected hobo king, Roadhog USA, and queen, Connecticut Shorty. Credit: Courtesy of Rik Palieri, origin unknown