I still remember ( late 1960’s ) seeing “ TEX “ KING OF TRAMPS written on a big cement pillar that supported an off-ramp of the Ballard Bridge going Fisherman’s Terminal . It was in white paint with a paintbrush not sprayed. Burlington Northern and other Trains would come to the Interbay Train yard for repairs and what not but no freight loading or unloading right by the Wharf . My friends Dad had a cement pumping company there and the Hobos would camp by the shop. We’d go gock at that crude camp spot now and them . I was curious if we’d ever see a real Hobo sitting there cooking as you’d see in movies or cartoons. Never actually did but there a little campfire spot with old empty tin cans and cheap wine bottles around. The clutter changed from time to time so we knew it was-being used . It was a somewhat hidden The Port of Seattle Police didn’t patrol very much back then and now I see why it was there . Train coming’s and goings there would’ve been a better spot for Hobos than Downtown Seattle. There were other scrimmages and scribblings in chalk and charcoal there too but that “TEX “ stood out to me . I wonder if it was the real deal by the man himself ? Quite possibly ….
I can attest that it never leaves you, when things aren't going good knowing that you have the knowledge and experience to leave is extremely tempting. At times life on the road seems like a better alternative than trying to survive in today's society. There is use of hobo code but generally soley for aesthetic purposes in tags but this has fallen out of fashion in favor of more anarchist or occult themes.
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We lost Colossus of the Roads a few days back. West bound ➡️ 🤠
I still remember ( late 1960’s ) seeing “ TEX “ KING OF TRAMPS written on a big cement pillar that supported an off-ramp of the Ballard Bridge going Fisherman’s Terminal . It was in white paint with a paintbrush not sprayed. Burlington Northern and other Trains would come to the Interbay Train yard for repairs and what not but no freight loading or unloading right by the Wharf . My friends Dad had a cement pumping company there and the Hobos would camp by the shop. We’d go gock at that crude camp spot now and them . I was curious if we’d ever see a real Hobo sitting there cooking as you’d see in movies or cartoons. Never actually did but there a little campfire spot with old empty tin cans and cheap wine bottles around. The clutter changed from time to time so we knew it was-being used . It was a somewhat hidden The Port of Seattle Police didn’t patrol very much back then and now I see why it was there . Train coming’s and goings there would’ve been a better spot for Hobos than Downtown Seattle. There were other scrimmages and scribblings in chalk and charcoal there too but that “TEX “ stood out to me . I wonder if it was the real deal by the man himself ? Quite possibly ….
This is absolutely fantastic! I saw Charlie speak at RR days in June of 2022. Very informative and motivating.
😮 i had no idea “Big Rock Candy Mountain” had such a grimey story! I forgot this was about monikers until 15 minutes in - fascinating stuff, thank u!
No comments on this amazing video? Love it! Thank you for documenting this amazing culture
Interesting stuff
41:02 i have heard of Hobo's marking an X on a friendly house near railroad tracks. Usually on a bottom corner or even a garage door. Seems possible
So fascinating to learn that there are monikers early as the end of the 19th Century
I can attest that it never leaves you, when things aren't going good knowing that you have the knowledge and experience to leave is extremely tempting. At times life on the road seems like a better alternative than trying to survive in today's society. There is use of hobo code but generally soley for aesthetic purposes in tags but this has fallen out of fashion in favor of more anarchist or occult themes.
That's very true, good observation
people have been writing on everything for centuries