Done and Been: Steel Rail Chronicles of American Hobos

by Gyspy Moon, Gypsy Moon, Gypsy

Hobos are part of the history of railroading in America. Committed to the work ethic, but also restless and eager for adventure, these knights of the iron rails developed a lifestyle and a community based on their search for work and their love of adventure. Jacqueline Schmidt, who was later elected a Queen of the Hobos, has collected their stories in this fascinating volume. She has also teamed up with modern-day hobos to ride the rails in search of adventure and self-knowledge. Her book gives us a history of hobos, a collection of fascinating stories, an account of what it is like for a middle-class woman to take to the dangerous pastime of hoboing, and a delicious collection of hobo recipes.

Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[Kayote · Rating 3 out of 5]

This feels more like a celebration of hobo'ing than an actual chronicle or history, given the little bit the author spends on the negative aspects and impacts (both to the hobos and to the communities). I will say, it is convinient that if you define hobo as "migrant worker" then you can define anyone who doesn't want to work as "not a hobo". The individual stories are a fascinating look into the subculture as seen/remembered by those involved.

If you read the individual memories, though, it becomes clear there was some simplification and rose-colored glasses placed on the first summary section, and probably the stories told by those still involved who want to be seen as "good guys" (vs the bums who don't/can't work).

I did not know that around the depression they were the migrant farm workers in the midwest--before everything was mechanized. Nor that some of them at least were skilled workers who just went from place to place and stayed til they decided to roam again or the seasons changed.

Were there women or just a couple? Were they safe? Were younger teens mentored or abused by older hobos? Did hobos only work except in dire straits (well, they all talk about asking for handouts at businesses, though often for stuff heading to the garbage, so that's still a toss up.). The truth is probably stronger in the individual stories than in the pancea to hobo life by the author at the start.

It's important history to have recorded, but her interpertation of it has some rose colored gloss applied, as well as being a bit repetative.

[Sharon Zink · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, readable account of hobo life in the US. Includes several first-hand stories from hobos, as well as the author's tale of her own adventure jumping freights in the '90's. There are also some recipes that hobos have prepared along the road.

[Lori Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Had it , lost it, want it again.

[Michele Cotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book about a section of American history you probably don't know much about. I was paging through it for a dramaturgy project and read the whole thing.

[Nick Nordmann]

Haven't read it in years. It is on my re-read list.