2018 marked the 40 year anniversary of SSoIH.
It's time to uncloak... just a little...
Today's Hobo Symbols
The hobo signs of yesteryear don't really apply much anymore in today's world. Newer symbols grew out of the need to adapt in the ever changing modernized world. Today Hobos communicate via smartphones and computers but out on the road power and signal can be scarce commodities and the need for basic symbolic communication lives on.
Hobo Terms
Our collection, just shy of 2000 listings, of slang terms and definitions of words and phrases used by hobos, tramps, bums, bulls, migratory workers and those on the fringes of society.
Hobo Signs of Days Past
Hobo signs have been around since the late 1800's. Hobo signs would be marked on sidewalks, fence posts, train trestles, under bridges near hobo jungles, nearly anyplace hobos would be traveling to convey messages to other hobos passing trough the area. These glyphs were scribed using either charcoal or chalk and occasionally carved into wood surfaces.
Hobo Code of Ethics 1889
The earliest publicly published Hobo Ethical Code was by Tourist Union #63 in 1889. A union started by hobos to aid hobos in gaining employment. The union was open to hobos across the nation. There were 63 hobos present during the creation of the union and the name Tourist Union #63 was created. Out of that union came The Hobo Ethical Code of 1889.
SSoIH Database of Hobo Signs
Search though our listing of over 380 Hobo Signs. Learn about the timeframe they were used from their source listings. Search for like symbol shapes, or by name.
Hobo Nickel Carver Signature Search
Search through our list of Hobo Nickel Carvers and discover what signature belongs to who. Over 250 carvers are listed along with the signature(s) they use or have used and examples of their work to help you identify who might have carved your hobo nickel.
The Jewish Nickel vs The Hobo Nickel
There are several conflicting stories on the Internet about how Jewish Nickels are Hobo Nickels. Jewish Nickels are nothing more than a novelty piece for fun and laughs while a Hobo Nickel is a tiny handmade work of art.
Kaiser Nickels in the news.
In the early to mid 1900's Indian head nickels were showing up with the likeness of Kaiser Wilhelm II scratched into them. Here are some articles around those discoveries.
1925 Thurston and Mason County Telephone Directory
1925 Olympia Washington Telephone Directory including Thurston County and Mason county. Olympia, Tumwater, Shelton and surrounding areas. Browse through the pages. Includes some advertising as well.