Done & Been Steel Rail Chronicles Of

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.

This is a book for anyone who has ever lain awake and heard the whistle of a train calling through the night and wanted to be out there, rambling, having adventures. Here are the life stories of authentic old-time hobos: Steamtrain Maury, Alabama, Tumbleweed, Reefer Charlie, Little Hobo, Cardboard, Greenie, Gas Can Paddy, Ramblin' Rudy, the Sidedoor Pullman Kid, Hobo Bob, Fry Pan Jack, and Gypsy Moon herself.