The "Hobo Jungle" occupied the narrow strip
City Park along the right of way. A
conspicuously treeless plot, rails on one side,
backs of businesses on the other, intersected by a
gravel road and containing a pavilion, restrooms and
showers. Main entrance at the west end, I had been
told earlier by Diana, a fellow SKUNK, was where the
"Vagabonds" set up camp while the "Hobos" camped to
the east, the "east" was quieter, further from
the entertainment area and was what I sought, having
previously decided not to sleep in the boxcar with
newly made "acquaintances".
The West End Vagabonds aka
"Sinners"
East Enders, aka "Hobos". I would have been camping in front of
the white truck, a
road
to the front, a building to rear and close company on either
side (rode the 600)
with nary a tree. Ergo, when tent failed I chose to rough it
at the Best Western
Pavilion with clothing exchange, tables of traveling
and train magazines, albums form past conventions
and fascinating people.
Kitchen where by some majickal schedule different
cooks appeared for every meal with hearty food
accompanied by the smell of wood smoke and meaty
aromas.
Interesting to note the number of
Hobos who appeared with cars, trucks, campers and
trailers. Some came by thumb and some by rail, but
as I learned the conversion from steam to diesel had
a significantly adverse impact on "riding the
rails". However, as I also learned, while the modes
of transportation have changed, the "Hobo
Philosophy" remains strong and ongoing.
Pop Quiz: Define and discuss the
differences between a Hobo, Tramp and Bum.
