Browse Items (443 total)

This an actual end of a ship’s hawser line – the heavy cables that anchored ships. Frying' Plan Jack tied this sample to show how a real monkey’s fist was used aboard ship. There would be a rock or piece of metal inside the rope (heavy enough that…

Handmade copper wire hobo cups made from a soup can and a mountain dew can. Frisco Jack is printed on the front of one can. The tin cans most likely originated with hoboes Mountain Dew and Frisco Jack, made with scraps found around a hobo jungle.

Used by Mountain Dew, this Whittlers three-blade pocketknife, a classic American style of everyday carry knife, myriad uses for this handy pocketknife, whether for whittling sticks, woodcarving, opening packages at the office, or slicing small food…

Stories from Iowa Blackie's first train ride.

A documentary about railroad history, originally created by National Geographic.

From the book "The Hobo Style". Items found in the National Hobo Museum in Britt, Iowa.

From the book "The Hobo Style". Items found in the National Hobo Museum in Britt, Iowa.

A short comic video clip about hobo life, featuring hobo Iwegan Rick.

Image of hoboes freight hopping on top of hay barrel train.

Article featuring Adman after he caught the westbound.