Browse Items (444 total)

Letter written to Mountain Dew

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Letter sent to Mountain Dew written by Will Hoover. Discussion over an article written about Britt possibly published by the Des Moines Register and Tribune. Good luck coin sent to Mountain Dew

"Hard traveling gents of the road" magazine article

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Image of hoboes standing and sitting the freight car at the 1981 Hobo Convention in Britt. Front row: The Shadow, Arkansas Traveler, Virginia Slim. Back row: Portland Gray, Slo Motion Shorty, Frypan Jack.

"A Conversation with Mountain Dew" transcript

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Transcription of interview on the life of Mountain Dew. Most likely an oral history transcription. Location of audio unknown.

Hobo signatures

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List of signatures from well-known hoboes in the community. List most likely came from the 1984 Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa. Names listed from left to right: Hafey “the Bo”, Steam Train Maury, Rambling Rudy, Larry Mierhoff- Gas Can Paddy, Texas…

"Murphy's Bum Camp" newspaper article

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Local reporting from "Murphy's Bum Camp" near the Kishwaukee river in Illinois. Details the camp used by vagabonds, drifters, and hoboes during the Depression era.

The Historic Graffiti Society pamphlet

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Pamphlet from The Hobo Graffiti Society the details the historic significance of hobo codes and graffiti.

Hobo Manifesto from Annual Convention of Congress of the Hoboes of America

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List of policies and aims of hobo culture and life from the 1894 Convention of Congress of the Hoboes of America in Chicago, IL.

Written Letter from Adman

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Letter written by Adman that discusses the creation of a time capsule and the establishment of a Hobo Museum for tourist attraction.

Hobo Convention poster

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1980 poster advertising the 80th annual Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa. Descriptions of rail lines to Britt.

Riding the Rails

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Titled "Connecticut Shorty's Riding the Rails", text and photographs included.