Oral History Interviews with U.S. Rail Riding Community

Description

This collection features recorded interviews with people from the hoboing community. Topics include life on the road, challenges facing travelers, history of Britt, freight hopping, travel, and personal narratives, and hobo gatherings in the U.S.

Oral histories were conducted by various interviewers.

Contributor(s)

  • Laura Carpenter, Frank Gess

Collection Items

Interview with Connecticut Shorty and New York Maggie
Discussion of Connecticut Shorty and New York Maggie's travels, memories of their father Connecticut Slim, their first experiences freight hopping, their work with the Hobo Museum, being elected hobo queen, and other involvement with preserving hobo…

Interview with Sunrise, K-bar, Angie Angel, and IoWegian Rick
Discussion of Sunrise's experiences freight hopping, traveling, and being elected hobo queen. K-bar's account of his own hobo experiences, in addition to hobo history in Britt, the state of Iowa, and the greater Midwest. Angie Angel's take on life,…

Interview with Bazzman and K-bar
Featuring newly elected hobo king, Bazzman, seasoned rider K-bar, and traveler Sloth. Discussion of Bazzman's life on the road, his work organizing the young riders, including keeping count of the last remaining hoboes who are freight hopping.…
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