Gypsy Moon

Gypsy Moon (Jacqueline K. Schmidt) grew up with stories of railroads and hoboing told by her father. She graduated from Indiana University and collected a series of oral histories from famous hobos like Steamtrain Maury, Alabama Hobo, Tumbleweed, Reefer Charlie, The Sidedoor Pullman Kid, Fry Pan Jack, and others. During her time at Britt, Iowa for the Hobo Convention, she formed close relationships with the hobos and was accepted into the community. This is where she gained her road name (Gypsy Moon) and was elected in 1989 the National Queen of the Hobos. Gypsy Moon has played a crucial role in preserving hobo history and culture and is a key member of the hobo community. Her book, Done & Been: Steel Rail Chronicles of American Hobos, is a retelling of her oral histories, an exploration of her experiences on the rails, and a collection of hobo recipes. 

The hobo's favorite jungle recipes, are easily adapted to any campfire or kitchen. Recipes include Steamtrain Maury's hobo stew, Burma Shave's jungle jambalaya, Ramblin' Rudy's barbecue sauce, Hobo Norm's jungle basics, Minneapolis Jewel's bread and jam, Gypsy Moon's jungle breakfast favorites.

Written by Gypsy Moon