Riding The Rails

Hobo culture emerged
from war’s ashes

By Corbin Crable

They’re not bums. Or vagabonds. Or tramps. Or panhandlers.

“I’m a hobo,” they’d tell you. “And there’s a difference.”

To the unaware, the hobo is synonymous with the aimless wanderer who begs for handouts. Not so, historians – and hobos themselves – are quick to say....

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In this issue...

Features

Smack Dab in the Middle

Good Eye

Covering Quilts

Memory Lane Musings

Mid-America News

Books for Collectors

Vintage Discoveries

Feature Articles

A Message From Our Editor

The secret language of hobos

by Corbin Crable

No matter what industry you’ve worked in, you’ve probably communicated with your co-workers using terminology that the outside public wouldn’t understand. For those who don’t have traditional jobs – or even a permanent home, for that matter – certain words and symbols can take on their own meaning, too.
In this issue..

Saying goodbye after 30 years at Discover Vintage America Al Hedrick:

The man, the myth, the legend

Over the past 30 years, he has been the “voice” of Discover Vintage America and an important member of the team. As the senior advertising account representative, most people calling to advertise have spoken with Al on the telephone at least once. His comforting voice evokes confidence that running an ad in Discover will bring shoppers to stores and visitors to events. He took an interest in his clients and remembered to ask about their kids… that’s just the kind of guy he was.