The Hobo Code of Ethics

Being a curious person has definite drawbacks.

Sometimes I will read or see something that initially piques my interest but then slowly seeps into my mind and provokes me to do some further investigation. Lately I've been interested in the whole concept of how homeless camps (referred to as hobo camps by those who live there) exist. I realize anything I unearth will be secondary information and, because I've never lived in one of these camps, subject to misinterpretation or misrepresentation. But I'm trying.

After beginning my research, I found an interfering article on something called the "Hobo Code of Ethics." This was composed in 1900 at the Hobo National Convention (yes, you read correctly). The National Hobo Convention has been held on the second weekend in August, every year since 1900. This tales place in the town of Britt, Iowa, and it is sponsered and hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce. The National Hobo Convention is the largest gathering of hobos, rail-riders, and tramps, who gather to celebrate the American traveling worker. At their initial meeting in the beginning on the 20th century, they decided on a code that would govern their existence.

Obviously, not every hobo has followed this creed to the letter and there have been many who have not adhered to it at all. But, I find a quiet dignity and resolve in these commandments; it is a testament to a group of transient people who are often stereotyped as outlaws and criminals. Anyway... I found it interesting and wanted to share it with you.

1. Decide your own life, don’t let another person run or rule you.
2. When in town, always respect the local law and officials, and try to be a gentleman at all times.
3. Don’t take advantage of someone who is in a vulnerable situation, locals or other hobos.
4. Always try to find work, even if temporary, and always seek out jobs nobody wants. By doing so you not only help a business along, but ensure employment should you return to that town again.
5. When no employment is available, make your own work by using your added talents at crafts.
6. Do not allow yourself to become a stupid drunk and set a bad example for locals’ treatment of other hobos.
7. When jungling in town, respect handouts, do not wear them out, another hobo will be coming along who will need them as bad, if not worse than you.
8. Always respect nature, do not leave garbage where you are jungling.
9. If in a community jungle, always pitch in and help.
10. Try to stay clean, and boil up wherever possible.
11. When traveling, ride your train respectfully, take no personal chances, cause no problems with the operating crew or host railroad, act like an extra crew member.
12. Do not cause problems in a train yard, another hobo will be coming along who will need passage through that yard.
13. Do not allow other hobos to molest children, expose all molesters to authorities, they are the worst garbage to infest any society.
14. Help all runaway children, and try to induce them to return home.
15. Help your fellow hobos whenever and wherever needed, you may need their help someday.