More Hobo Quilt Love...

You might remember when I wrote this post about hobo signs and their popularity during the Depression. I had glanced at this book - Hobo Quilts by Debra Henninger - prior to that post, and decided that I should add it to my quilt library. It arrived two days ago and I couldn't wait to open it up and read between the covers!

I love the various blocks that go into the Hobo quilt, and have started to decide which blocks I would use if when I make my own. Of course, the "Kind-hearted Woman" (Lady) block would be first on my list!

I also liked the "At The Crossroad, Go This Way" block, because we all have had at least one crossroad in our lives, right? Most of us weren't lucky enough to have a "go this way" sign to guide us, either!

"Housewife Feeds For Chores". Yup. That's me! I'm a sucker for a handyman.

I've already decided that my Hobo quilt will only have happy blocks on it. No "Evil Man Lives Here" or "Dangerous" blocks in my quilt!

I'm really looking forward to reading all the stories the author tells about the lives of hobos (or tramps, as they were sometimes called), and the photos that go with them. Gosh! I guess I just added another quilt to my list, didn't I? That means I'm going to live a long, long life, right? I mean, I have too many projects to go anywhere anytime soon!

A Kind-Hearted Woman...

Many years ago, when I owned Stitches (my needlework shop in Wisconsin) I had this sign on the wall. When I closed my shop, my dear friend Laura asked for it and I was pleased to be able to give it to her. She is, indeed, a kind-hearted woman.

The story is that when hobos traveled along the railroad, they would leave simple drawings for each other as a form of communication. Sometimes these messages could be found on fences, buildings or even on sidewalks.

Today, I happened to see this sign on a wall, featuring many hobo drawings of yesteryear and their meanings and it reminded me of that plaque from years ago. In case you have trouble reading what it says under each image, I'll help you out. (Of course, you can click on it to make it larger, too!)

From left to right:
Top row: Free Telephone, There's no use going this way, Ill-tempered man lives here, Go this way, Keep quiet, A judge lives here, Doctor here won't charge, This is not a safe place, and Barking dog here.
Second Row: An officer of the law lives here, Owners will give to get rid of you, Crime committed here. Not safe, Good place to catch a train, Kind woman lives here. Tell a pitiful story, Trolley stop, There is nothing to be gained here, Bad water and These people are rich.
Third Row: The sky's the limit, Good place for a handout, There are thieves about, Road spoiled. Fill of other hobos, The owner is in, This is a well-guarded house, Man with a gun lives here, Hit the road and You can camp here.
Fourth Row: This owner is out, Doubtful, Authorities here are alert, Good road to follow, A kind lady lives here, Alcohol in this town, Halt, Fresh water/safe campsite and Police here frown on hobos.
Bottom Row: Jail or prison, Dangerous neighborhood, Ok/alright, Hold your tongue, Religious talk will get you a meal here, Be ready to defend yourself, Vicious dog here, Courthouse and A kind gentlemen lives here.

I love the simplicity of the drawings, and I'm thinking I might have an idea for what to do with them. I'll show you more as I begin working on my idea. What do you think you could do with them? Any ideas?
Donna