Laura - 2004-09-12 07:40:04
The enormous amount of time it took to dig up this modest amount of information--2 and 1/2 hours--makes me think that there aren't many online who care too much about such things as old, legendary railroads... a bit sad.* * * * * * * * * * * *
Check this out: a hobo--who's an MSU alumnus--teaches a class on hobo life at Lansing Community College that turns out to be hugely popular, till it's shut down by people who perceive him to be championing homelessness.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura yet again - 2004-09-12 10:02:32
Lovely article on a hobo's life and trainhopping out West.
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I met a hobo of sorts last week. Roy has tattoos and a mohawk. He travels via train with his dog. He sings with a very low voice and can throw down some great rhymes. He lives in New Orleans, but keeps coming to Ypsi because he likes it so much. He left to Canada via a train he picked up in Port Huron. He had THE COOLEST hand drawn map of the train system, which included hobo stuff like where to get food or sleep. * * * * * * * * * * * * addiann - 2004-09-12 12:29:13
are you familiar with nonfiction writer Ted Conover? His book "Rolling Nowhere" about his experience as a railroad hobo is terrific, as are all his other books. His book about a stint as a guard in Sing Sing was short-listed for the Pulitzer and won the Book Critics Award. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-09-12 12:30:15
Boy, would I love to see that map. Sounds like a very interesting person who'd be great to have a beer with. Thanks for the anecdote Patrick.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-09-12 12:35:11
Oops, you beat me to the comments, sorry, Addiann. I have never heard of that writer--yet another example of a great tip from a blogreader. "Rolling Nowhere" is on my list--I bet Sheridan could scare up a copy. Thank you, Addiann.* * * * * * * * * * * * lynne - 2004-09-12 14:54:40
I love trains. I mean I absolutely love them. I have done the cross country Amtrak thing a few times. But sometimes I think it is a shame that I was born too lake to really enjoy passenger rail service (I like comfort a bit much to be a hobo). Neat map, btw. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-09-12 16:37:16
That's interesting--I love trains too and, like you, have taken several long trips on them. What has your favorite route been?
Last trip: a week on the rails, across Canada all the way to Vancouver, and back across the Great Plains--it was the best. Another trip, Empire Builder to Seattle to Sacramento & back through the desert to Chicago, was awesome too. Loved it.
Glad you liked the map; I did, too. I had a devil of time finding the actual Wabash route and finally stumbled on that map.* * * * * * * * * * * * Larry Kestenbaum - 2004-09-13 10:25:23
Claxton was the name of Roy Acuff's grandfather or father-in-law, I forget which. When he popularized the song, he changed it from the previous version, and most people since then have done it with Claxton.* * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2004-09-13 11:15:02
Picked up tickets Friday to ride the rails to Penn Station the day after the prezelection. Hope the country isn't shut down by a Red Alert.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-09-13 12:00:44
Nice to see you again Larry. Thanks for the info--I didn't know that.
Raymond: that sounds great; is that the "Capitol Limited" line?* * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2004-09-13 12:52:56
Lakeshore Limited. Chicago to Albany where the train splits, one part going on to Boston, the other down the Hudson River Valley to New York City.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-09-13 19:13:54
Oh, the Lakeshore Limited. That sounds like so much fun. I haven't yet taken the line that goes down to New Orleans, but would like to for my next trip. * * * * * * * * * * * * Patrick - 2004-09-14 20:17:44
I've been on the Lakeshore Limited. Got on in Ohio and rode to Syracuse. Most of the ride was at night, caught a real quick surreal glimpse of a house burning near the tracks. Flames and flashing lights, men up on ladders. It all went by in a half a second. Surreal. -rustboy* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: