Hobos are also known as Bindlestiffs because of the little bundles tied to the ends of the walking sticks they carry slung over one shoulder. In literature, art, and, films a hobo is always shown with a bindle. In reality, a bindle is any bag or pack a hobo happens to carry. Most commonly, it is a bedroll into which the hobo rolls all of his belongings, ties together, and slings across his back. This allows him, or her, to travel with both hands free. Still, hobos are minimalists who pride themselves on traveling light. There is a certain status conferred upon those who are so travel seasoned that they can carry everything they need in a small cloth tied to the end of a stick. Among the earliest hobos were Confederate soldiers who were left homeless after the Civil war ended around 1877. They wandered in small groups seeking agricultural work and carried hoes over their shoulders with cloth bundles tied to one end. They were known as Hoe Boys. The term bindle first surfaced around 1898 by which time the term Hoe Boy had evolved into Hobo.
In modern times, although there are still some full time hobos, most hobos are of the recreational variety. I have been hoboing as a hobby for many years. One sometimes wonders if your family views you as an eccentric nut, or, if they actually support your efforts. Recently, my precious granddaughter Verity carved me a great walking stick and my beloved daughter Jane sewed a few bandannas together and fashioned them into a bindle filled with my favorite traveling snacks and three pairs of first class hiking socks. Verity came marching into the room with the rig over her shoulder and presented it to me as a Christmas present. It touched my heart deeply because it said, " we understand you."
