The Hobo: The Sociology of the Homeless ManAnderson, Nels
General
The Hobo: The Sociology of the Homeless Man
Anderson, Nels
Chicago (Ill.) -- Social conditions; Tramps
In pointing out the repeated and seemingly inevitable failures
of hobo organizations, the fact must not be lost sight of that
they are absolutely necessary to his social existence. Only in
these social and political organizations can the migratory worker
regain his lost status. Only in association with his fellows can
he again hope and dream of an ideal world of co-operation. These
organizations will either survive repeated failures or take new
forms, because they satisfy this fundamental need of the social
outcast for status. Then, too, in these groups, his rebellious
attitudes against society are sublimated into a radical idealism.
Were these organizations destroyed, the anti-social grudge of the
individual would undoubtedly be reflected in criminality.
FOOTNOTES:
[65] According to the financial statement for the I.W.W. for May
and June of 1922, there were in good standing 18,234 members. This,
it must be remembered, was just before the summer membership drive,
which is said to have recruited over 18,000 additional members.
[66] The Chicago branch of the “Hobo College” is located at
present (1922-23) at 913 West Washington Boulevard. It has taken
the name temporarily of “Brotherhood College,” because the
owners of the property would not rent the hall so long as the
word “hobo” was connected with the movement. The change was made
rather reluctantly. The second and third floors are in use; the
second floor for reading-room and kitchen, the third floor is a
lecture-hall.
CHAPTER XVII
MISSIONS AND WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS
In the winter of 1921-22 there were twenty-five missions in the
Hobohemian areas of the city. This number tends to expand and to
contract with the increase or the decrease in number of men out of
work. The number of missions in the West Madison Street section
is larger than the number in the South State Street and North
Clark Street regions combined. The influence of the Salvation
Army, which has outgrown the status of a mission, upon similar
organizations is profound. The names of many of the missions
suggest their origin in imitation of this pioneer body in religious
work for the “down-and-outs”: Christian Army, Samaritan Army, Saved
Army, Volunteer Rescue Army. The names of other missions are as
interesting: Bible Rescue Mission, Cathedral Shelter, Helping Hand
Mission, Pacific Garden Mission, Sunshine Gospel Mission.
The uniforms of the “armies” that make up the working force of
certain of the missions are often so nearly alike that it is
difficult to tell them apart. A short time ago the Salvation Army
brought suit against the Saved Army to prevent it from using the
poke bonnets, the blue uniform, the song “The War Cry” on the
ground that they were so similar to those of the Salvation Army
that the public was confused. It is claimed by representatives
of the Salvation Army that individuals contribute to these other
missions and “armies” under the impression that the contribution is
for the Salvation Army.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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