Box 17

Mr. Barrett discusses a historical time for him which is the blizzard, he speaks about in chapters 1 to 5. He started being around trains at the age of ten years old and learned the ropes by listening and watching the older and more experienced rail riders.

Carle Benson tells a story about hobos that documents the life of "riding the rails" during the Depression era.

Mr Bjorngjeld answers his questionnaire by singing with an instrument accompiament.

1. Know I’m A Hobo, But Who Said I’m A Bum? 2. A Great American Bum – Crystal Cove to Many Jobs 3. Hallelujah! I’m a Bum 4. On the Bum Again 5. Big Rock Candy Mountain 6. I Am The Gay Caballero 7. They Say We’re All Born 8. I Don’t Work For a Living – Old Gray Mare 9. Back To Where I Come From

Mr. Bogart plays the guitar, harmonica and sings the words to the songs. 1. Song from 1930 – Abilene, Kansas 2. Song: Meet Your Baby on the Three Mile Grade 3. Song: Prisoner and a Rose 4. Railroad Song: Wreck No. 9 (appeared the same time as the arrival of Ninety-seven)

C.A. Bourne tells many stories about hobos on the rails and a Harley-Davidson trip, with great detail.

Mr. Boyd tells his story with the help of a friend. He would not like to have repeated this experience although he really enjoyed seeing the scenery of his travels.

Mr. Brown traveled the rails for several years and once took his Brother with him. He has had his foot caught in the coupling of a train. Encountered people of every profession. He saw President Theodore Roosevelt several times and Charles Bickford, the movies star, graduated school and found a job lasting eleven years.

Mr. Buss traveled the rails from fourteen to eighteen years of age for fun and adventure. He started to travel with a friend but traveled mostly by himself. Talks about how the crew interacted with the rail riders, often helping them. Discusses how rail riding taught him to be independent and to rely on himself.

Mr. Butler traveled the east coast and to California which started during the depression by his stepfather’s loss of work. After he tired of it, he stayed home, married and worked as a fireman but would have done it all over again. The travels gave him an appreciation for what he has now. Mr. Butler talks about the travel in an enthusiastic way.

Mr. Chaney is enjoying this communication with the help of his wife, Gladys. He uses a guitar to which he sings the songs. They (the songs) are not specified as to ownership of the songs.