Well my life ain't been easy. I rekkon I've been from one side of the country and back more times than I can count. On the road they call me Fast Eddie 'cause I ain't been caught by a Bull but twice. Those times I don't really count 'cause I was just startin' out. I figure I was about 19 or 20 when I hit the road. My folks never did have much money and what they did have went to feedin' all four of us kids. Times were tough for everyone back then. Good ol' 1929, I remember it well. My daddy lost his job at the mine and ma took a job washin' peoples' clothes for a nickel a load. She'd charge a dime if they wanted them pressed. Daddy said he was lookin' for work but most of the time he was standing the bread lines waitin' on some stale bread and a few potatoes .
My loving family during those hard times
That's when I made up my mind. It was time to leave and become my own man. I've been takin' up space in my folks' house and I had nothin' to contribute 'cept for some small change here and there doin' odd jobs. I never could afford no college and I wasn't the book or numbers kind of guy anyway. It was time to unburden my family and go out into the brave world. The Depression hit my small town hard. Bread lines were long and food was scarce. Men and boys were leavin' to sign up for one of the President's job corps, hop a train to look for work, or just plain give up and abandon their homes.
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After church services one Sunday, I packed up a pack of cards, an extra pair of socks, some matches and a half a pack of "Luckies" in a bindle. (I saw hobos carryin' those sacks around town. One old gent showed me how to make one. He said its the smallest and easiest way to carry stuff when jumpin' trains.) I walked into our small kitchen and looked at Ma and Daddy and told them it was time for me to go. My daddy shook my hand and my ma started to cry. They wished me well and I promised to write. I waved to my brothers and off I went. I knew where the hobo jungle was near the tracks and down a small path into the woods. I went directly there to get a lead on some work. Nervous as I was, it was also the most exciting day of my life. I knew it would be hard, but never thought it would be this hard boiled!
I met up with my old friend Crazy Jake. He'd been hoboein' for 'bout a year already. He said he'd show me the ropes and try not to get me killed. He said I gotta be quick and grab the right handles on a box car. He showed me how to swing my weight into an open car while the train was movin'. I almost let go and went under the wheels my first time! If it weren't for Jake grabbin' on to my belt, I'd be pushin' up daisies. After that, I was super careful not to repeat that again. I also did some silent prayin'!
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What do I remember 'bout those days the most? Hunger and always bein' cold at night. I would ride the rails hidden in the shadows of a cold, damp box car or holdin' on for my life underneath the cars, inches above the rails. Always hidin' from them Bulls. Those nasty creeps always searchin' for us hobos. I could see the glint of happiness in their eyes when they would catch one us. Those Bulls were always waitin' to shake us down for every penny we had, which was hardly a few cents. I remember the long hot days in the fields pickin' fruit and stealin' a few for a meal. I don't think my stomach was ever full 'cept for air. The bitter cold nights tryin' to keep warm in a jungle tryin' to get as close to the fire as I could without burnin' my meager belongings. I figure I've traveled for 'bout two years til I found steady work. I was one of the lucky ones. A farmer's daughter in Texas was sweet on me, and I her. She spoke to her pa 'bout keepin' me on for awhile. He liked the job I did and hired me with the promise of a small wage, room and board. Sick of bein' hungry and cold, I jumped at the offer. I figured I'd just skip town if I was sick of the job. It's been forever and a day since. I'm older and wiser. I have a wife and I run that farm now. I'm always greatful for the opportunity I had and try to help fellows like me. Do I get the urge to ride the rails? Sure I do, until I remember the hunger, the cold, and the Bulls. Nope I rekkon I'll just stay right where I am.