chalk marks

The Hobo's Alphabet
Chalk marks left by Hobos on gateposts to inform others as to what to find within.

Visual Codes via things

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Comments: chalk marks

Now that's neat. I dig muchly trivia of that sort.
Posted by Mike Jericho at June 29, 2004 12:07 AM

Where's the swaggies' sign that says:
"Bastards. Burn down the Barn."?
Posted by Nora at June 29, 2004 12:15 AM

Is that a cat? Is this written by hobos or dogs? I can sense Doug's paw-prints somehow...
Posted by Scott Wickstein at June 29, 2004 12:53 AM

Gypsies call the same messages 'patterans'. Hmm -cue for a blog...
Posted by Dick at June 29, 2004 08:41 AM

Muchly same

Unkind Nora. And don't get me started on barns I have known. ;)

I think the next sign looks like it could have been written by a boynton stray dog, Scott. "Kind Woman - tell pitiful tale". Not doug btw. And these days his chalk marks would be more to do with 'Food here - if you sleep' 'You may sleep on couch'. 'Food - you have to listen to a monologue about bastards and barns.'

A great word - and for a blog.
Posted by boynton at June 29, 2004 01:29 PM

There was a micro-techno-lite revival of this a couple of years, "warchalking", white chalk symbols on inner brick and concrete to indicate promixity and access level of the nearest active wi-fi base.

Now wi-fi is widespread, there's no need for it now, which is shame 'cos I like the secret alphabets of cities.
Posted by Nabakov at July 1, 2004 12:55 AM