“Hobo” News is considered the first documented street newspaper. It was an initiative of the International Brotherhood Welfare Association, founded in the U.S. Midwest by James Eads How, known as the “millionaire hobo.” Between 1915 and 1924, this newspaper became a platform of expression for the so-called hobos, giving a voice to those who were marginalized and scorned by society. “Hobo” News was a newspaper “by hobos, for hobos, and about hobos.”
The Word “Hobo”: From Marginalization to Resistance
The word hobo carries significant historical weight, reflecting society’s perception of those living on the margins of the established system. In its early usage, the term was synonymous with poverty and exclusion, often used pejoratively to describe people who, due to socioeconomic conditions, were forced into a nomadic life in search of work. However, the International Brotherhood Welfare Association (IBWA), through initiatives like “Hobo” News, aimed to reclaim and redefine the term—transforming it into a symbol of autonomy and resistance. Far from being merely homeless individuals, hobos were seen as itinerant workers who chose their way of life in response to economic hardship.
Photograph retrieved from the Belt Magazine website: https://beltmag.com/st-louis-wealthy-king-of-the-hobos/
The Impact and Model of “Hobo” News
The newspaper featured a wide range of content—including labor news, personal stories, poetry, humor, and even sentimental advice—written by the hobos themselves. “Hobo” News was sold for five cents in bohemian neighborhoods and reached a circulation of up to 20,000 copies per month. Beyond its role as an information source, it also served as a livelihood tool for its vendors, who received half the proceeds from each copy sold. This business model enabled hobos to earn income while sharing their voices and lived experiences.
IBWA and Its Focus on Education and Cooperation
The International Brotherhood Welfare Association (IBWA), founded between 1905 and 1906, was a mutual aid society created for hobos, with a strong focus on education and cooperation. Its community centers, known as “Hobo Colleges,” offered housing, meals, and educational programs. One of IBWA’s key campaigns was to reclaim and prioritize the term hobo, redefining it as a symbol of dignity and agency. Out of this mission came projects like “Hobo” News, which aimed not only to inform but also to uplift a historically marginalized and stigmatized community.
Photograph retrieved from the Belt Magazine website: https://beltmag.com/st-louis-wealthy-king-of-the-hobos/
“Hobo” News laid the groundwork for the development of the international street newspaper network. By offering a platform for the most marginalized to share their stories and perspectives, this newspaper demonstrated the power of journalism as a tool for empowerment and resistance. Its legacy lives on today in initiatives like Mi Valedor magazine, which continues to advocate for the dignity and rights of people experiencing homelessness.
