The Great Depression, The Dust Bowl & Hobo Graffiti

Between 1929 and 1939 the Great Depression was the worst world-wide economic collapse in modern history. Stock markets lost, banks failed, businesses closed, people lost their jobs, homes and savings. Families desperately migrated in search of work and better living conditions. Then the Dust Bowl hit, bringing ecological misery to America during a time when it was already suffering under the Great Depression. Desperate men, called hobos, hopped on board trains in search of odd jobs and seasonal work. Discover human systems, scarcity and the movement of people with graffiti used by these hobos as symbols on trees, fence posts, sidewalks, walls, and bridges to let others traveling know important information. Then create and share your own symbols to let people know what’s important to you.

PROGRAM ARTIST:

Wendy Mahon