There’s a homeless crisis in America, and it’s pretty bleak. People are struggling, and there’s no fun way around it. But back in the early 20th century, it honestly looked like being homeless was a weird, exciting lifestyle.

When the Dirty Thirties hit, America’s railroads were still in full operation, and they were the best way for people without cars or money to get around. This was an entire culture unique to the country at a point in time, with its own terminology, codes and symbols, and crazy cool fits.

The bindle, 5 o’clock shadow, and bowler cap may have become more of a Halloween costume these days, but way back then it was the uniform of the men who rode the rails for a living.