New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1927-08-20
lure Of ADVENTURE
IN Hitch hiking
Economical Transportation Also
Appeals to Thrifty "Thumbers"

There are two sides to every argu-
n ent, even to that being waged over
the hitch hiking nuisance. The mo-
torists's viewpoint has been set
forth frequently and at length. That
OF the hummer" has received less
attention, and the person who
thumbs" his way along the high
ways is generally looked down upon
az contemplate parasite seeking
to gain something for nothing by
imposing upon others.
| The hitch hiker has 4 defense
which he frequently offers. Strange
ly enough, this is not always, as
might be supposed. the economic ex-
cuse that by begging rides he can
go to places otherwise beyond his
means. 1t is generally the lure OF
adventure, the attraction Of the I'M
certain, which is placed foremost in
reasons put forth for the practice.
This Is the case with college boys,
particularly. They beg their way to
and from college despite the pres
ence of railroad fare in their pock-
cts, and they enlarge upon the
habit by going to big games played
by their college teams and by max
| ing trips to resorts In the summer.
This type will frequently use
hitch-hiking only as a supplement
to railroad trips, begging auto rides
until their time grows short and
then. If motorists prove blind to
their signals, finishing the journey
by rail. The adventure along the
road is most appealing and has
the preference, but the more pro-
sale method of travel is resorted to
il the romantic variety fails.
Some older men have things all
mapped out in detail and have
figured out systems for cheap trans
man in a nearby town who makes
frequent trips to New York and
other large cities. He has the train
fare from certain neig1borhood
cities and the likelihood Of securing
rides to those cities figured out. and
/ he saves a great deal of money by
riding to them a la bum and then
catching the train for his destina-
ton. the auto transportation acting
as feeder and fare-reducer. In
this way he is enabled to take in
all the shows. fights. and other
events in the big cities.
Experienced "bummers" have
motorists more or less classified ac-
cording to probability of securing
rides. speed of driving. likely gen.
crosby, and other important mat
ters. No really good thumb expert
will waste time on a crowded car
or one containing young couple,
for instance, while a flivver or a
slowly moving driver is likely to be
passed up in the hope that larger
car or a speeder operator will come
along soon. Then the wayfarer is
usually able to pass the car he ne
elected and, in the end, save time.
Can "Spot" Agreeable Driver
One college man living in this
city says that he can tell whether
or not the driver will stop as soon
as the driver himself can. There Is
some indefinable action or appear
ance of the motorist which acts as
an almost infallible tip and tells the
would be passenger whether or not
to continue his thumbing motions.
There are some lonely drivers who
are so glad of company that they
are looking for hitch mixers and will
even stop at trolley poles to ask
waiting people if they want rides
These people like company and treat
their passengers we'll. Others, prob
ably with boys and girls of their
| own, like young people and pick
IN college students without hesita-
ton, stalking them to s,Nnptuous
dinners at times il the trips of
driver and passenger coincide for a
long distance.
Once in a while some other col
lege boys. more fortunately equipped
with a car, happen along, but these
are not always good for rides. and
at times they will even turn down
recognized college mates. A couple
of college girls are much more like
ly to pick up a pair of fellows who
look as if they went to college
and by no means does "necklng re-
suit from every such pickup.
Some motorists, even after they
have picked up a hummer prove
unpleasant to their guests. The lat
ter naturally expects to repay their
hosts by offering smokes, running
into wayside stands for 1000. or
other small helps, but some auto
lists demand these things so per-
emptorily that their commands are
carried out unwillingly. Most hitch
mixers offer help in case OF tlre
trouble, but motorists are prone 70
refuse them, believing they can 40
the lob better and more swiftly
without interference.
Make Excuses and Leave
Some motorists turn out to pc
nervous chaps and shy at every
passing car. and some are reckless
fellows who tear along, just miss