The Museum of Fulton County will host its annual Hobo Day on Saturday, September 30, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Wauseon Depot. All are invited to this free, family fun event.
“We love to see families and friends gathering at the historic Wauseon Depot for our annual Hobo Day,” said John Swearingen, director of the museum. “This popular fall event is a great opportunity to get together with others in the community for a delicious meal, entertainment, and the chance to learn a little more about our local history.”
Guests of all ages will enjoy exploring the old New York central depot, learning about model trains and listening to live music presented by Tom Silveous.
Railroad author, Mark Camp will share stories about the depots of northwest Ohio and the men who traveled the country by railroad. Mr. Camp is the author of “Railroad Depots of Northwest Ohio” and other railway related books. He also teaches geology at the University of Toledo and serves as a national director of the Railroad Station Historical Society. His presentation begins at 4:30 p.m., and he will be available to sign books and talk with guests throughout the evening.
Guests can enjoy a hobo dinner of sausage, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, corn bread, dessert and a beverage. A donation of $10 per person is suggested to help cover the expenses of this traditional meal.
“Hobos were unemployed men who traveled across the country looking for work. With no employment prospects at home, they would take to the rails in search of any job,” said Mr. Swearingen. “Many hobos would travel for free by jumping on and off the box cars of trains. At the height of the Great Depression, it is estimated that nearly 20,000 men were hobos. These men created their own culture with a unique language and foodways.”
The Wauseon Depot is located at 225 Depot Street in downtown Wauseon. Built in 1896, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and currently houses railroad artifacts and a model train display. It served passengers of the railroad until the mid-1970s. The depot is currently owned by the City of Wauseon and is managed by the Fulton County Historical Society.
