Wauseon, OH – Enjoy an afternoon of fun and delicious food as you discover the true adventures of hobos during the Museum of Fulton County’s annual Hobo Day. This free, family event will be held on Saturday, September 30 from 4-7 pm at the Wauseon Depot.
“We love to see families and friends gathering at the historic Wauseon Depot for our annual Hobo Day,” shared John Swearingen, director of the Fulton County 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 be sharing stories about the depots of Northwest Ohio and the men who traveled the country by railroad.
Mark is the author of Railroad Depots of Northwest Ohio and many other railroad themed books. He also teaches geology at the University of Toledo and serves as a national director of the Railroad Station Historical Society.
Mark will be speaking at 4:30 pm and will be available to sign books and talk with guests throughout the evening.
A real “Hobo Dinner” will also be served at this community event. Guests can enjoy a delicious meal of sausage, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, onions, corn bread, dessert, and a beverage.
A free will donation of $10 per person is suggested to help cover the expenses of this traditional meal.
“Hobos were unemployed men who travelled across the country looking for work.
With no employment prospects at home, they would take to the rails in search of any job,” Swearingen shared.
“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, the depot 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.
The Hobo Day is presented annually by the Museum of Fulton County which features the permanent exhibit “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Present, and Making the Future”.
Two special exhibits are also on display through the end of the year – “Meet Me at the Fair” and “Happy Birthday Fayette”.
Other special events planned this year include the Haunting History Tours on October 20 and 21 and the Christmas at the Cabin event on December 8 and 9.
The Fulton County Museum and Legacy Gift Shop are located at 8848 State Highway 108, across from the Fulton County Fairgrounds.
The Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 12-4 pm.
Admission is $8 for adults 16 and up, $7 for seniors, and $3 for children ages 6-15. Members and children under 6 are free.
To learn more about the Hobo Day, other special events, or how to plan a visit to the Museum of Fulton County call 419-337-7922 or visit museumoffultoncounty.org. Additional information is also available on the Museum Facebook and Instagram pages.