History at Night at WCHS

The Sept. 16 session of History at Night will begin at 7 o'clock at the Old Jail Museum on Butternut Street, Lyons. The lecturer will be Andrea Evangelist who will speak on Hobos, Tramps and Bums.

Identified in the Colonial era as 'sturdy beggars,' or 'the wandering poor,' homeless people grew in number considerably after 1820, when industrial development and urbanization began to take place in the nation.

By 1856, organized charities had begun to fight the problem of the homeless and a room in the attached sheriff's home of the Wayne County Jail was designated for vagrants.

As the 1900s approached, poverty grew to be a social problem and the escalating unemployment rate sent many men traveling around the country in search of work. Evangelist will explain the part that hobos played in Wayne County history and differences between hobos, tramps and bums.

Registration for this free event s necessary as seating is limited. Refreshments will be served compliments of the Wayne County Historical Society  and Zappia Vending Service, Inc.

Call 946.4943, Monday-Friday 10-4; Saturday/Sunday, noon-4.

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