News Developments

‘Life as a Hobo’ Features Jackie Schmidt on Nov. 12
Posted: October 15, 2007

SHERIDAN, IND.—At an early age, Jackie Schmidt was influenced by her own father’s stories of his hobo life. On Mon., Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m., the Sheridan Historical Society will learn about hobos from Schmidt in a special program to be conducted at the Sheridan Public Library, 103 W. First St. Admission is free.

While pursuing her communications degree at Indiana University, Schmidt, who now lives in Carmel, spent one semester studying the hobo culture, interviewing and conducting oral histories for what she fondly named “knights of the iron road.”

To learn from hundreds of old-timers, Schmidt put on her back-back and hit the road herself, riding freight trains across the country collecting notes for a book eventually published by Indiana University Press. She now travels in a 10-foot camper to do mission work and help on small church projects enroute.

The Sheridan Historical Society has been working to chronicle the hobo history of a small hobo stop along the Sheridan Monon Trail adjacent to Biddle Memorial Park.

The regular Sheridan Historical Society business meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. preceding the program.

For more information, contact the Sheridan Historical Society at (317) 758-5054.