By May 23, 2022 1:15 p.m.
BUCYRUS – History will be made on Hobo Day this year when the long-awaited “Down to Earth” book series finally makes its debut.
The three-volume set – a history of Bucyrus and Crawford County – will be available Saturday for the Bucyrus Preservation Society’s annual Hobo Day at the Toledo & Ohio Central Depot. As a bonus, author Jim Croneis will be there to sign copies.
“The content that’s in there, I’m so happy with how it all came out,” said Fred Fischer, chairman of the book publishing project for the city’s bicentennial celebration last year.
“There’s just a wealth of information in there. We’re really excited about it.
The book signing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to coincide with Hobo Day activities at the restored station, 700 E. Rensselaer Street. Those who pre-ordered books can also pick them up, with additional copies available for purchase, Fischer said.
The series, printed by Herald Printing in New Washington, is a reprint of articles published in the Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum when Croneis was the newspaper’s longtime editor and devoted more than 20 years to writing “Down to Earth”, Fischer said.
The articles trace the rich history of Bucyrus since its founding 201 years ago, as well as its schools, businesses and railroads, he said. Also included are stories and photos of Johnny Appleseed, Colonel William Crawford, and other Crawford County folklore.
Hobo Day this year promises a great range of food, crafts and entertainment, according to the Preservation Society’s Mary Lee Minor. Visitors will also have the chance to see ongoing restoration work inside the 1892 station, she said.
Everything from homemade pies and pretzels to hot corn and slushies will be available, Minor said.
Handcrafted items will include cards, wreaths, centerpieces, wooden toys, furniture, flower pots and even an array of fresh cut flowers and bedding plants.
Copies of “About Bucyrus,” written by Dr. Daniel Arnold for the city’s Sesquicentennial, will also be available Saturday. Proceeds from book sales are shared between the Preservation Society, the Bucyrus Historical Society, and Norton Bicentennial, Inc., a nonprofit arm of the Bicentennial Commission.