The Historic RailPark & Train Museum announces its newest exhibit gallery opening June 20 with “Hobo Times”.  Delve into the history and mystique of Hobos through Hobo Nickel folk art, Hobo symbols interpreted into quilts, and a Hobo Jungle.

“The history of the American Hobo began after the Civil War as soldiers made their way home with no funds to pay for transportation”, states Sharon Tabor, Executive Director. “The peak of Hobo culture transpired with the advent of the Great Depression.  Adults and teenagers alike rode the rails looking for a better life.  Hobo camps, called Jungles, appeared across America with their own rules and culture.  Hobo’s created their own form of folk art by re-carving the face of the Indian Head nickel into other images.  Hobo nickels were used as tokens in exchange for food, clothes, lodging and other means of commerce.  In conjunction with the National Money Museum we are able to tell this fascinating story of the Hobo Nickel” she states.

Hobo Symbols appeared on buildings, fences and trees as a means of communication to other transit people telling them of the good or bad experiences they would encounter at that location.  Creative Quilters Guild, a local quilting group, has re-created Hobo Symbols into fabric art.  The “Hobo Quilt” exhibit opens June 20 with an appearance by Debra Henninger, author and creator of “Hobo Quilts”. Mrs. Henninger will be presenting her “Hobo Quilts” trunk show from 10AM-12PM and 1-3PM at the Historic RailPark & Train Museum.  The Hobo Quilt exhibit and presentation is free and open to the public.

The grand opening events will climax with a Hobo Ball starting at 6PM. Food, drink and music by Barren River Trio.  Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25.  Historic RailPark & Train Museum, 401 Kentucky St., Bowling Green, KY. 270-745-7317. www.historicrailpark.com