Submitted article
By Karen Scott, Hobo Day Committee Chairperson
Erma Kummerer of Fostoria has written a children’s book, Someday I’ll Ride a Train. This fun-filled book was written at the request of her cousin, Darla Turner, aka Auntie Darla who will be reading stories to the children attending Hobo Day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 at the T&OC Historic Train Station. Kummerer will be available to sell and sign her book as well.
Kummerer has roots in Bucyrus as well. Her mother, Tressie (Gatchell) Hammer, daughter of Homer and Floydie Erma Gatchell, was born and raised in Bucyrus. Erma is named after her grandmother, and wrote this poem that was published as a children’s book specifically for the Hobo Day event at the request of her cousin.
Born and raised in Fostoria, Ohio, Kummerer lived on a dead end street that was often frequented by the train hobos. They even had a regular campsite in this area. Kummerer says, “This is kind of a special day for us because my sister was born in Bucyrus and our mom grew up there. And now with our cousin, Darla, doing her Children’s Reading Circle and reading my poem to the kids and me there for my book signing event… well, it’s just all rather nice.”
Plan to attend Hobo Day, Saturday, May 24 from 10:00 to 3:00 p.m. and visit with Erma. Be sure to pick up a copy of her book.