Tidbits from the Trail

A Hoover Hotel. 8/15/2026 dwm

 It's a part of United States history that isn't discussed much. 

 You can read about the Great Depression and learn about the joblessness and hardships a quarter of the population had making ends meet.

 Some folks took to the rails seeking a job or an opportunity. As individuals ran into multiple dead-ends, they called their less-than-ideal circumstances as "Hoover Hotels," sarcastically giving President Herbert Hoover the credit for their homes. 

 The Lions Club in Wonewoc, Wisconsin moved the town's "Hoover Hotel" off a floodplain to higher ground. Before it was used by folks known as "hobos" at the time, it served as the small community's city jail.

The framework made it easier to carry. 8/15/26 

The morning of our visit, townspeople gathered to carry the four walls and roof from its place in a floodplain two blocks to a more prominent location near The 400 State Bike Trail and across from the village hall.

When I took a few photos Saturday afternoon, I wasn't aware that it was moved into place that morning. After learning about the move, the extra framing inside the building was a practical and efficient way to move it.

There is already a trailside park available for long-distance bicyclists to stay in Wonewoc overnight. According the local Lions Club they expect to host people again, explaining that during the depression the village welcomed hobos who were routinely arrested and beaten elsewhere.

A Bicycle Tree. 8/15/26 dwm

 Just a few steps from the Hoover Hotel is the famous Wonewoc Bicycle Christmas Tree.

 There are four bikes, a few of them vintage, on four levels with a three-wheel push bike at the very top. 

 A close look at the tree's center reveals that it served as an auger during it's working life, I suppose it's final mission was anchoring the tree just feet from the 400 State Trail. It was decorated with United States flags to celebrate the country's 250th birthday.  

 Wonewoc was holding a village party the day we rode through their town with a farmer's market and a food truck.

 Our trip back to Reedsburg included almost 20 minutes there. There was a seat adjustment for the Schwinn and an attempt to put more air in the rear tire. Unfortunately, the pump provided didn't connect, instead the inner tube lost all its air, we crossed the street to get air at a gas station.  

The Wonewoc Bicycle Christmas Tree. (Trail is in front of tent.) 8/15/2026 dwm