'Hobo King' made a stop in Portland

Sixty years ago this week, Portland received a visit from an unconventional traveler. 

Sam H. Cole, who called himself the “hobo king,” stopped by Portland on June 11, 1957, while making his way to the annual Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa. He was hitchhiking through the country to promote the convention. 

While in the city, he shared some of his stories with Portland Lions Club in exchange for a meal at their evening meeting. 

He also stopped by The Commercial Review office for an interview. Cole told The CR staff he had been honored often while on the road, such as being proclaimed a colonel in Kentucky, Iowa and Louisiana, and an admiral in Nebraska and Oklahoma. He also said he had “life membership” certificates from Lions International and Junior Chamber of Commerce.  

Indiana was the 24th state on his tour. From Portland, he was headed to Lansing, Michigan, to meet with Gov. G. Mennen Williams. Cole then planned to swing back through Indianapolis on his way to Iowa. 

The National Hobo Convention has been held in Britt, Iowa, each year since 1900, according to the non-profit organization that organizes it. Now in its 117th year, the convention is planned for August 10 through 13 this year.