Episode Information
The Old Leatherman
Aired:
12/19/2008
Host:
He lived in caves, walked thousands of miles, and relied on the kindness of strangers for food. Covered from head to toe in leather, nobody knew his real name. From 1856 to 1889, the Leather Man covered a 365 mile circuit every 34 days, over and over again, never speaking a word. Who was he? Why did he walk? Why the leather? More than 100 years later there are many more questions than answers. Dan DeLuca, a retired teacher and historian from Meridan, joins us today to talk about his new book, The Old Leather Man: Historical Accounts of a Connecticut and New York Legend.
Below - Pearl Jam performs their song, "Leatherman" - a tribute to this legendary figure.
