The Enduring Legend of the Leatherman

Of all the legendary figures who have come through Connecticut, few have had the staying power or notoriety that The Leatherman has achieved.

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For six years during the late 1800s, this so-called "hobo" hiked the same, 364-mile, circuitous route every 34 days like clockwork. Residents could predict when he would return to their town. Wearing a self-made suit of leather, from head to toe, he conversed with no one and slept in caves. A Woodbury journalist is said to have started the largest hoax associated with The Leatherman – a contrived identity, which was not true, but which many people believed. Hear about The Leatherman from noted Connecticut podcaster and storyteller Mike Allen.  

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Mike Allen specializes in bringing local history to life, through his background in journalism, radio broadcasting, podcasting and public speaking. He is the producer and host of the popular podcast on Connecticut history, Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut's Beaten Path. For 10 years, Mike was News Director at radio station i-95 FM (WRKI-FM) before becoming Press Secretary to the Mayor of Danbury. Mike has lived in Connecticut for more than 50 years and currently resides in Danbury.

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