An old hotel, a small town, and the birthplace of the Gideons in Boscobel, Wisconsin Watch on VCY.tv
Transcript: We’re just south of the town of Boscobel, Wisconsin—along the Wisconsin River. Boscobel is one of those quiet towns you might drive right past without noticing, but it’s a beautiful area with rich history.
There’s an interesting historical marker here commemorating a chance meeting between two Christian businessmen back in September 1898. This was in the era of traveling salesmen—like the ones in The Music Man—who went from town to town by train or buggy. Hotels were often full, and private rooms weren’t always available; guests frequently had to share.
In this case, two traveling salesmen—John H. Nicholson from Janesville and Samuel E. Hill from Beloit—ended up sharing Room 19 at the Central House Hotel (later known as the Boscobel Hotel). They didn’t know each other at first, and neither realized the other was a fellow believer.
As the story goes, one of them asked, “Do you mind if I keep the light on for a little while? It’s my practice to read from the Bible each night before bed.” The other replied, “Please do—I’m a believer, too.”
That simple exchange sparked an idea. They discussed the need for an organization to support Christian commercial travelers and provide mutual encouragement. Though the first formal meeting of what became Gideons International happened later in Janesville, the Gideons have always recognized this hotel room in Boscobel as the birthplace of their movement.
About a year later, as their group grew, they decided to take action: place Bibles in hotel rooms across the country so other travelers could find spiritual comfort and guidance. Today, Gideons International has distributed well over two billion copies of God’s Word (that’s billion with a “b”) in hotels, hospitals, schools, and other places around the world.
Right here at the historical marker—near the site of that original hotel—you’ll often find free Gideon New Testaments available for the taking. It’s a fitting spot to reflect on this small-town beginning that grew into a global ministry. If you’re ever passing through Boscobel, stop by and pick one up—it’s a tangible piece of that inspiring story.