Bygone Book Club to Explore Nebraska Trucking Legacy in “The Man from Worms”

Grand Island, Neb. — Travel from the streets of Germany to the wide-open plains of Nebraska as the Grand Island Public Library and Hall County Historical Society’s Bygone Book Club returns on Saturday, August 16 at 11:30 a.m. (Note: This meeting date reflects a change from the club’s regular second Saturday schedule.)

This month’s featured title is The Man from Worms by William F. Arendt, a compelling family history that traces the journey of the Bostlemann (now Bosselman) family from Germany to central Nebraska. The story follows Fred Bosselman’s entrepreneurial rise as he lays the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the Midwest trucking industry, right near Worms, Nebraska.

Local historian Barbara Graves will guide the discussion, offering insight into this inspiring story of ambition, resilience and the immigrant spirit that helped shape Nebraska’s economic landscape. Through the lens of one family’s experience, the book offers readers a window into the birth of modern transportation and commerce in the Great Plains.

The Bygone Book Club is a collaborative effort between the Grand Island Public Library and the Hall County Historical Society. Each month, local historians lead engaging discussions on books that focus on the history of Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska or the surrounding region. Attendees can join individual sessions based on their interest in the featured book or topic, and the complete reading list is available at https://gilibrary.org/services/adult-services/book-clubs.

Free library cards are available to individuals who live in or own property within Hall County. For the latest news and events, visit www.gilibrary.org or follow the library on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please contact Reference and Collections Services Librarian Shaun Klee at [email protected].