Contributors to After Ike

The journey to produce "After Ike" has been one paved with meticulous research, dedication, and a profound respect for history. We delved deep into the annals of time, exploring archives, diaries, and long-forgotten records to bring to life the momentous 1919 Transcontinental Military Convoy.

This was not a journey undertaken alone. To ensure the authenticity and accuracy of our narrative, we consulted historians, industry experts and archivists. Their insights and expertise were instrumental in shaping this documentary, allowing us to paint a vivid and accurate portrait of this pivotal moment in American history. 

The following experts contribute to our documentary on camera, providing their insights and knowledge about this significant event.

Brian Butko

Since the 1980s, Mr. Brian Butko has delved into the realm of popular history, exploring topics such as diners, roadside attractions, the legacy of Isaly's dairy with its iconic Klondike bar, the Lincoln Highway, and the renowned Kennywood Park.

Brian was recognized by the Pittsburgh City Paper as the Best Local Writer between 2017 and 2019.  Additionally, he holds the position of editor at the Western Pennsylvania History magazine and is the designer for the Society for Commercial Archeology Journal. He is currently Director of Public Relations of the Heinz Center in Pittsburgh.

Jim Cassler

Jim is the East Ohio Chapter President of the Ohio Lincoln Highway Association and owner of the Lincoln Highway Trading Post.

He has been instrumental in keeping the legacy of the Lincoln Highway alive. He is known for his unwavering commitment and dedication to educating the public about the historical and cultural significance of this iconic route.

Kay Shelton Kozak

Kay is the president and Illinois chapter state director of the Lincoln Highway Association. Under her leadership, this nationwide organization tirelessly advocates for the recognition and preservation of the historic Lincoln Highway.

The Association, through various initiatives, not only promotes the rich history of this iconic route but also endeavors to keep the legacy of the Lincoln Highway alive for future generations.

She is notably recognized for her extensive tenure as the president of the Lincoln Highway Association.

Joyce and Bob Ausberger

The Ausbergers have been involved with the Lincoln Highway Association for over three decades, journeying and exploring the historic path in depth. They are the owners of the Lincoln Highway Museum in Grand Junction, Iowa.

Long-standing members and supporters of the Lincoln Highway Association, the Ausbergers have given numerous lectures including "Traveling the Lincoln Highway" to historical societies.

Ed Avila

Ed Avila is not just a name associated with the Wheat Growers Hotel; he's an embodiment of its legacy. A fervent devotee of the landmark hotel in Kimball, Avila's journey with this treasure trove of local history spans decades.

The hotel, rich in architectural beauty and stories from the past, has seen guests like Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and William Howard Taft. 

Cyndy Ryan

Cyndy is more than just the director of the Lincoln Highway Center in Shelton, Nebraska; she's a bridge to a bygone era. Under her watchful eye, the center becomes a time capsule, capturing the rich history of the Lincoln Highway. 

With an array of original highway markers, postcards, and vintage memorabilia, Ryan's dedication ensures that visitors get a genuine feel of the highway's storied past.

Jim Hogan

Jim is renowned for his expertise in restoring vintage trucks, a skill he passionately exercises as a volunteer at the FWD Seagrave Museum in Clintonville, Wisconsin. His contributions to the museum highlight his deep commitment and exceptional skills in the field of vintage vehicle restoration.

Hogan's work at the museum involves meticulous restoration processes, bringing life back to historical trucks, each with its own unique story and significance.

Terry D. Lorge

Terry, a former Clintonville Police Chief, was honored as the 2020 Community Hero for his extensive service to the Clintonville area. Despite retiring, Lorge continues to contribute significantly to the community. His career at the Clintonville Police Department spanned from 1978 to 2016, culminating as chief of police.

He holds the position of Director at the FWD Seagrave Museum in Clintonville, Wisconsin, where he is at the forefront of guiding the museum's development and growth.

Marcia Olen

Marcia, carrying on the legacy of her grandfather Walter A. Olen, a distinguished lawyer from Clintonville, plays an integral role in preserving automotive history. Continuing this rich heritage, Marcia is an esteemed member of the board at the FWD Foundation supporting the FWD Seagrave Museum in Clintonville, Wisconsin.

Walter A. Olen was a pivotal figure in the automotive industry, serving as the inaugural president of FWD and steering the company for many years following the innovative development by William Besserdich and Otto Zachow, who engineered a system to power all four wheels of a vehicle.

Mark Thomas

Mark is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the FWD Foundation. He is a driving force in making the FWD Seagrave Museum in Clintonville, Wisconsin a vibrant and essential part of the community, preserving the legacy of FWD Seagrave.

Thomas's commitment ensures that the museum remains a vital, educational, and inspiring part of the community, bridging past achievements with future possibilities in automotive technology.

Lydia Beck

Lydia is the driving force behind Carson City, Nevada's tourism marketing and public relations. In her role, she masterfully blends creativity with strategic insight to promote the city's unique charm across various platforms, especially social media.

Lydia's innovative campaigns and adept storytelling have significantly elevated Carson City's appeal along the Loneliest Highway in America (Route 50 in Nevada) as a vibrant destination, inviting tourists to explore its rich cultural and natural beauty.

Michael Owen

A former US Ambassador, Michael dedicated three decades of his life to serving as a Foreign Service Officer, with assignments spanning various nations in Africa and Asia.

Now settled in his homeland, he relishes the joys of exploring the US, having journeyed across the Lincoln Highway multiple times in the footsteps of Ike Eisenhower. While he has penned several short stories that found homes in literary magazines, "After Ike" marks his debut in the world of full-length books and documentary filmmaking.

John Nicholson

John, currently serving as the Vice Chairman of Franklin Creek State Natural Area and a key member of the Franklin Creek Conservation Association, has made significant contributions to the community of Franklin Grove, Illinois. 

His dedication to community building is evident in his pivotal role in restoring the Lincoln Highway Interpretive Center, housed in the historic H. I. Lincoln Building. John's commitment to preserving and celebrating the town's heritage, particularly through this restoration and his conservation efforts, highlights his deep connection to and impact on the Franklin Grove community.

Robin Pennell

Robin Pennell resides in Van Wert, Ohio where she wears many hats within her community. She is known for her dedication to education, actively contributing as a teacher, where her impact is felt among her students and colleagues alike.

Beyond the classroom, Robin extends her expertise to the broader community through her work as a journalist. Her writings not only inform the local populace but also engage them on matters of communal importance, fostering a well-informed and connected community.

American University

"After Ike" was made possible through the mentorship of Program Director Professor Randall Blair and his colleagues at American University's School of Communication, Producing Film, Television, and Video Master's Program.

We are grateful to the following faculty members: Russell Williams (AU, Oscar Laureate), Adele Schmidt (Docs in Progress/Zeitgeist Media), Don Fish (Pescado Productions), Elliot Wagner (Warner Brothers Discovery), Leah Montesano (Warner Brothers Discovery), Matt McNevin (The Phages - 2018), Olivia Foster (Discovery Communications), Melissa Daoulas (Melissa's Creative Media), Jean McGee (AU Senior Graduate Academic Advisor), Tariq Nadim (AU Graduate Academic Advisor).

Andrew (Andy) McCaskey

We want to express our profound gratitude to Andy McCaskey of the Elkhart Rotary Club and the Indiana Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association for their remarkable support and enthusiasm.

Martin Smit

Martin is our talented graphic designer who is responsible for the project's branding. He designed the "After Ike" logo and its color palette.

SPECIAL THANKS

(In alphabetical order)

Prof. Adele Schmidt
Andrew (Andy) McCaskey
Annerieke Owen
Barbara Valentino

Community Foundation for Crawford County - Projects Inc.
Dan Manatt
Docs in Progress
Prof. Don Fish
Elaine Naples
Eric Grohe

FWD Seagrave Museum staff and volunteers
Jane Mahoney
Janet Katz
Jim and Roxann Gerstenslager

Jeff Blair
JoAnne Bordeaux and Doug Whall
Lincoln Highway Association
Lincoln Highway Association Indiana Chapter
Lincoln Highway Museum - Grand Junction (Iowa)

Martin Smit
Morningdew Media Productions (Bitwig Training)
Ohio Humanities - Rebecca Brown Asmo

PluginGuru - John "Skippy" Lehmkuhl
Prof. Randall Blair
Roland Millman
Senator John Heinz History Center

Shelton Historical Interpretive Center and
Lincoln Highway Center
Susan Goldstein
Visit Carson City
Wheat Growers Hotel

ARCHIVAL MATERIALS COURTESY OF

American University Library
Colo Historical Association
Delaware Public Archives
Eisenhower Presidential Library
FWD Seagrave Museum
Library of Congress
Lincoln Highway Association
University of Michigan
New York Public Library
United States Military Academy Library

© Wandel Guides 2025