BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW) The spirit of American history and the open road came alive in Bucyrus on October 23rd as community leaders, historians, and state leaders gathered at the Hord Family Farms Event Center for a special screening of After Ike, a nationally acclaimed documentary tracing the 1919 U.S. Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy—a grueling cross-country expedition that helped shape America’s modern highway system.

Hosted by the Crawford County History Alliance (CCHA), the event celebrated both national and local heritage, shining a special light on Bucyrus’s own place in the film. A segment of After Ike features the city’s Great American Crossroads mural, where Ambassador Michael S. Owen, the film’s author and director, spoke about President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s role in transforming America’s infrastructure.

A National Story with Local Roots

The 1919 military convoy, comprising more than 300 soldiers and 81 heavy vehicles, embarked on a 3,251-mile journey from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco along the Lincoln Highway. The purpose of the Army’s expedition was to determine whether motorized vehicles could move troops and supplies effectively across the vast American landscape, as World War I had underscored the importance of mechanized support.

Among its ranks was a young Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who would later become the Supreme Commander of the European Theater Allied Forces in World War II and the 34th President of the United States.

The harrowing expedition—beset by mud, quicksand, and mechanical failures—proved the necessity of a connected, reliable highway network. It inspired Eisenhower’s later vision for the Interstate Highway System, which revolutionized travel and commerce across the nation.

“After Ike doesn’t just tell a military story—it tells America’s story,” said Director and Executive Producer Dr. Gregory F. Maassen, who led the Q&A session after the screening. “It’s about innovation, perseverance, and how one journey changed the course of our country.”

Dr. Maassen is an award-winning documentary filmmaker with more than two decades of experience in editing and audio-visual production. His work spans diverse assignments across the globe.  He earned a Master’s in TV & Film Production at American University and a PhD in Business Administration.  As a Fulbright Scholar, he draws on a rich academic and professional background to bring a unique perspective to his work.

During the Q&A session, Dr. Maassen shared some personal anecdotes about the logistics and complications arising out of filming hundreds of locations across the country. The film begins in Washington, D.C., then continues west through Ohio and many other states, ultimately ending at the Lincoln Highway Western Terminus in Lincoln Park in San Francisco.  In addition to present-day footage highlighting countless communities, there is also a vast amount of historical footage documenting the difficult journey. Dr. Maassen visited Bucyrus three times to ultimately film both on-the-ground and drone footage of the Great American Crossroads mural and the Crawford County Courthouse.

Dr. Maassen, who holds dual citizenship in both Holland and America, also expressed his profound love for the freedoms enjoyed in the U.S. as well as America’s varied and beautiful landscapes.

Learn more about After Ike here:  https://after-ike.com/

Bucyrus in the Spotlight

For Bucyrus, the film represented a proud moment of recognition on the national stage. The Great American Crossroadsmural—created in 1999—features Eisenhower among other prominent figures, as well as the Lincoln Highway logo.

“Having Bucyrus featured in After Ike is an incredible honor,” said Elaine Naples, Projects Director for the Crawford County History Alliance. “This documentary gives us a chance to showcase how our community’s history intersects with the nation’s story.  Seeing our mural and town onscreen alongside Eisenhower’s legacy, is a reminder that even small towns play a big part in America’s journey.”

As the credits rolled and applause filled the Hord Family Farms Event Center, the sentiment was clear:  Bucyrus may be a small town, but its connection to America’s great highway story continues to run wide and deep.

Celebrating History, Building for the Future

The evening began with a buffet dinner inspired by Lincoln Highway-era recipes such as Lincoln Highway Dressing and some of Ike and Mamie Eisenhower’s favorite dishes, including Green Bean Almondine, Mamie’s Million Dollar Fudge, Mamie’s Sugar Cookies, Frosted Mint Delight, and a “Mud” dessert as a culinary tribute to the grueling road conditions faced by the army. The entire meal was made all through the volunteer efforts of Sarah & Elwood Gebhardt, Doris Jones, Becky Laipply, Sarah Laipply, Roberta Siniff, and Sandy Wertz.

Historical photographs, interpretive historical banners, and miniature exhibits of Lincoln Highway memorabilia were displayed around the perimeter of the room—all collected, researched, and created by various members of the Crawford County History Alliance.  Eisenhower and Lincoln memorabilia and coins were displayed compliments of The Castle Coin Shop of Bucyrus.  Beautiful Lincoln Highway-themed floral centerpieces were made by the Earth, Wind, and Flowers Garden Club.

Guests included community leaders, various foundation board members, mayors, county commissioners, and representatives from across the state, including Ohio Humanities Executive Director, Rebecca Asmo and America 250-OH Commission Executive Director, Todd Kleismit.  Lincoln Highway Dignitaries included: Ohio Lincoln Highway Association State Director, Scott Little; Lincoln Highway Trading Post Owner, Jim Cassler; Ohio Lincoln Highway Historic Byway Executive Director, Mike Hocker (retired); Mid-Ohio Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Secretary, Nancy Hocker; and National Lincoln Highway Board of Directors At-Large, Jim Gerstenslager.

Donations collected during the event will support the upcoming “Lincoln Highway Beautification Project,” a community initiative spearheaded by the Crawford County History Alliance, the Earth, Wind & Flowers Garden Club, and Rotary’s Youth Interact Clubs.  The project is part of ongoing efforts leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, ensuring Crawford County remains a vital part of Ohio’s and the nation’s historical landscape.

Crawford County History Alliance:  Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

Founded in 2022, the Crawford County History Alliance has quickly become a driving force for local preservation and education, uniting 14 historical and cultural organizations under one umbrella. The After Ike screening exemplified that mission—bringing together groups and generations to celebrate the resilience and ambition that define America.

Visit the CCHA’s new website at: https://crawfordcountyhistoryalliance.org/ to view their upcoming events and donate to their cause.