Bucyrus in the National Spotlight: Celebrating the “After Ike” Documentary
On October 23, 2025, the Hord Family Farms Event Center in Bucyrus transformed into a hub of national history. The Crawford County History Alliance (CCHA) proudly hosted a special screening of After Ike: A Journey That Changed America, a documentary that traces the grueling 1919 U.S. Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy. This was a journey that directly inspired Dwight D. Eisenhower’s vision for the Interstate Highway System.
The event wasn’t just a film screening, but it was also a celebration of how our local community’s story is woven into the history of American progress.
A Sold-Out Success with Local Flavor
As noted on the official After Ike website, the sold-out event drew a full house of 150 guests, including state leaders like Todd Kleismit, Executive Director of the Ohio America 250 Commission.
The evening was a sensory trip back in time:
Historical Flavors: Guests enjoyed a dinner inspired by the Lincoln Highway era, featuring “Lincoln Highway Dressing” and Mamie Eisenhower’s own “Million Dollar Fudge” and sugar cookie recipes.
Curated Exhibits: The perimeter of the room was lined with historical photographs and miniature exhibits of Lincoln Highway memorabilia, carefully researched and displayed by CCHA member organizations.
National Heritage: The Castle Coin Shop of Bucyrus provided a special display of Eisenhower and Lincoln memorabilia, grounding the national story in local artifacts.
Bucyrus: The “Great American Crossroads”
One of the most moving moments of the night was seeing Bucyrus featured on the big screen. The documentary includes a dedicated segment on The Great American Crossroads mural at Millennium Park.
As reported by Crawford County Now, filmmaker Dr. Gregory F. Maassen highlighted how even “small” towns like Bucyrus played a massive role in the 1919 convoy’s success. Elaine Naples, CCHA Projects Director, noted during the event, “Seeing our mural and town onscreen alongside Eisenhower’s legacy is a reminder that our community’s history intersects with the nation’s story in profound ways.”
Looking Toward America 250
The screening served as an official launch for Ohio’s “film focus” within the America 250-OH celebrations. Beyond looking back, the event looked forward: donations collected during the evening went toward the Lincoln Highway Beautification Project, a collaborative initiative to ensure Crawford County remains a beautiful and vital part of the historic highway as we approach the national semiquincentennial in 2026.
As the credits rolled, the message was clear: whether it’s through a 1919 military convoy or a 2025 film screening, Bucyrus remains a essential stop on the road of American history.
Want to learn more? Visit the official After Ike website to watch trailers and explore the history of the 1919 convoy.
Check out our National Register of Historic Places page to see more local landmarks with deep historical roots.