Birdcages, bathtubs and bigfoot are all a part of the American story. So is the life of Joe Medicine Crow and Tim Walz, our history of embracing conspiracy theories, and the inspiring story of people like Ralph Teetor. These stories are at the heart of what we have been doing for more than thirty years.

For years I listened to folks tell me that I had a gift for telling people where to go. So, I began inspiring road trips by telling people where to go. Intertwined with tales from the open road were stories of the American experience. That was the foundation for Jim Hinckley’s America.

Birdcages, Bathtubs and Bigfoot

Back in 1990 when I wrote an article about Myloe’s Fort Auto Parts in Fort Huachuca, Arizona for Special Interest Autos, the concept of Jim HInckley’s America wasn’t even an idea simmering in the back of my mind. Getting a check for my first published feature article was fulfillment of a childhood dream.

But after reality set in I decided not to quit the day job. After all, that was how I had paid the bills since getting my first real job at age 16.

My dearest friend had encouraged me to pursue that childhood dream. Now she encouraged me to dream big, and to dare to imagine.

And so I began writing articles about road trips, and David Buick’s plumbing business. Did you know that Buick invented the method for affixing porcelain to cast iron and began selling bathtubs as well as other plumbing fixtures? Judging by the letters received, a lot of people didn’t know this but they were also fascinated about David Buick’s other life.

America’s Story

America’s story is rich, diverse, colorful and complicated. In the annals of history it is unique. When a new project, another opportunity to share America’s story is presented, my thoughts turn to the words of Seantor John McCain in the farewell adress given shortly before his death.

“I lived and died a proud American. We are citizens of the world’s greatest republic, a nation of ideals, not blood and soil. We are blessed and are a blessing to humanity when we uphold and advance those ideals at home and in the world. We have helped liberate more people from tyranny and poverty than ever before in history. We have acquired great wealth and power in the process.

We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down, when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been.

We are three-hundred-and-twenty-five million opinionated, vociferous individuals. We argue and compete and sometimes even vilify each other in our raucous public debates. But we have always had so much more in common with each other than in disagreement. If only we remember that and give each other the benefit of the presumption that we all love our country we will get through these challenging times. We will come through them stronger than before. We always do.”

And I give thought to the American stories that I had been privileged to share. That includes the tales of conspiracy theories, grifters, and leaders. It is the story of Tammany Hall and an era of political corruption, and of John Lewis and his “good trouble.” And it is stories of innovation made manifest in a company that embraced changing times and moved from the manufacture of birdcages to luxury automobiles.

Next

Except for the final edit, the Route 66 centennial anthology is complete. So, I am turning attention toward new programs and projects.

On October 12, I will be speaking at the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association on Route 66 in Goffs, California. At the fundraising Rendezvous 2024, I will be speaking about travel in the desert southwest durinig the dawning of the American auto industry. 

Then at the Route 66 Miles of Possibility Conference on November 2 in Edwardsville, Illinois, I will be speaking about the evolution of Route 66 from highway to icon. This is a fascinating story and as with Route 66 itself, it is about the people. Innovators, visionaries and leaders like Cyrus Avery and John Woodruff, Michael Wallis and Bob Waldmire.

And I am excited about the next stages of Kingman Tours. This project is a microcosm of the American experience. It has morphed into a rich tapestry of colorful and inspirational people.

Jim Hinckley’s America 2025

Our weekly podcast on Podbean, Coffee With Jim is fast becoming a portal into the Jim Hinckley’s America experience. Our guests are full of inspiration, ideas, and passionate vision. They are business owners, community organizers, road trip enthusiasts, authors, and artists. They have a story to share.

In 2025 it is our plan to take this a step further. We are planning to add a video component to the programs. And we also plan to take the show on the road, literally. We have had several starts with this aspect, but think we now have everything in place.

Progress on Jim Hinckley’s America projects, and brainstoriming sessions, are shared on our Patreon based crowdfunding website. This is a look behind the curtain.

We are eagerly looking forward a few more road trips this year, and to 2025. But what really excites us is the opportunity to discover new chapters in the American story.