Welcome to Past and PenHosted by: Rosie Talley, Author of Linus the Troll

Produced by: Sweet Meadowlark Stories

Author Website: https://sweetmeadowlark.wixsite.com/stories

Email: pastandpen@gmail.com

In this episode of Past and Pen, we hit the open road with real stories of invention, adventure, and determination. Meet Bertha Benz, the trailblazing woman who took the very first road trip in a motor car—proving to the world that the future of travel had arrived. With clever fixes (and a hatpin or two), Bertha's 66-mile journey changed everything.

Then, take a pit stop in France, where two brothers created the Michelin Guide—a clever way to sell more tires that eventually became one of the most prestigious restaurant awards in the world.

Finally, we cruise across the United States on the Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental road—and discover how it helped spark America’s love for road trips (with a young Dwight D. Eisenhower along for the ride!).

Reading List: “Read Trip”

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Bertha Takes a Drive by Jan Adkins

Road Trip Fun Facts For Kids by Ben Clardy

Road Trip! by Gary Paulsen

The Sun Will Come Out by Joanne Levy

Road Trip with Max and His Mom by Linda Urban

The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser

For grown-ups:

The Lincoln Highway: A Novel by Amor Towles

Writing Prompt: “Wheel-y Fun Writing Prompt”

Imagine you're Bertha Benz in 1888, setting off on the world’s first long-distance car trip. What do you see, hear, and feel? What unexpected challenges do you face—and how do you solve them?

Send your stories or art to pastandpen@gmail.com. I might feature them on a future episode!

Question of the Month:

What’s one special memory you made this summer?

Become a Patreon member for as little as $1 to send in your answer and unlock fun extras like early access and birthday shoutouts.

Looking for more summer reading adventures?Check out Wander and Wonder: A Literary Adventure—a book club for kids and grown-ups with activities, recipes, and more:

New episodes drop every other Tuesday at 4 PM—so let history repeat itself and tune in!