Visit my new site at www.brianbutko.com for up-to-date info!
LUNA: PITTSBURGH’S ORIGINAL LOST KENNYWOOD is a fun look back at turn-of the-20th-century amusement parks in Pittsburgh and the strange ways that Kennywood and Luna intertwine.
KENNYWOOD: BEHIND THE SCREAMS, POCKET EDITION is a fun, pocket-sized walking guide to the park and its history:
Look for the larger-than-life KENNYWOOD: BEHIND THE SCREAMS in 2019!
GREETINGS FROM THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY, CENTENNIAL EDITION is the ultimate guide to the road and its history. The edition adds updated maps, info, and 100 different images to the original. Click the cover to buy it on Amazon—out of print but available for Kindle. JUST ANNOUNCED: coming in Spring 2019, a third edition.
THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY: PHOTOS THROUGH TIME is a souvenir book I wrote, designed, and produced for the LHA. Click the cover to buy it from the LH Trading Post.
DINERS OF PENNSYLVANIA is a fun but serious look at the history, geography, and food of Pennsylvania’s beloved roadside eateries.
KLONDIKES, CHIPPED HAM, & SKYSCRAPER CONES: THE STORY OF ISALY’S
ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS and ROADSIDE GIANTS
I also edit and oversee projects for the Heinz History Center such as the book The Civil War in Pennsylvania: A Photographic History.
Books by Brian Butko 
Hi! And thank you for stimulating my interest in the Lincoln Highway. My significant other and I already have a copy of “The Lincoln Highway: Pennsylvania Traveler’s Guide (2nd ed.)” and I have begun to write about the highway this year on my own blog. I have a question. Just where exactly is the Lincoln Highway marker/sign in Times Square? I am going to Manhattan on Wednesday, May 1, for a meeting, and I would like to take a photo of the sign/marker.
Many thanks–Tom Berrigan
is there anyplace or way you can still get isaly’s rainbow ice cream??
Sorry James, no longer being made.
brian–I looked for you at the Archway on Monday, but I had to leave around 2 pm and the booth I was told you were at was empty. Glad you could make it later tho
I agree-the articles and news about the celebration –esp those by MJ Skala from the HUB would make a terrific book.
Brian, Really nice book on the Lincoln Highway and great pictures. One clarification: page 121 on Dixon, IL, says that Reagan lived here from 1920-1923. Actually he lived in Dixon until he graduated from college and went off to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1932. Also, the Dixon Welcome Center has a wonderful Lincoln Highway Interpretive Center, plus an outdoor kiosk has a 2nd Lincoln Highway display. Ann Lewis, Dixon, IL
Hi Ann, and sorry for the long response time, just seeing these notes. That sentence is referring to that particular house but thanks for the added info. Also, great to see the new kiosks being built since my book came out, exciting times for Lincoln Highway fans!
Hi Brian! I’m a public media (PBS member station WHYY) producer working on a documentary about Delaware’s DuPont Highway. I wonder whether you or anyone you’ve come across in your travels and research might be a fit for our show. Mind dropping me a line at dburrows@whyy.org, or giving me a call at 856.287.9098?
Thank you! I really enjoy the work you do.
Hi Danielle, and sorry for the long response time, just seeing these notes. I don’t know much about the Dupont but I’m sure your show is long finished, I hope it turned out well!
My grandfather used to own the Isaly’s at Great Western, on West Broad Street, Columbus Ohio. He is 87 and I have been trying to find photos of the restaurant. I have found articles, but not a single photo?? Can you help?
Hi Matt, and sorry for the long response time, just seeing these notes. I don’t have a photo of that store but will make a note to keep an eye out for it. Isaly’s wasn’t in Columbus very long so it’s neat to hear about people who worked in one of their stores there!
Brian, Thank you! I received the The Story of Isaly’s as a gift. You see, I am an “Isaly”. We still reside in Monroe County, Ohio where Verona and Christian Isaly settled. Your book had me digging out my family tree and tracing all the Isalys mentioned in the book. Thanks for taking me back!
Jill (Isaly) Schumacher
Hi Jill, and sorry for the long response time, just seeing these notes. Nice to hear from you and I’m glad my book inspired some family tree discussion! I enjoyed my visit to your area, beautiful country.
Brian, I assume that the Klondike book is out-of-print since it goes to Amazon suppliers with just one copy? Thanks. Tom Neel from Samuel Isaly Library of the Ohio Genealogical Society
Hi Tom, and sorry for the long response time, just seeing these notes. I believe it’s out of print. The publisher was also recently bought out so I’ve not been able to get an answer but considering its age, it’s likely out of print, sorry to say for all of us!
Hi Mr. Butko!
How often are you at the Heinz Museum?
Thanks!
-Emily
Hi Emily, I am there most days ~ if you’re ever in Pittsburgh, stop by, it’s an interesting place!
Hi Brian,
I am documentary filmmaker from the UK, and am interested in exploring a film about Roadside Attractions for a channel over here. I discovered you are an expert in this area, and was wondering if you be interested in chatting to me more? Id prefer email but couldn’t find your address – mine is jan@buzzfilms.co.uk
Regards
Jan
Hi Brian,
My grandparents met at the Isaly’s in Lima, OH and have been married for well over 60 years now. I was wondering if you happened to have a picture of this Isaly’s location? I have looked elsewhere but can only find the a picture of the Youngstown location.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thank you kindly,
Kristina
Hi Kristina, what a great story! I’m not sure I have a photo of Lima but I’ll look. I’m also going to publish a new book on Isaly’s, may take a year or two, but maybe more will turn up. I also run an Isaly’s group on Facebook where we could ask. ~Brian
Brian:
My brother and I just completed (AUG 16-26, 2018) a west-to-east trip on the LH using your Lincoln Highway Companion as one of the primary references. Using your detailed maps, we were able to find/see most of the “must see” places you mention (including four of the five photos on the cover). I’ve been a “highway buff” for many years, and lived in Pittsburgh for six of those. I’d love to talk with you the next time I’m in town.
Bob Williams
Baltimore, MD