In 1930, my two uncles, Arthur Lyon and Joe Lyon Jr, ages 25 and 21 years respectively, drove their 1929 Ford Model A roadster from New York City to Managua, Nicaragua, all under their own power. They had scant financial backing for the expedition, and had to negotiate with numerous government and private officials along the way, including gaining permission from the Mexican railroad authority to drive on the tracks, with special wheels mounted on the car for the purpose. The brothers researched the route they would be taking, and have included numerous details about the geography, history and politics of the areas they traversed. They met up with many interesting characters along the way, and were met with a variety of receptions, at times being seen as celebrities and at other times dealing with or avoiding hostile legal officials.

Following the brothers’ return home, Arthur wrote the story of their amazing journey into a book at the request of E.W. James of the Bureau of Public Roads. A few copies were made, but the book has never been published until now. My wish for many years has been to have the book published formally. After some short-lived attempts at getting the project started, it lay fallow. Then, through a chance conversation with my friend Sally Denton, author of numerous books and articles, I received the support and advice I needed to bring the project to fruition. Sally’s friend Joanna Hurley agreed to act as my agent. She contacted a publisher, George Thompson, who showed great interest in publishing the book. George then put me in touch with Denis Wood, who has edited the book and added many footnotes providing more information on the geography and history of the areas through which my uncles’ journey took them.

My friend Sally Denton, a prize-winning author and Nevada native, graciously provided the introduction for the book. In addition, at the request of the publisher, George Thompson, I wrote a preface including interesting information about the family history that led up to the two uncles’ amazing adventure and some of their later business dealings, which were also adventuresome and innovative.

As the publisher requires funding for publication up front, I’ve started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds. If you’d like to help in that way, please visit the Go Fund Me site for more information. Otherwise, please keep checking this website for further information on publication, book signing events, etc.

I plan to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book in Jenn’s name to fund breast cancer research and awareness.

Go Fund Me site: https://www.gofundme.com/27esj5nu

Thank you for your interest in my project,

Larry Lyon