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How John McGivern’s PBS Shows Inspired a West Bend Family’s Travel Tradition
For the Wickert women of West Bend, John McGivern’s Emmy-award winning PBS shows aren’t just for viewing pleasure—they’re a roadmap to adventure.
Nancy and Lawrence “Flicky” Wickert had dreams of traveling together after retirement. Flicky, like his father, had been the trusted “Barton Barber” for 45 years, while Nancy served as a U.S. Postal worker, with a beloved route along Little Cedar Lake. In the early 2000s the couple was winding down to the conclusion of their careers; however, their retirement plans were upended when doctors diagnosed Flicky with pancreatic cancer in May 2006. He passed away three months later, before either had officially retired.
Grief settled in, but even on Nancy’s loneliest days, she continued to find joy in watching Milwaukee native John McGivern on PBS. She especially liked his Around the Corner and Main Streets shows where he tours cities in Wisconsin and surrounding states, highlighting what makes them unique. Before long, Nancy’s three daughters—Lori, Lynn, and Lisa—hatched a plan to help their mom fulfill her retirement bucket list, with Lisa stepping up to photograph and capture their adventures and the memories made together.
“Anytime any of us girls saw her happy was when she was watching John McGivern,” said Lynn. “She would watch and say, ‘Oh, that would be a nice place to visit.’ So, we started lining it up and booking it. Everything John did on his program we would do. He was like our travel agent that did all the research for us.”
Taking in the Main Streets
And so, a tradition was born.
From the sleepy streets of Chesterton, Indiana—where they stayed in a repurposed boxcar—to the tulip-lined charm of Holland, Michigan, the Wickert women took tragedy and turned it into treasured time together. They’ve visited about a dozen of McGivern’s destinations so far, and they have no plans of stopping. Depending on health, the women make about two trips a year. A favorite day trip was to Greendale, Wisconsin.
Originally intended for their mother, the trips have become a source of support for the sisters as well. When Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer, she leaned on her sisters and mother for encouragement, and Lynn has been finding solace in the group after the passing of her husband, Randy Hansen, who owned Piggly Wiggly stores in Slinger, Jackson, Hubertus, and Saukville.
“We help each other out and we’re there for each other,” said Lynn.
That’s not just words, it’s the Wickert way. None of the sisters moved far from West Bend in adulthood. They—along with their brothers, who anchor both ends of the sibling chain—grew up close (though the youngest eventually moved to Arizona for his job).
West Bend on the big screen
When Main Streets announced an episode featuring West Bend, the women’s excitement was immediate. The episode is now available for viewing on PBS, but prior to its premiere the City of West Bend held a pre-showing at The Bend Theater on Tuesday night, April 22. Although the Wickerts had seen McGivern host other premiers, the West Bend event was the first time they got to properly meet him.
“He was just as warm in real life as he is on TV,” Lori said. “My mom was blown away.”
The four gave the episode a resounding thumbs up. They’ve already visited every stop featured in their hometown episode, but they’re entertaining the idea of setting aside a day to revisit some of the stops that were highlighted. For them, the joy of West Bend living is in the small shops, the community feel, the familiar echoes of a childhood they shared and that McGivern reflects in his shows.
Because for the Wickert women, this isn’t just a travel tradition. It’s a legacy of togetherness and never letting go of the ones you’ve lost—by finding joy in the places they would’ve loved.
And wherever John McGivern goes next, the Wickert women are sure to follow.
Visit us!
The Wickert women have toured your city; how about visit theirs? West Bend is 30 minutes north of Milwaukee in Washington County. It is located in the heart of the Kettle Moraine region, situated along the scenic Milwaukee River. It’s known for its charming historic downtown, award-winning parks, and access to outdoor activities, like trails and lakes. The Wickerts highly recommend a visit to the Labyrinth Garden, located in Regner Park. The women are regular volunteers there each summer and call it a “must see.”