In the era of roller derbies, 30-day dance contests and walkathons, Otto Funk's whimsical journey was an attempt to draw attention to his abilities as an old-time fiddler and durable walker.

On April 29, 1928, he had been featured in a cover story in the St. Louis Globe-Democrat's rotogravure Magazine section (complete with a rare color photograph), and this publicity sparked his interest in making a national name for himself.

For many years, he managed a popular music and recreational venue known as “Funk’s Lake” in rural Montgomery County, having created a large fishing pond by digging out a cornfield with a mule and plow.

Otto Funk's cross-country trek began in New York on June 28, 1928, when he was seen off by Democratic presidential candidate Al Smith on the steps of City Hall.

He was accompanied on his trip by his son-in-law, Lester Grundy, who drove behind in a Ford motor car that served as dressing room, storage facility and sleeping quarters.