Binky the Buzzard tips his wings to Hinckley’s bicentennial
by Chris Studor
For more than 40 years, Binky the Buzzard has graced the cover of The Hinckley Record’s March issue. In keeping with tradition, Binky takes the front cover again this year in honor of both his founder, Karl Kastl Jr., who passed away in 2024, and the township’s upcoming 200th birthday.
Not long after his father’s passing, Karl Kastl lll expressed his desire to maintain the tradition of featuring his father’s work on the magazine’s front cover every March. His thought was to recycle some of Binky’s former covers and, after combing through stacks of previous issues, Kastl III found one that embodied the sentiment of Kastl Jr.’s years of artistic contribution and the upcoming bicentennial celebration, which will take place on Saturday, July 19. Fittingly, the one he chose included a sketch of his father’s own face on the cover.
Kastl lll said his father found his inspiration for Binky after seeing a drawing in a Toledo newspaper. At the time, Kastl Jr. was working as an artist at American Greetings. In the artist’s own words, Karl Kastl Jr. described his work “as a gift from me to you, young and old citizens of Hinckley, to enjoy this moment of everyday life, comical or otherwise.”
Binky’s career with The Hinckley Record began as a monthly cartoon before switching to the cover of each March issue. Over the years, Binky’s messages varied from commentary on local events to national news. On his very first cover in 1981, Binky is nervously quivering high up in his nest worried whether his little wings will carry him. Binky then looks down below to see a community of people ready to come to his rescue if needed. The March 1988 issue reflected national happenings, showing the face of then President Bill Clinton saying; “Don’t forget. You never saw me inhale all those sausages and pancakes.”
From the latest hard news to a past major league baseball strike, Binky always had his pulse on the community and the nation. It seems fitting to conclude with Binky’s words from the spring of 1957. That year, Binky recognized the return of the Buzzards to Hinckley each March saying; “Let’s make this day a springtime celebration.” The crowd agreed with the idea, as everyone said, “Yeah, Yeah!” So now you know how it all started.” This year Binky adds, “Happy 200th Birthday Hinckley Township!”
Photo caption: In addition to arts, crafts, vendors and more, Buzzard Day highlights always include up close and personal peeks at live buzzards, courtesy of the Raptor Center. File photo.