The Lincoln Highway: Illinois
Gregory M. Franzwa
108 pp., 128
photographs, 37 maps, Index
This volume begins in Clinton, Iowa, a city that enthusiastically proclaims its Lincoln Highway presence. From there, you will travel east to follow the Lincoln across Illinois to the Indiana state line. The location of the rickety old bridge that carried Alice Ramsey across the Mississippi River in 1909 is pointed out as you enter the state. Portions of the original road are driven on or walked on wherever they may be found. Colorful murals and painted signs depicting the Lincoln Highway era, as well as an arch, concrete Lincoln Highway posts, old bridge abutments, a restored gas station, plus a unique fountain and other artifacts will be seen as you traverse the beautiful Illinois countryside. One hundred twenty-eight photographs enhance this book, many dating from Lincoln Highway days, and many taken in the summer of 2008. Three days were spent in the newspaper archives in Springfield, gleaning stories pertaining to the old highway. The text includes the customary driving directions interwoven with the era’s history, plus a portfolio of maps prepared by Jess Petersen.
Don’t miss out on owning a copy of Gregory M. Franzwa’s final book, The Lincoln Highway: Illinois.
Leather, $150.00, ISBN 1-880397-61-7
Cloth, $37.95, ISBN 1-880397-61-9
