Frankfort mural finished

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A mural depicting Eagle Scouts and Scout Masters who made a nationwide safety tour along Lincoln Highway in 1928 recently was completed in Frankfort. | Supplied Photo

Updated: February 10, 2012 8:03AM

Frankfort officials recently announced the completion of an interpretive mural commissioned with the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition.

The mural, valued at $10,000 and funded through a grant received by the ILHC, is part of a series of murals stretching along the 179-mile Illinois byway corridor and 24 communities. It was installed on Dec. 13 at 11008 W. Lincoln Highway.

The hand-painted mural was created by artist Jay Allen of ShawCraft Signs and depicts Eagle Scouts and Scout Masters who made a nationwide safety tour along Lincoln Highway in 1928.

Each of the 24 communities is asked to designate representatives to work with ILHC on the project, which showcases the history of the early highway and the impact on American travel and the communities. Upon completion, the project will be one of the largest works of public art in the country.

In 2009, an interpretive gazebo was installed near the Frankfort Township building as part of an additional grant program with the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition.

“The village is pleased to have worked with the ILHC over the past several months on this project,” said Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland. “I’d like to thank the Frankfort Township and Will County representatives for their help in securing the site and, of course, artist Jay Allen for his beautiful depiction of the tour by the Eagle Scouts.

“I hope our residents and visitors who travel along Route 30 enjoy the mural and take a few moments to read the story behind it”