Frankfort mural latest salute to Lincoln Highway history

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A mural showcasing the history of U.S. 30 has been placed on the side of the Frankfort Township building, 11008 W. Lincoln Highway. | Supplied photo

Updated: January 17, 2012 8:13AM

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition completed an interpretive mural in Frankfort, the 23rd one in a series of more than 30 murals showcasing the history of the 179-mile scenic byway.

Motorists can see Frankfort’s mural on the Frankfort Township building, 11008 W. Lincoln Highway.

It tells the story of Eagle Scouts and Scoutmasters who made a nationwide safety tour along Lincoln Highway in 1928, giving safety demonstrations along the route, “good road turns” and helping out where needed.

The tour was a promotion of Lincoln Highway and the Scouts’ upcoming effort of placing Lincoln Highway concrete markers.

To tie it in with the local community, the background shows the Folker’s Hotel — a Frankfort building in the 1920s — said Sue Hronik, program director for the ILHC.

The mural, worth $10,000, was completely funded through a grant received by the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition and was painted by artist Jay Allen, of ShawCraft Signs.

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

Another mural has been installed on the Reigel Farm barn in University Park.

The coalition is nearing approval on a design for a Sauk Village mural and hopes to create others in Chicago Heights, Matteson, Mokena, New Lenox and Park Forest, Hronik said.

Upon completion, these murals collectively will comprise the largest work of public art in the country.

“The village is very pleased to have worked with the ILHC over the past several months on this project,” Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland said. “I’d like to thank the Frankfort Township and Will County representatives for their help in securing the site and 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 the mural.”

For more information, visit www.drivelincolnhighway.com.