On Sunday, July 21, 2024, Morrison Historical Society, 202 E. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL, hosts Officers of the Lincoln Highway Association, Headquartered in Franklin Grove, IL. Kay Kozak is a National LHA Director-at-Large. Just reelected LHA President for his 14th year is Ed Kozak. Their PowerPoint slide program will detail the Lincoln Highway’s history and promote the Association. Museum doors open at 1:00 p.m., and the program starts promptly at 1:30. The building is accessible to all from a ramp at the rear.
In 1912, there were almost no good roads to speak of in the United States. The relatively few miles of improved road were only around towns and cities. “Improved” meant it was graded. One was lucky to have gravel or brick; asphalt and concrete were yet to come. Most of the 2.5 million miles of roads were just dirt: bumpy and dusty in dry weather; impassable in wet weather. Worse yet, the roads didn’t…lead anywhere; they spread aimlessly from the center of a settlement. To get from one settlement to another, it was much easier to take the train.
Carl Fisher recognized this situation and had a grand idea. His Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a success, especially after he paved it with brick and started the Indianapolis 500. (He would later turn a swamp into a great resort–Miami Beach, FL.) In 1912, he dreamed of a highway spanning the Continent! Begun in 1913, the Lincoln Highway was the first coast-to-coast highway.