We take driving for granted today.  Try to imagine driving as more of a hobby or sport, compared to a necessity like it is for many people today. That was life in America during the late teens and early twenties.  But, it all changed with the Lincoln Highway.  On Thursday, May 1, the Sycamore Historical Society and Museum has invited Diane Rossiter from the Lincoln Highway Coalition to explore this fascinating story of the “good roads movement” and how America became connected.

The Lincoln Highway Coalition’s website explains, “The Lincoln Highway was once the most famous road in America. It was the symbol that “Good Roads” supporters rallied around in their crusade to create a highway system for the country. It was the first successful transcontinental highway and served as the catalyst for the driving improvements that were being demanded by an increasingly mobile public and by the car makers of Detroit. The Lincoln Highway was the first successful, all-weather, coast-to-coast, automobile highway. The Lincoln Highway owed its success to promotion.”

Although this highway did not go through Sycamore, it still made a significant impact to those in the Sycamore community.  Rossiter will also show a DVD illustrating the history of the Lincoln Highway, explain the mission of the Lincoln Highway Coalition and explore how it is different from the Lincoln Highway Association.

This was the program scheduled for February, but due to a snow storm was rescheduled for May.

The Sycamore Historical Society and Museum’s Brown Bag lunches are on the first Thursday of the month at 12:00.  The program is free and open to the public, donations are welcome.  Coffee and cookies are served.  For more information call 815-895-5762 or email sychist@tbc.net.

Photo:  Lincoln Highway in Malta.  Photo Courtesy of the Lincoln Highway Coalition.