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102th Anniversary of the Lincoln Highway
© Tom Apgar
On September 14, 1913, the Lincoln Highway Association (LHA) announced the official route of the nation’s first transcontinental highway from New York City to San Francisco. The idea of a transcontinental highway originated with Carl G. Fisher, one of the original founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In Iowa, the route extended right through Council Bluffs. Craig Harmon director emeritus of the Lincoln Highway National Museum said, “Council Bluffs has always held special recognition among towns on the nearly 3,400-mile Lincoln Highway.” He called the city the “crown jewel” of the route because it was the first to dedicate the highway on Oct. 31, 1913.
Fifteen year later in 1928, four Boy Scouts traveled across the United States, stopping along the way to give demonstrations on safety and to promote the care and maintenance of the Lincoln Highway signs. July 21, 2015 at high noon, marks the 87th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts visit to Council Bluffs on their cross country trip. To commemorate their trip, the Council Bluffs Public Library will be present a program about the Lincoln Highway which will feature the Boy Scouts of America Mid-America Council and local author Joy Johnson. The program will be Tuesday, July 21 at 12:00 noon at the library.
Christy Creme, a local business on the north side of Council Bluffs owned by Matthew and Jordan Preston, still serves those that travel the Lincoln Highway. Those attending will get an ice-cream treat donated by Christy Creme to celebrate the day.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information contact the library at 712.323.7553 EXT 132.
