FRANKLIN GROVE — A concrete Lincoln Highway marker reported stolen east of Franklin Grove has been found, but it will need repairs after being damaged. A local farmer discovered the cracked marker, removed it and placed it next to one of his outbuildings. Kay Shelton Kozak, national president of the Lincoln Highway Association, said the marker remains largely intact, including its Lincoln head detail and red, white and blue stripes. The concrete markers were installed by Boy Scouts along the Lincoln Highway in September 1928 as part of a nationwide effort to honor Abraham Lincoln. More than 1,000 original markers are believed to remain, although many have been moved from their original locations. The Franklin Grove marker was reported missing after association volunteers discovered an empty hole where it had stood between Track Road and Hoosier Road. Kozak said the farmer does not want it returned to its original location because of concerns it could be struck by equipment again.
“The marker is intact, but the concrete about two thirds of the way up is cracked,” Kozak said. “The first thing is, we’ll probably need to do some fundraising to get the marker repaired. The association is exploring restoration costs and possible new locations for the marker.”
The discovery comes as the organization begins inventory work ahead of the 100th anniversary of the markers’ installation in 2028.