World's largest covered wagon moves to Lincoln        

[JAN. 24, 2007]  The Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County has announced the arrival of the World's Largest Covered Wagon (as listed in the Guinness Book of World Records) to be located on Route 66 in Lincoln, Illinois. The wagon was purchased for the Tourism Bureau through a donation from Lincoln, Illinois resident, Larry J. Van Bibber. It is located at J&S Auto Centre/Penache Boutique, located at 1006 Woodlawn Road in Lincoln.

"This is an excellent example of community-minded individuals and businesses that are willing to partner with our tourism bureau to bring an attraction such as this to our community. We are very grateful to Mr. Van Bibber and Jim & Shelley Horn (of J&S Auto Centre/Penache Boutique)," said Geoff Ladd, executive director of the Tourism Bureau.

The unique covered wagon was created by David Bentley several years ago as he was recovering from heart disease, and has been located in the Divernon, Illinois area. It has been a popular attraction for both Route 66 and Abraham Lincoln tourists, and fits well with the Tourism Bureau's ABE66.com marketing campaign.

Within the last few months, Bentley contacted the Tourism Bureau about purchasing the wagon for $10,000 plus moving expenses. As discussions began with the City of Lincoln and other organizations to fund the venture, an opportunity came up to privately fund the project through a donation from Lincoln resident, Larry J. Van Bibber. The Tourism Bureau then began the process of finding the best possible location, which led them to the intersection with the highest traffic count in the city and the site of J&S Auto Centre/Penache. Penache is a brand new boutique opened by Shelley Horn featuring local artists' creations of jewelry, pottery, paintings, etc., as well as antique furniture, candies, gifts and much more. J&S Auto Centre offers quality vehicles, mowers and ATVs. Both businesses expect to benefit from the placement on their lot.

The fiberglass Abraham Lincoln is 12 foot in length (seated) and weighs 350 pounds. The wagon was hand-built out of oak, and stands 24 feet tall, 12 feet wide, 40 feet long and weighs 5 tons. The front wheels are 10 feet tall and the back wheels are 12 feet tall.

A dedication/ribbon cutting is planned for next week.

(Text copied from file received from the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County)

Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County
1555 Fifth Street
Lincoln, Illinois 62656
217-732-8687
[e-mail] http://www.tourlogancounty.com/