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Official website for the City of Aurora, Illinois. Mayor Tom Weisner

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Lincoln Highway Shelter Restoration

The Lincoln Highway Shelter was constructed by the Aurora Automobile Club around 1923 to provide tourists, or “Motor Hobos” traveling along the Lincoln Highway a place to camp. The Shelter has been restored to its original 1924 appearance using grants including one from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs. The restoration includes a new wood roof, operable fireplaces, repointed bricks, restored stucco, and a pump for water. In addition to restoring the building, its original use as a tourist haven has been restored with interpretive plaques featuring the history of the Lincoln Highway, directional signage, and brochures for regional attractions along the highway.

Shelter prior to restoration

Shelter prior to restoration.

Interior showing deterioration of fireplace prior to restoration

Interior showing deterioration of fireplace prior to restoration.

Restoration work in progress

Restoration work in progress.

Restored interior fireplace with newly installed copper hood

Restored interior fireplace with newly installed copper hood.

Completed restoration of the Lincoln Highway Shelter

Completed restoration of the Lincoln Highway Shelter.