Officials to dedicate Lincoln Highway Association National Office in South Bend, IN on April 21

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA — The Lincoln Highway Association (LHA) has established a new National Office in South Bend, Indiana, and an open house and dedication event will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 402 W. Washington St, at the historic Remedy Building. On the route of the original Lincoln Highway, it is now owned and operated by Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana as its Northern Regional Office.

At 1:30 p.m., South Bend Mayor Stephen J. Luecke and Lincoln Highway Association President Robert C. Lichty will unveil a replica of a 1928 concrete Lincoln Highway route marker that will identify the Lincoln Highway Association’s new presence in South Bend. The LHA will hold its 2009 Conference in South Bend during the Lincoln Bicentennial.

The public is invited to the Open House and dedication. Light refreshments will be served, and Lincoln Highway historic objects will be on display courtesy of Association members.

Organized in 1992, the Lincoln Highway Association has chapters in all states where the Lincoln Highway exists. The Lincoln Highway was launched in 1913 and was America’s first coast-to-coast paved highway, linking New York City and San Francisco. The highway is over 3,000 miles in length and Routes 1, 30, 40, and 50 still trace its path.

To staff its new office, the Association recently hired David L. Hay of LaPorte, Indiana, as its first Executive Director. Hay earned graduate degrees in business and history, and has worked in fund development and management in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds. Hay will conduct fundraising activities, strategic planning, and projects of national focus.

“I am excited to be working for this great organization,” Hay notes. “It’s rare to find the opportunity to combine one’s skills and passions, and it’s my good fortune be able to do that here.” He adds, “Highways embody our love of cars and the freedom to go where we want, and the Lincoln Highway continues to be a place where you can do just that.”

The LHA National Office complements its existing tourist information site in Franklin Grove, Illinois, which will continue to assist travelers. Located in the historic H.I. Lincoln Building, the facility is managed by Lynn Asp, who may be reached at (815) 456-3030.