To celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial, the Danville Area Board of REALTORS® (DABR) helped fund the June installation of the Lincoln Fairchild Mural on the east side of Danville.

The mural features Lincoln’s face, images of several historical Danville homes and a quote that reads, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.”

“What better way to celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial than paying tribute to a great historical figure – Abraham Lincoln – and his ties to Danville?” says DABR President David Barney (Barney Real Estate in Westville). “He is such a good fit for a mural that is so visible in the community. The mural adds such a creative aesthetic to the bridge.”

The mural is the latest addition to 38 historically themed murals in Danville and Vermilion County, says Barney. “For years, Danville area REALTORS® have been helping to improve the communities they live in, and this project is no exception. They’re proud to be involved because this project helps add to the sense of community and highlights what makes the area great. Danville leaders have been happy with the project, too.”

Danville Area REALTORS standing in front of Lincoln Fairchild Mural which is mounted on overpass: front row left to right Glenda Keitzmann, April Hix, Heather Cunningham and Millie Wilson; Back row left to right David Barney, Andrea Calamari, Bill Jenkins and Mike Van De Walker.

Front row from left: Glenda Keitzmann, April Hix, Heather Cunningham and Millie Wilson. Back row from left: David Barney, Andrea Calamari, Bill Jenkins and Mike Van De Walker.

REALTORS® across the state are working with heart in their communities to complete projects like this to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. The DABR project is one of 36 legacy projects supported by our 28 local REALTOR® associations.

Projects include fundraising for local historic home repairs and historical community murals or promoting local historical properties and societies. Illinois REALTORS® has donated land in downtown Springfield next to its headquarters to build Bicentennial Plaza – a REALTOR® Community Partnership, which is a signature project of the state bicentennial celebrations.

The association is an official endorsed partner with the Illinois Bicentennial Commission, which oversees the state’s plans for the milestone birthday.

This blog post is part of a series over the next several months covering Illinois REALTORS® local associations legacy projects leading up to the state of Illinois 200th Birthday. Learn more.