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Item:
Commemorative 8.5-inch porcelain plate issued for the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge on Interstate 39 crossing the Illinois River, December 1987.
Details:
• White porcelain plate with silver trim
• Measures approx. 8.5 inches in diameter
• Features green bridge illustration, Interstate 39 shield, and text in blue & red
• Back inscription notes the bridge’s record length (7,125 feet, longest in Illinois at the time) and dedication by Governor James R. Thompson
• Includes original cardboard box
Historical Provenance:
The included box has a handwritten note by a local museum curator in the Mendota/LaSalle area who attended the dedication ceremony. His note documents that the ribbon-cutting was performed by Lt. Governor George Ryan and Gregory Baise (Illinois Department of Transportation), followed by a 39-bomb aerial salute and fireworks. This adds unique firsthand context to the piece.
Condition:
• Plate is clean with no cracks or chips
• Bright colors and clear graphics
• Original box included, shows typical storage wear
• Handwritten note intact and legible
Why Collect?
• Illinois transportation history & bridge memorabilia
• Commemorates the state’s longest bridge at the time
• Political tie-ins: Gov. James R. Thompson & Lt. Gov. George Ryan
• Rare commemorative piece with documentation — likely limited production for officials & attendees
