Lincoln Highway Passports in Iowa-- Part 2: Where To Get Signed Up

Travelers can sign up for the passport at prrcd.org/lincoln-highway-heritage-corridor-byway, said Iowa Department of Transportation  Director Scott Marler.  Signups and checkups  can also be done by scannng the QR Code at these locations along the way:

**  Sawmill Museum in Clinton

**  National Czech and Slovak Museum in Cedar Rapids

**  Murals and City Park in Clarence

**  Lincoln Highway Bridge in Tama

**  Preston's Station in Belle Plain

**  Prairie Rivers of Iowa office in Ames

--RoadDog

News From Along the Lincoln Highway-- Part 2: Preston's Station

In 1923, George Preston Sr., a junk dealer, bought the station for $100 and moved the station to 13th Street to accommodate a change in the Lincoln Highway's routing.

Today, the station is almost completely covered in old road signs  Preston died in 1993 but was known for his love of talking with visitors.  He was the real draw to the station, not just the signs.

Today, George Preston's granddaughter, Mary Preston, owns it and is working to restore it.

Next to it is a former three-room motel and a garage.

News From Along the Lincoln Highway-- Part 1 Preston's Station in Iowa

From the June 21, 2015, cedar Rapids Gazette "Iowa All Over: Preston's Station in Belle Plaine still a draw for passing drivers" by Kiran Sood.

Belle Plaine, Iowa.  Mitch Malcolm believes people today are too much in a hurry to get to their destination.  They don't take the time to stray off the interstates and find neat stuff.

Preston's gas station is not operational today.  Doesn't matter, though, as there is no way to drive by it and not look at all that stuff. Some folks might even call it cluttered.

It was built by Frank Fiene in 1912, a year before the Lincoln Highway was dedicated.  It was first located on the original Lincoln Highway route on 21st Street.

--RoadDog