Effingham, Illinois is located at the intersection of I-70, one of the major east-west arteries of American commerce, and I-57, which runs from Chicago to Memphis. It’s one of those towns that repeatedly advertises its existence as you approach, on road signs that appear over hundreds of miles.
So, when Kish and I finally got there, we pulled off to get some gas and a bite of breakfast and we were greeted by . . . this. A towering sign for the “Avenue of Mid-America,” advertising just about every generic franchise in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I’m guessing that this sign was built when the Effingham city fathers were proud that their town was selected as the intersection point for two major roadways and interstate travel was still new and exciting. Now, it’s kitsch.
