A beloved piece of Delavan’s Lincoln heritage just got a thoughtful facelift. The Lincoln Mile Post #10, located in front of the historic Colony House, has been updated with new signage, lighting, and a beautifully extended brick sidewalk—thanks to the dedication of several community members and longtime benefactors.

Mark and Margaret Cunningham of Metamora, champions of Delavan history, have been quietly refurbishing the Lincoln Mile signposts originally installed by lifelong Delavan resident Glenn Homes on behalf of the Delavan Community Historical Society. Their upgrades include weatherproofed post covers, printed outdoor signs, and solar lights to illuminate each marker at night, ensuring Lincoln’s legacy shines—literally—after sunset.

The Lincoln Mile is a trail of ten historically significant sites throughout Delavan, each connected to Abraham Lincoln’s time in the region. From courtroom visits to overnight stays, Lincoln’s presence in Delavan is commemorated through these signposts, each telling a unique story.

Site #10 stands at the Colony House, a marvel of 19th-century ingenuity. Originally constructed on the East coast, the house was disassembled, shipped by train and river, and hauled by ox cart before being assembled and constructed on site in Delavan. Now, the updated Lincoln Mile marker is seamlessly integrated into the landscape, thanks to a skillful extension of the herringbone-patterned brick sidewalk.

That work was led by Delavan resident Josh Horning, whose bricklaying roots run deep—his father was a brick mason, and Josh spent summers learning the craft. Though he is a lifelong educator and now serves as Principal Administrator at Christian Life Academy in Hopedale, Horning still takes on brickwork projects as a hobby. His past contributions include the backstop brickwork at Willard Field, home of Delavan High School's baseball team.

Joining him were his son, Landon Horning—a 2022 Delavan High School graduate now living in East Peoria—and Brian Cunningham of Mapleton, Mark’s brother. The trio matched the existing sidewalk with precision and care. Landon even endured a minor injury when an errant mallet swing caught his thumb, but he pressed on undeterred, embodying the spirit of community pride.

The result is a striking enhancement to one of Delavan’s most storied landmarks, blending craftsmanship, history, and civic devotion. As the solar lights flicker on each evening, Lincoln’s legacy continues to illuminate Delavan—thanks to those who believe in preserving its past for future generations.