Lamar Advertising of Springfield-Decatur, IL

Check out this amazing photograph capturing a historical moment in time.

While Route 66 traffic rolled past Livingston in 1949… history was literally being built just a few feet away.

While cleaning out the old mechanical room inside the former Livingston High School — now the Pink Elephant Antique Mall — we uncovered this incredible photograph from the groundbreaking ceremony for the school gymnasium addition.

Think about this for a second…

As these gentlemen turned the first shovel of dirt, chrome-covered cars, family station wagons, truckers, and Route 66 travelers were cruising right past the school on the Mother Road outside. America was booming. Route 66 was in its glory years. And little Livingston, Illinois was growing right along with it.

The machinery.
The dress hats.
The trousers.
The polished shoes standing in fresh dirt.
This photo is a time capsule from the golden age of Route 66 Americana.

Fast forward 77 years…

The old school still stands.
Route 66 travelers still pass by.
And now the building is filled once again with life, stories, laughter, antiques, ice cream, candy, roadside oddities, giant pink elephants, dinosaurs, UFOs, and people making memories from all over the world.

There’s something pretty amazing about that.

A photograph hidden away in an old mechanical room waited decades to be rediscovered… almost like the building itself wanted to tell its story one more time.

The more we dig around this old school…
the more history we uncover.

And honestly?
We wouldn’t have it any other way.

📍 Pink Elephant Antique Mall
Livingston, Illinois
Historic Route 66
Where the past still has stories left to tell.

We’re using our national billboard network to share positive sentiments and messages of optimism to uplift communities and spark human connection. Keep an eye out for "roadside reminders" in your area!

www.lamar.com/decaturil

Millions of young people - particularly students - feel overwhelmed by stress and anxiety every day. The Legacy Youth Foundation’s Mental Health Campaign is offering free resources and therapy to students who adopt small daily habits that can improve mental health. We’re using our national billboard network to spread the word and help Legacy encourage students to prioritize their mental health.

Take a minute to vote for your favorite design.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18roLsD7b5/

🌟 The April Design Contest is live! 🌟
This month’s billboard designs are ready for the spotlight — now we need your vote! 👏 Check out the entries, pick your favorite, and be sure to like, vote, and share to support your top design!

April's Finalists:
Chick-fil-A Worcester - Creative #1
Navigant Credit Union -Creative #2
Coastline Design + Build - Creative #3

https://strawpoll.com/e6Z2ALkQ6gN

We’re paying tribute to Ted Turner, a visionary innovator and philanthropist who transformed how the world consumes news, sports, and entertainment.


www.lamar.com/decaturil

We’re proud to announce that Ronald McDonald House has been selected as our in-kind partner for 2026! Ronald McDonald House provides families caring for critically sick and injured children with housing, meals, and needed medical services. Over the next 12 months, Lamar will donate more than $2 million in Out of Home media to support the organization’s programs and drive donations. Employees from both organizations will also join forces to participate in volunteer activities across the country.

Check out our joint press release to learn more about our partnership with Ronald McDonald House: https://lamar.com/en/about/news/2026/corporate-releases/lamar-ronald-mcdonald-house-enter-yearlong-partnership

The Children's Tumor Foundation is fighting to end Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 2,000 births that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissue, the brain, and the spinal cord. Throughout May, which is NF Awareness Month, we’re using our digital billboard network to help raise awareness of and support for their mission.

www.lamar.com/decaturil

We wish everyone a Happy Easter and a joyful holiday!

While you’re cheering on Team USA during the Milan Cortina Games, keep an eye out for Lamar billboards. We’ll be tracking the U.S. gold, silver, and bronze medal count in real-time throughout the Winter Games. Go USA!

www.lamar.com/decaturil