The plaque here was purchased in the company of General Wayne A Dowing for whom the Peoria International Airport is named. From this location, head South and on the same side of the street just about 0.3 miles (yes, you need to cross tracks), you will find the Mural that was created in July of 2013 in honor of Roger Reiman on the back of the building at Third and Main Streets. Roger gained national fame in the 1960’s. In 1947 Roger’s parents moved to Kewanee to open a Harley-Davidson dealership, which continues in business today under different ownership. Reiman was a champion motorcycle racer in the 1960’s and a life-long bike enthusiast. He won the Daytona 200 three times — 1961, 1964, and 1965. After his first win, he would go on to become one of the “all-time-greats”, according to AMA Hall of Fame, to which Roger was inducted in 1998. In 1970 Roger took over the responsibility of running the family dealership and reduced his competitive racing. It was at this time he became the head mechanic for Evel Knievel, the famous daredevil motorcycle showman. He did not completely retire from racing, and it was while practicing for the 1997 Daytona Battle of Legends event that Roger was killed in a chain reaction pile up.
The funeral followed and the local paper stated that “a moment in Kewanee History with a three-block cortege of motorcycles in final salute to a fallen hero.” Note the signage next to mural that highlights his life.
Placed with permission of the owner of property FTF: Dollar Coin
PART OF THE SMALL TOWN FINDS SERIES GEOTOUR Stamp inside is for the tour, PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE STAMP OR INK