The Arcola Hippie Memorial: The Only One in the World in Arcola, Illinois

Have you ever heard of a hippie memorial? If not, it may not be surprising. There is only one hippie memorial in the entire world. This hippie memorial resides in the small town of Arcola, Illinois. Arcola is a small town of about 2,700 residents that has a history of the Raggedy Ann and Andy, broomcorn, and an extensive Amish heritage.

The hippie memorial is located on Oak Street right off the corner of Main Street and is one of the greatest tourist attractions of Arcola. It was designed by one of Arcola's past residents, Bob Moomaw. Bob Moomaw was a long time resident of Arcola who was willing to help about anybody in the small town. He worked as a tax assessor and railroad clerk, but didn't quite like either of those jobs. Bob Moomaw was mostly known for the messages that he would paint on the side of his building in Arcola that he had owned. Some of his messages had even caught the eye of the Chicago Tribune newspaper. One of these messages stated: "America you're turning into a nation of minimum-wage hamburger flippers. Rebel. Think for yourself. It works!" Moomaw would change these sign paintings a few times during the week just to add some excitement to the little town of Arcola.

Bob Moomaw seemed to believe his life was a bit broken up. He had lost his leg back in the 1980's because of Cancer. He then had bypass surgery just before he began to design the Hippie Memorial in 1992. Bob Moomaw described his life with one quote: "My life has been the opposite of an adventure, it's been one long dental appointment broken up by episodes of nothing happening." Bob Moomaw then passed away in 1998 from a heart attack. Bob Moomaw had pretty much built the beginnings of the hippie memorial, but after his death, past Arcola hippy, Gus Kelsey, was left to refurbish the art.

In 1999, at the only Hippie Memorial Festival in Arcola, the memorial was dedicated. The artwork was 62 foot long and symbolized many parts of America's "hippie" history. The first 26 feet were about events like the Great Depression, World War II, and the 1950's hypocrisy. In the middle of the Hippie Memorial it depicted more about the Kennedy years, and how the hippies came along. Moomaw stated that, "It salutes their influence on freedom of expression and dissent." On one part there is even a personalized license plate that reads, "WOODSTC," and the classic double fingered peace sign. The hippie memorial also displays the years from 1960-1989 during the years of Nixon and Reagan's presidency, Vietnam, and the bear market of 1974-1975.

For those who may not understand this beautiful piece of unique artwork, a sign has been displayed next to it, explaining this descriptive memorial. If this explanatory sign wasn't next to it, passerbies may be left in total bewilderment. In 2002, the Hippie Memorial was dedicated once again with some new additions. A black and marble globe sits at the top with quotes from Generals Patton and MacArthur, the Bible, Walt Whitman and George Bush, and cheering fighting men and women. A time capsule was also buried and is not to be opened until Memorial Day, 2052. Also two benches were added and one reads "Always Remember Dec. 7, 1941" and Always Remember Sept. 11, 2001.

Any hippie from the 1960's and even those of today, would appreciate this colorful outrageous display of artwork. Its color creates the bold statement that hippies of American history might have made today. Although Bob Moomaw created this so called "Hippie Memorial," one question remains. Was Moomaw a hippie? His answer would be no-although he did sport the stylish beard and ponytail while in college. But he was there at the same time the hippies were experiencing all of the events of what made America what it is today.