Beauty Worth Preserving
My ‘66 Mustang Convertible, Photo Credit: @JRH
Unexpected Conversations
Many people around town recognize my 1966 Mustang convertible. After asking what year it is, the next question is often about the antique license plate: "Why SCENIC?"
The answer goes back many years. I helped found Scenic Illinois, a statewide organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the visual character of places people value. Over time, the license plate became a small reminder of an idea that has remained important for much of my life: beauty really matters.
Why “Preservation”
The Mustang itself illustrates that idea. Few people realize it began as a heavily rusted project car requiring extensive restoration. From a purely practical standpoint, replacing it would have been economical. Yet good design has a way of inspiring attachment and care. We preserve certain cars and things because they represent memories and qualities we don't want to lose.
SCENIC Legacy
Years later, this same interest expanded beyond cars to include architecture, neighborhoods, public spaces, and landscapes. Scenic Illinois became involved in efforts ranging from scenic byways and historic preservation to community character and visual quality. What connected these seemingly different interests was a common belief: attractive environments enrich our daily lives and help create a sense of place.
More Than Nostalgia
Some people dismiss beauty as a matter of personal taste alone. Certainly individual preferences differ. Yet attractive places consistently draw people in, encourage investment, create memorable experiences, and strengthen identity. Beauty is not simply decorative. It influences how we feel, how we connect with our surroundings, and often how we choose to care for them.
Looking Ahead
These ideas have shaped much of my professional and volunteer work, and influence how I see places around me. I hope to continue to explore, with my Mustang as an example, how certain designs attract and inspire people long after their creation.
