Thomas Cusack (October 5, 1858 in Kilrush, County Clare, Ireland – November 19, 1926 in Oak Park, Illinois) was a pioneer and entrepreneur in the outdoor advertising industry and a politician, serving as a Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois' 4th District from 1899 to 1901.

Cusack emigrated with his family from Ireland to New York City in 1861 when he was a young boy. Shortly after the move, his parents died, leaving him and his younger brother orphaned. Cusack was raised by relatives in Chicago, where he received his education and learned how to paint, a skill that ultimately made him a very wealthy man. At the age of 17, Cusack established his own sign painting business, the Thomas Cusack Company, in Chicago, Illinois, making him one of the pioneers in the field of outdoor advertising. The business soon grew to be very profitable, leasing over 100,000 billboards and advertising spaces and turning Cusack into a prosperous and influential Chicagoan.

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The historic plaque remains, but has been lowered from its lofty height, to a level readable by mere mortals.

I wonder what the plaque says.

for both old men and barefooted babies. One wonders what the rest of the story is that would have created this scene.

stands for Philip Knight Wrigley, I had to find out.

Hitchin' his wagon to the post. Looks like a long haul home with Mom.

[That's a scale. -tterrace]

Good eye tterrace. On closer examination it is a scale. Still a good place to rest your head.

[There was one on my grandpa's ranch when I was a wee ’un. I'd watch my father weighing me on it and I couldn't figure out how it worked except by magic. -tterrace]

I live in Fredericksburg, this is a well known landmark. But it actually belonged to J.P. Jones' brother. J.P. would visit his brother and stay there from time to time. It’s a bit more plain looking today, but still there.