Local towns continue to be part of Route 30 Buy-Way

Residents and businesses across a 700-mile stretch of Route 30 (the old Lincoln Highway) are gearing up for the Lincoln Highway Buy-Way, a yard sale that spans many states.

This is the second year West Virginia has participated in the Buy-Way. East Liverpool has participated in the event in the past, and will continue to do so this year.

The Old Lincoln Highway was the first paved road in the country, covering the shortest possible route from San Francisco to New York City.

This year's Buy-Way will take place on Aug. 6-8.

"Everyone (in Chester) who did this last year made money," Chester-Newell Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director David Nurmi said.

Nurmi stated Chester and Newell participants may visit the Chamber of Commerce on Carolina Avenue in Chester to receive signs for the sale, at no cost. Additional signs will be posted during the event, Nurmi said.

The Lincoln Highway Association, which was established in 1913 to promote the road, created the Buy-Way in 2005.

"This is the largest yard sale in the country," Nurmi said. "Anyone living along Route 30 is welcome."

Nurmi stated that buyers in the Chester and Newell area traveled as far as Indiana to take part in the sale.

The idea for the construction of Lincoln Highway came from Carl Fisher, who also created the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Miami Beach. Fisher's fellow industrialists, Frank Seiberling and Henry Joy, helped him envision the nearly 3,400-mile road from coast to coast.

The East Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, located on Market Street, will be open on Aug. 6-7 to sell souvenirs and give information. The office will be closed on the final day of the Buy-Way, Aug. 8.

Anyone wishing to participate in Chester or Newell can contact the Chester-Newell Area Chamber of Commerce at 304-387-2025.

East Liverpool Chamber President Pam Hoppel stated that residents will need to set up on their own.

"We're not coordinating anything this year," Hoppel said. "We just are not able to do it."

East Liverpool residents need not worry about getting a permit for a yard sale, as city council waives that requirement for the Buy-Way.

To help residents set up, more information on the sale and a map of the areas covered are available online at www.historicbyway.com.