Legendary Heights resident Henry Jefferson, known far and wide as the “bicycle man,” has received a proclamation from the Peoria Heights Village Board for his contributions to the community as “an unforgettable character” and “official Village treasure,” with Mayor Michael Phelan delivering the tribute.
A team of Henry admirers – the mayor, Village Trustee Brandon Wisenburg, Richwoods Township Deputy Clerk Kim Jaegle, and a group from St. Thomas Catholic Church including Don and Jan Smith and Edie Brereton – greeted a surprised but grateful Henry at his current residence at St. Francis Woods Supportive Living Facility in Peoria on Aug. 4.
Henry, 92, expressed his appreciation for the recognition – “God bless you all” – shared tales of his adventurous life, and even serenaded the group on his beloved harmonica.
The proclamation reads as follows:
“Whereas Henry Jefferson atop his ever-present bicycle became an unforgettable character and always welcome fixture in Peoria Heights over many decades, one of the most recognizable faces in the entire Village ...
“Whereas Mr. Jefferson will celebrate his 93rd birthday in October, his longevity no doubt owing to the thousands upon thousands of miles he put on the pedals over those many, many moons ...
“Whereas Mr. Jefferson owns a famously independent spirit – a two-wheeler in a four-wheel world – is frequently quick with an opinion and always intent on going his own way, thereby keeping Village leaders on their toes in service to the community ...
“Whereas Mr. Jefferson was born in New York state along the scenic Hudson River, in a small town, Newburgh, where then-Gen. George Washington headquartered his Continental Army, making it only fitting that another picturesque river valley, this one in the Land of Lincoln – that other great president -- would become his ultimate home ...
“Whereas Mr. Jefferson was not only a role model of physical fitness but a fine guitar and harmonica player and sketch artist, no one job able to satisfy his creativity and sense of adventure ...
“Whereas Mr. Jefferson was a frequent visitor to St. Thomas Catholic Church near his home, often warming a pew in the afternoons, developing his own brand of spirituality, and meeting many a helping hand over the years among the parishioners whose lives he also enriched ...
“Whereas Mr. Jefferson is an avid gardener, making his little corner of the world – and Peoria Heights – a beautiful one in which he justifiably took great pride, which many of us would do well to emulate ...
“Whereas Mr. Jefferson has traveled far and wide, often as a hitchhiker making his way across the West to some of the most beautiful places in the nation, yet ultimately settled in the Village of Peoria Heights, a compliment in its own right ...
“We, the Village Board of Peoria Heights, hereby proclaim Henry J. Jefferson an official Village treasure as we continue to turn the Heights into a bicycle crossroads, inspired in part by the likes of our one-of-a-kind Mr. Jefferson. Henry, you have far more friends than you know.”