Russell Lewis (left), president of the Illinois State Historical Society, presents Stan "Tex" Banash with a Superior Achievement Award at the 2015 Annual Awards program of the Illinois State Historical Society, for his book, Roadside History of Illinois . The judges' descriptive remarks about the book cited it as “A straight-forward, well-written and informative travel book that includes many helpful extras—a history timeline, interesting factoids, a complete index, and an extensive bibliography. This is the most indispensible history book, reference book, and travel guide I have come across in Illinois. I want to have this book with me whenever I explore the Prairie State.” The event took place in the House of Representatives in the Old State Capitol in Springfield where Abraham Lincoln spoke so eloquently as a member of the Illinois state legislature.