Robert “Bob” Gilmore
by Jeremy Berkley
Robert “Bob” Gilmore (1920-2020) grew up in Peoria during the Great Depression and joined Caterpillar right out of high school. He enlisted in the Army Air Force and served as a B-17 combat navigator during World War II, flying 36 missions across Europe. After the war he returned to Caterpillar, became assistant manager of the engine plant in East Peoria, started the plant in Grenoble, France, and worked his way up to become president of the company in 1977. After he retired, he served his community on numerous boards and created the Gilmore Foundation, which continues to support important programs and organizations in the Peoria area.
Visit this website created by Bradley University students for more information: https://bobgilmore.omeka.net/
About the Mural Artist
Jeremy Berkley is a graphic designer/illustrator/printmaker based out of East Peoria, IL. His pop culture inspired silk screen prints have been exhibited in art galleries across the country. Most notably the #1 pop culture gallery in the world Gallery 1988: Los Angeles, where he is a regular contributor.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremy.berkley/
Website: http://www.berkleycc.com/
About the Augmented Reality Performing Artist
Peoria native and Bradley graduate Lee Wenger retired from WCBU 89.9 in 2019 and is currently involved with the Madison Theatre renovation project, the Peoria Municipal Band, the annual Gridiron Dinner, the Morton Civic Chorus, Holy Family Church, the Annual Community Christmas Sing, and Wright & Salmon Mortuary. He never actually worked for CAT, but he did direct several Caterpillar Chorus Fall Musicals and he DID drive a massive 797 mining truck around the track at the Edwards Proving Ground!