The "Sherman-ator" Cruises Around

Perhaps you've seen it around town. When it's on the streets, it's impossible to miss.

The "Sherman-ator" is a 40-foot-long, 12-and-a-half foot high truck driven by Buffalo Grove resident Rob Sherman. The vehicle is decorated with vinyl coverings that promote the often controversial social activist's business and beliefs.

The truck, he said, is "two-thirds motor home, one-third straight truck." He drives the Sherman-ator across the nation as he fights for assorted issues, which include civil rights for atheists and matters pertaining to separation of church and state. He documents his efforts at www.robsherman.com.

Sherman, who has had his namesake truck for more than five years, has also managed to turn social activism into a full-time job, by contracting with freight brokers who hire him to haul pallets between locations as he makes his way to his destination.

But he also takes the Sherman-ator out on suburban streets, stopping at events such as charity car washes, hoping to make an impression on other residents. This summer, he made one such stop at the Buffalo Grove Expressions' car wash, where the massive truck dwarfed other nearby customers' vehicles.

"They're washing these little Volkswagen Beetles, and then the Sherman-ator comes and they're like, 'how do we wash that?'" said Sherman, who helpfully pulled a ladder from the truck.

Such local events are convenient for Sherman, who otherwise heads to truck stops in Wisconsin or Indiana to get the vehicle spruced up.

When the Sherman-ator isn't in use, don't look for it at the Sherman's home. He said he stores the vehicle "nearby, at a confidential location to cut down on vandalism."