Good Roads Movement Collection

Collection

Identifier: RHC-RC-243

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of reports and publications concerning the Good Roads Movement. Contained in the collection are pamphlets on the Good Roads Movement, manuals on road and bridge laws, reports of the Illinois Highway Commission (1910-1912), and Reports of the Illinois State Highway Department (1913-1916). Also included are a few scattered issues of the Illinois Highways, National Good Roads Magazine, and Better Roads and Streets publications. Of special interest to researchers are the three maps of Illinois and the photograph of A.D. Gash, Chairman of the Highway Commission.

Dates

created: 1903-1923
Other: Date acquired: 07/27/1983

Biographical or Historical Information

In the early 1900's the conditions of roads in Illinois were poor as they were all over the country. Most of the roads were dirt which rutted and made travel nearly impossible. Rain created mud so thick that carriages could not maneuver and got stuck. With the increasing popularity of automobiles, the roads needed to be improved and the road system expanded. The Good Roads Movement along with the creation of the Illinois Highway Improvement Association worked to improve the conditions of the roads and bridges.

Note written by

Extent

0.50 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Source of Acquisition

Mrs. Maurice Terhune

Method of Acquisition

Mrs. Maurice Terhune of Lanark, Illinois donated the Good Roads Movement Collection to the Northern Illinois Regional History Center on July 27, 1983.