Enlightening and Inspiring Generations with Generations of Ideas

Get Illinois Out of the Mud: The Remarkable Clamor for Good Roads and Highways with Names

Event Date: 
Jul 28 2015 - 6:00pm

Join us at the LaSalle Public Library on Tuesday, July 28th, at 6:00 p.m. for an informative and entertaining look at the history of our Illinois roads when historian and humanities scholar, Larry McClellan presents “Get Illinois Out of the Mud: The Remarkable Clamor for Good Roads and Highways with Names.”  This unique and fascinating program focuses on the evolution of roads in Illinois and the significance of these changes.

Positioned in the central region of Illinois, LaSalle, at the turn of the century, and in the early years of the 20th century, remained largely rural, with residents traveling only short distances, but changing attitudes toward travel, coupled with the newly invented and affordable automobile, married two dreams. Americans, and the people of LaSalle were about to embark on a turn in the road. Changes in American culture took to the highway, and the public outcry for good roads began.

After graduate work from the University of Chicago, McClellan, helped to create Governors State University and served many years, as University Professor of Sociology and Community Studies. Now retired, he is a lecturer on Illinois Highways, consulting and writing on historic roads.

This program is free and open to the public.  It is made possible through funding from the Alwin C. Carus Trust. The Library is located at 305 Marquette Street, LaSalle, IL and is Americans with Disabilities Act compliant and welcoming.  If you wish to attend the event and have special needs because of a disability, please contact Donna Blomquist at 815-223-2341 to discuss arrangements.