| Biography/History: |
The Washington State Good Roads Association (WSGRA) was established in 1899 by Sam Hill to encourage development of an adequate and practical statewide highway system in Washington State. Sam Hill cultivated the support of non-profit civic groups interested in road-building and affiliated operations. The primary goal of the WSGRA was to establish a highway system created by the state legislature and operated under state management. The membership of WSGRA consisted mainly of county chapters representing local civic groups such as Chambers of Commerce and Granges. These local groups lobbied not only through WSGRA for the state-wide road network, but also in their local districts for improved road conditions. WSGRA was led by a president and was supported by an executive committee, consisting of one representative from each district. Districts were based on geographical divisions within the state. The yearly conferences involved delegates from the local organizations state-wide." (Taken from the finding aid for the Washington State Good Roads Association Records (CPNWS0074), Western Washington University, Bellingham, http://nwda.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv17115, accessed July 29, 2013) |