I-66 predecessor, U.S. 66, forged many memories

To the editor:

I too would love to see I-66 go through Illinois. I traveled the old U.S. 66 many times before its demise in 1976. The historic highway carried a lot of people with hopes and dreams to many destinations. John Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath" portrays the trials and tribulations of what people went through while traveling the mother road, an affectionate name Steinbeck gave U.S. 66.

I felt very sad when the U.S. 66 signs were taken down in Chicago. I often wondered why the government wanted to close such a famous road. Why didn't they close a highway that did not play such a significant part in people's lives?

I would give my eye teeth to see I-66 come to Illinois and the other states that U.S. 66 ran through. Maybe if this comes to fruition, there will be people in the younger generation who will have their hopes and dreams satisfied. Let's get our kicks on I-66.

PRISCILLA P. SEAY

Rantoul, Ill.