This early 1950’s short by Jerry Fairbanks stars Ward Bond, Emory Parnell Jr. and Sr. as well as John and Wade Hamilton (:17). It shows the history of the roadways in the US through four generations of McGurk’s; a family involved in various areas of transportation. The film was produced by Jerry Fairbanks Inc. (:47). It opens at the dedication of a new road sign (1:00). Dan McGurk is pointed out (1:18). An elder Dan McGurk travels down a dirt roadway driving a horse and cart loaded with goods in 1777 (1:47). A wheel gets stuck in a hole in the road (2:13). Emory Parnell Sr. appears as the McGurk (2:36). The pair argue as they attempt to pull the wheel out (2:54) and McGurk is called out for having faulty roads. Corduroy and plank roads were tested (3:15). Gravel is spread over the dirt (3:21) in another attempt. Another type of covering used is known as Macadam (3:25). Over a painting of a canal it is noted canals were the main source of commerce (3:37). Hard surfaced roads brought the invention of the railroad (3:43). The McGurks discuss the threat of the railroad industry as the young son asks to join the railroad industry (4:32). The fourth Dan McGurk (4:57) is called to present a speech by the commissioner. He details the transition of transportation from the roadway, the canal, the railroad and to modern paved highways (6:17) through an anecdote of the elder Dan’s. A photograph from the late 1800’s shows the Winton Motor Carriage (6:21). The first truck trailer appears (6:35) invented by Chuck Fruehauf. He later formed the Fruehauf Trailer Co. Modern vehicles move down a four lane highway (6:37). The importance of trucks and trailers (6:52). A Kenworth tractor trailer (6:58) appears as McGurk informs viewers these deliver the parts required for vehicles (7:03). A freighter runs down a railroad (7:08). A Ralph’s Grocery store delivery truck moves to it’s destination (7:31). He addresses the complaint trucks were running the roadways (8:49). He points to an over worn roadway (9:52). The camera zooms in to show a poorly filled pothole (10:08). Causes of road wear are discussed (10:24). Construction workers dig up a portion of the road (11:52). A jackhammer pumps into the asphalt and rock (11:50). A Summit tractor trailer leads a line of heavy traffic (12:06). A black 1946 Chevrolet Fleetline Sportmaster appears (12:18). A GM Tractor Trailer follows (12:33). Gross weight is discussed (12:47) in relation to a passenger car and a tractor trailer (12:54). Revenue for roadways and maintenance is discussed (13:47). A truck arrives at an airport (15:04). A slick airway passenger plane appears (15:11). The city skyline of Chicago appears (15:30). Cars refuel at a small gas station (15:56). A tank truck arrives to fuel the station (16:03). A 1950 Plymouth enters for gas (16:28). Dan informs the group the roads must be widened (17:28). A lumber truck moves down a dirt road in Washington state (17:40). A steel truck heaves steel down a highway (17:55). A sign notes a truck route (18:09). As population increased, so did the numbers of the cars on the road (18:39) presenting the need for more roads. A truck trailer registered in New York (19:26) undergoes inspection. Various license plates and an ICC permit (19:46). It must cross many state boarders and therefore pays fees for each of these. An animation is presented of a shoe delivery truck (20:36) detailing the requirements for the truck. Gross weight per state is shown (21:20). Mileage fees (23:09) and compensation fees are paid (23:30). Special highway rules and regulations are discussed (24:37). The camera follows a tractor trailer down the highway as viewed from a passenger car (25:44). A 1947 Chevy sedan (25:49) weaves across the lines. The truck driver signal for the Chevy to pass (26:05). The commissioner thanks McGurk for his speech (27:08) and unveils the new road sign (27:30). It reads McGurk Way ‘You Can’t Stop Progress”; the family slogan (27:35). The End (27:58).

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