Dirt Roads

Throughout my youth, I had traveled many dirt roads and paths. Many were the most pleasant experiences of my life and some well, I would rather like to forget. The problem today with our society is that those dirt roads and paths have disappeared except perhaps in national parks and a few rural areas. I just rediscovered an old article written by the late great Paul Harvey. He describes the old dirt roads like nobody else. Enjoy.

Dirt Roads

By Paul Harvey

People that live at the end of Dirt Roads learn early on that life is a bumpy ride. That it can jar you right down to your teeth, but sometimes its worth it, if at the end is a home....a loving spouse, happy kids and a dog.

We wouldn't have near the trouble with our educational system if our kids got exercise walking a Dirt Road with other kids, with whom they learn to get along. There was less crime before they were paved. Criminals did not walk two dusty miles to rob or rape, if they knew they would by 5 barking dogs and a double barrel shotgun.

There were no drive by shootings. Our values were better when our roads were worse!

People did not worship their cars more than their kids, and motorists were more courteous, they didn't tailgate by riding the bumper or the guy in front would choke you with the dust and bust your windshield with rocks.

Dirt Roads taught patience.

Dirt Roads were environmentally friendly, you didn't hop in your car for a quart of milk you just walked to the barn for your milk. For your mail you walked to your mailbox.

What if it rained and the Dirt Road washed out? That was the best part, then you stayed home and had some family time, roasted marshmallows, and popped popcorn, and road on Daddy's shoulders and learned how to make prettier quilts than anybody.

At the end of Dirt Roads, you soon learned that bad words tasted like soap.

Most paved roads lead to trouble, Dirt Roads more likely lead to a fishing creek or a swimming hole.

At the end of the Dirt Road, the only time we even locked our car was in August, because if we didn't some neighbor would fill it with too much zucchini.

At the end of the Dirt Road, there was always extra springtime income, from when city dudes would get stuck, and you'd have to hitch up a team and pull them out. Usually you got a dollar...always a new friend at the end of The Dirt Road!

Go back to the dirt roads of your youth by visiting The 60s Official Site.