I was looking at a 1920s road map of my county and realized all the old dirt roads got paved over by the 1980s. | Antique Map Puzzlers - The Community Guide
My grandpa still calls that old gravel path "Smith's Lane" even though it's been a four-lane asphalt strip since '78. Guess progress really does pave over the good stuff.
There's something nice about asphalt and proper drainage though. I remember when that lane by the old school was still dirt and my bike would sink into mud every spring. Paved roads mean kids can ride to school without getting filthy, and ambulances can get through without getting stuck. Your grandpa's got the memories, but the new road probably saves somebody's day every time it rains.