Before MapQuest: How We Got Hopelessly Lost on the Dirt Roads

Look at this old timeless classic. It kind of resembles the modern day UPS truck except the UPS trucks are enclosed. Back then when this vechicle was in use there were less streets, roads and highways but you could still easily get lost.

"A fully optimized mobile device, circa 1930."

Driving directions back then came from exactly two places: a paper map that refused to fold back up, or a "yap" (someone's mouth). If you were behind the wheel, your strategy for finding your way usually involved three desperate stages:

1. The Corner Loiterer: You'd pull over and ask a random pedestrian standing on the street corner—assuming they looked at least 51% trustworthy and possessed a basic understanding of north vs. south.

2. The Gas Station Gamble: If that failed, you'd pull into a filling station. The teenager working the pump was asked for directions forty times a day, so you just prayed they weren't guessing to get you out of their hair.

3. The Last Resort Farmhouse: If you hit the rural backroads, you had to pull the ultimate move of shame. You’d sheepishly walk past actual sheep, dodge a few farm dogs, knock on a stranger's front door, and swallow your pride to admit you were lost.

The best part about knocking on those doors? It instantly makes you think of all those classic farmer’s daughter jokes.

Of which, we are going to tell absolutely none. Keep it classy.