That's a lovely essay, Russ. Thanks for sharing it.
I especially like the third photo, in which the pavement comes to an abrupt end.
And I really loved seeing the Burma Shave signs, even here in New England. My personal favorite, probably because my grandfather quoted it from time to time, was:
Granpa knows
It's not too late.
He's gone out
For Widow bait!
Burma Shave.