Another reason that I've heard is that the streets weren't as clean back then as they are now.
Getting in from the sidewalk meant you could avoid stepping in the snow/mud/manure on the street.


David Colter
pics * 1954 wrecker * [color:#009900]1948 Chevy 1-Ton[/color]
No act of kindness - no matter how small - is ever wasted ~~ Aesop