Unlike my usual posts, this one is not about a particular ride. Instead, it is a sort of compilation of many rides, most of them in 2014. Today’s post focuses on address, or house numbers, as they are officially known.
You might correctly suspect that properties were first given addresses in the early days of Saint Paul, July 29, 1874 to be exact.(1) Just six years later a new ordinance was approved that more precisely defined how addresses were assigned.(2) Don Empson, in The Street Where You Live, tells the fascinating and sometimes confusing story of how addresses are assigned now and the progression of the process since 1874.
There is a vast melange of house and building numbers around town, something I really noticed last year. Some differences, like size and materials (i.e. metal, wood) might be obvious. But there is a whole lot more to this numbers game than those characteristics.
The address numbers in Saint Paul range from a single digit to four. The ‘zero point’ or place where single digit house numbers for north-south streets start roughly follows Summit Avenue to Ramsey Street, the Mississippi River and effectively along Upper Afton Road. Address numbers grow larger as one moves north or south of this imaginary line.
The ‘zero point’ for east west streets is basically along Sylvan Street south to Wabasha through Downtown and to the West Side to Humbolt Avenue to the Saint Paul’s border with West Saint Paul.
Some have home made house numerals.
Not all house numbers are posted on the house (at first glace that doesn’t really make sense.) From signs to stoops to steps, addresses appear in assorted places on Saint Paulites’ property.
Of course, homes are not the only structures that have address numbers. Even undeveloped lots have an address, although it might not be posted. Buildings, too, must display an address and do so with nearly the variety of homes.
There are horizontally, vertically and diagonally-oriented house numbers.
Duplexes, naturally, require two house numbers.
Tile and ceramics add some panache to the lowly house number.
Scripted addresses are rare, perhaps because people aren’t learning how to write or read it.
Finally, a smattering of unusual house numbers.
This assortment is just a sample of the creative, odd, mundane, lavish and gaudy ways house numbers are presented. Let me know if you see an interesting address number on your travels in Saint Paul.
Footnotes:
(1) The Street Where You Live: A Guide to the Place Names of St. Paul by Donald Empson; page 248
(2) The Street Where You Live: A Guide to the Place Names of St. Paul by Donald Empson; page 249
Interesting! I like the fact that you give a fresh take on a city that we often just take for granted.
Jennifer, the more we look, the more there is to see. Could I commission you to create a really fabulous house number?
Fun topic I have never given much thought to. Will find myself paying more attention next time. Now, what can we do about St. Paul’s reluctance to number buildings on each city block by 100#s, like a normal town?
Hi Cathy.
Normal is boring but if you’d really like to alter that quirk, write to Mayor Chris Coleman. That’s my solution to every problem 😉
BTW, you know we could never live in a “normal” place.
Wolfie
Nice job Steve-very interesting!
Thank you Jim. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for posts.
I love your blog, and appreciate this post. I would like to point out something that many people don’t think about until after it’s too late. After over 30 years of experience in municipal public service, I know first hand how important it is for first responders to locate addresses quickly in emergencies. Whether it’s a medical emergency, an accident, a fire or a crime in progress, having an immediately visible and readable house number can mean the difference between life and death. House numbers can be creative and attractive, but they also need to be visible and easily readable. Numbers that are faded, colored to merge in with their background, obscured by foliage, etc., are not good. My real least favorite, however, are the pretentious spelled-out numbers, e.g., “Twenty-Seven-Hundred-Thirty-Two”–try finding that one at night during a rain storm.
Hi Bill,
Many thanks for your nice comments. Which municipality did you work for and what did you do? Seems like you have a story or two. Care to share sometime?
Thanks,
Wolfie
Fun article, and nicely written. The first house/building numbers appeared in St. Paul in the early 1860s, but only in the downtown section (or central business district) of the city. In 1869, an attempt was made to assign numbers to every building within the central part of the city. In the autumn of 1873, the entire city was once again renumbered, because of rapid growth. The current (third) numbering system for St. Paul was commenced in April 1881, when the entire city was renumbered. There have been some tweaks since that time, but most of the house/building numbers remain the same from that date. My home in St. Paul, built in 1854 (the same year as the city’s incorporation) has had four addresses in its 160 year history. Originally No. 47, then No. 109, followed by No. 114, and finally, No. 454. The house has never been moved. – Jim Sazevich, The House Detective.
Jim, fascinating information! Thanks for adding it.
I’d like to learn more about your research and knowledge of your home and the many others you’ve investigated.
I really appreciate you reading and commenting.
Wolfie
My son (who now lives in California but misses St Paul terribly) pointed out your blog to me and I have enjoyed it immensely. I just realized you have a comments section … so, just wanted to say, thanks so much for sharing your rides and your knowledge!
Vince, thank you very much for the nice comment. You made my day! I’m glad you and your son enjoy the blog. Let me know if you have any ideas of things I should see or people with whom I should talk.
Wolfie