This first article was published in The Henderson Semi-Weekly Reporter on Tue, Apr 3, 1883.
Once More–Number the Houses.
The subject of numbering the houses has been frequently brought before our Council without bearing fruit. We now make a suggestion, which we understand meets with the approval of all to whom it has been presented, and before going into details we would state that the plan here presented was first adopted by Philadelphia, and many other cities, recognizing its benefits, are following suit, and as our city will soon contain a much larger population, it is important that we begin right, and thus avoid the expense of re-numbering, as other cities have found it necessary to do. The plan is briefly this: Let each square (including both sides of the street) represent one hundred; no matter how many houses there are, let each square finish the one hundred it represents; for instance, begin, as a matter of course, at first street; all above First, on Main, is North, and below it, South Main. The first square represents one hundred, the next two hundred, and so on; so when we become a large city, and some stranger inquires for No. 610 North Main, we tell him once it is just above Sixth street; or if he wants 360 we tell him it is between Third and Fourth streets.
Now, as a starter in this work, will not our merchants number their stores? Let it be done correctly.
Some have numbers on them already, but these are not correct. Odd numbers on West side, even numbers on East side; hence Genische & Gabe is No. 1 North Main, Amiet is No. 3, and so on up the West side; McLaughlin is No. 2 North Main, Fleming No. 4, Baldauf No. 6, and so on up the East side. Thus Mr. Fossee, occupying the N. W. corner, would be No. 41, and W. S. Johnson & Bro., occupying the N. E. corner, would be No. 42. Now we cross Street. Thos. Evans would be No. 201, Mann Bros. No. 200, and so on, counting all vacant lots as though occupied. This has worked well in other cities and would do so here. Will not our merchants–than whom none are more enterprising–take the initiatory step? We call upon them to do and at once. The plan is suggested to us by a leading merchant and we hope it will be adopted.
House numbers were carved and painted by boys of the National Youth Administration in 1938.
Cats Alley? Snow Alley? Clark / Meadow?
