Saturday, September 30, 2023

house numbers painted on the curb, an innovation in the early 1930s to put vets to work during the depression




In 1933, Portland passed an ordinance to rename streets and renumber buildings in the city. Here we see a city employee numbering the curb on SE Elliott Avenue in Ladd’s Addition in 1934.

“Portland House Numbers to Go on Curb-stones, Placing of Figures to Be Done by Unemployed Veterans.”

“Portland residence will wear their numbers on the curb stones if they conform to the new fashion which already has been launched. A crew of 40 men, armed with credentials from the City Council, which recently approved a special ordinance endorsing the plan, began the curb decorating enterprise 3 days ago.”

“The house number, blazoned on the curbstone in three-inch, orange-colored numbers is placed on the vertical side of the curbing, where automobile lights will pick them up at night.”

“The work is being done entirely by unemployed veterans. Stencils for the numbering have been prepared and the same color and quality of paint will be used in all of the work.”

“The work began on the east side and will be underway on the west side today. Each of the men making the canvass is equipped with proper credentials, and the work will not be done without permission of the persons residing at the residence.” 

Morning Oregonian, August 25th 1933, page 12

“About 8,000 house numbers have been painted on the curbs by M. E. Hampton and O. H. Bloom, who have about 40 veterans working on the job under a permit from the city council, it was said yesterday.

The numbers are painted on the curbs where the property owners consent, and where they are willing to pay a small charge for the work. The men pointed out that they numbers are not compulsory, but are placed as an added convenience in finding an address.” 

Morning Oregonian, September 13th 1933, page 9


but the outstanding visual appeal of Arenas Curb Appeal in Orange County is something cooler, a father daughter duo.



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