Source:History-in-street-signs/content
The municipal council of Paris has hit upon an excellent idea in proposing to add the historical significance and date to the signs giving the names of streets. Paris has been exceptionally active in commemorating momentous events by her street nomenclature—of which the avenues radiating from the Arc de Triomphe are notable examples. Now she intends to follow a course that will not permit the significance of these names to be forgotten, and will impress upon the careless passer-by some of the heroes and days that have been associated with great crises and memorable achievements. Thus some of the street signs in future will read: "Rue Rivoli—French Victory in 1797"; "Avenue Victor Hugo—French Poet and Novelist, 1802–1885"; "Rue Lincoln—Famous President of the United States, 1809–1865."
This is an idea which American cities might adopt with profit. In this country the tendency has been to obliterate historic names and to substitute meaningless numerals and even letters. What is gained in trifling convenience is lost in character and dignity. Just as a man immured in a penitentiary loses his identity under a number, so a street loses some of its caste and all of its individuality by this process. We should preserve the old historic appellations, and drive home the lessons and memories they hold, by some such plan as that of the Parisians. "Forbes Street—Scotch General Who Took Fort Pitt, 1758." "Buena Vista Street—American Victory in Mexican War, 1847." "Gist Street—Christopher Gist, Washington's Guide, 1753." "Dinwiddie Street—Robert Dinwiddie, Governor of Virginia, 1690–1770." These are just a few of the interesting legends that might be displayed at some Pittsburgh street corners, emblazoning the memory of the fathers and the renown of their deeds. The Paris idea is one well worth taking note of.
