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2010-02-09

2010-01-19

Agriculture

Lifestyles

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 11:31 PM

Historic concrete markers give city streets character

It sometimes is the little things that distinguish one community from another and provide cohesiveness and personality. In Ottawa’s case its historic and unique concrete, tombstone-like street markers are unique.

These practical yet one-of-a-kind corner adornments recently took on some color and school spirit when Ottawa University students painted street markers surrounding their campus the school’s signature black and gold.

Not to be outdone, Ottawa High School and Ottawa Middle School students followed suit and painted street markers surrounding and leading up to its campus at 11th and Ash streets its signature red and white.

The 325 markers are largely in older neighborhoods, or those that were in existence when the city of Ottawa contracted with Orral M. Staneart, July 11, 1945, to cast them, according to Deb Barker, director of the Franklin County Historical Society. Principally bounded by North Street, Davis Road, 15th and Beech streets, the concrete markers were installed at street corners, often on the southwest corner of an intersection, to identify intersecting streets for the public. No doubt, they were a low-cost alternative to street signs in the cash-strapped post World War II-era.

Are others planning their own painting projects? City officials certainly hope so. The 64-year old markers, which originally cost $2,275 were last refurbished in late 1990s. Since that time many have fallen into disrepair and, as requested by homeowners, the city has removed decaying markers. Anyone seeking an easy volunteer project is invited to adopt his or her own neighborhood street marker and paint it.

Newcomers, likely, wonder about the height of the markers, which are easily covered by tall grass or snow in the winter but it is assumed their height was the same as car headlights beam.

These markers don’t replace the more modern, uniform and recognizable green and white street signs but they certainly complement them. Other communities, such as Osawatomie, have other unique vertical cement street markers but none seem to be just like Ottawa’s. That should be a point of community pride and show some of the community’s personality too.

— Jeanny Sharp,

editor and publisher

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Historic concrete markers give city streets character

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article | Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.

E-mail this story to a friend | Print this article |
Enjoy the convenience of home delivery of The Ottawa Herald.