The herald., 1897-08-07
THE TEN BLOCK
System Of Country Road
Numbering
AN ADVANTAGEOUS. SCHEME
INVENTION FOR DESIGNATING G
RURAL HOMES
And Measuring Distances on County
Observation-Disclosures of
Its Workings

At the meeting of the board of super
visors Wednesday a plan for the con-
secutive numbering of county roads and
farm houses somewhat similar to the
method now in use in cities, was brought
to the attention of that body by COM
mittee of the Merchants and Manufac-
turers' association and met with favor
able consideration. A general outline
was given in yesterdays issue, but the
following explanation will give a clearer
idea of what is proposed to be done.
The originator of the scheme Isl A. L.
Bancroft the we'll known San Francisco
publisher, and the system has been
adopted in Contra Costa county, where
he has large landed interests, with the
most satisfactory results. By the use
of this scheme, which is known as the
"ten block" system, the exact location
| of the residences and the distances of
each from the beginning Of the road are
shown.
Names are applied to the roads of
county for as great distances in gen.
| eral direction as practicable. The names
are selected and applied in much the
same way as for the streets of cities.
The names of both termini and of the
residents on the road being avoided, the
names are equally applicable when trav-
cling in either direction and are equally
satisfactory to all. The possessive case
in road names is also avoided. The
roads commence at the county seat, or
at the end nearest to it, and extend
away from it,
Each mile along the roads is divided
into ten equal parts, or imaginary blocks,
having a frontage on the road of 52S
feet, 176 yards, 32 rods or chains
These blocks have only frontage, not
depth nor thickness. Two numbers are
assigned to each block, the odd ones
on the left and the even ones on the
right. When a road passes through
village or town the country numbers
cease at the entrance of the town, but
the measuring continues through it, and
the country numbers are resumed upon
emerging from the town limits again,
the numbers of the blocks always being
determined by the distance from the
starting point Each and every house
located in a block has the number of
that block. In very few instances
along our country roads will more than
one house be located in the same block.
When this does occur the first house
has simply the number of the block,
The second and all succeeding houses
have the same number, followed by dis
tinguishing letters Of the alphabet in
regular succession: 29s, 29Sa, 29Sb, etc.
These numbers indicate distances from
the commencement of the road, which
can be calculated almost instantly. AS
there are two numbers to each block
divide the house numbers by two, and we
have the total number of blocks. AS
there are ten blocks to the mile, divide
the result obtained by ten or point off
one decimal, and the distance in miles
and tenths is shown Take the same
number, 29S, divide it by two and we have
149; point off one decimal and we have
14.9 miles from the commencement.
The advantages to be secured by the
adoption of the ten-block system are
very great and numerous. The plan is
permanent in its character. The num-
Should the distinguishing letters of the
house numbers in one block need re-
Arranging, it would not in any way dis
turb the others. New roads can be
opened and new residences built, and
both be fitted into the system without
difficulty; therefore, it is availa BILE for
all classes of communities at once, and
would be exceedingly useful to ALL
whether old or new, because it is perma-
nent, it is economical, and there are
no reasons why it should not be generally
established without delay.
When the numbers are placed at the
entrances they answer every purpose of
mileStones With this system estab-
lished in a county, distances can be
quickly and accurately calculated from
any house number to any other house
number in the county. With the assis-
tance of key map and road key, taking
up no more room than large letter en-
velope, which can be carried in the
pocket or in a memorandum book. a
traveller can readily find any house in
the county without loss of time or asking
question, and almost at glance can
compare the length of routes and decide
upon the shorter one to take. Verbal
directions can be given and received
which will enable the stranger to readily
find the residence sought. The mileage
of jurymen, constables and other Off
cials can be readily and accurately cal
culated- Road work to be done or other
improvements to be effected can be
| readily, easily and definitely located,
and road register for the convenience
| Of the officials becomes practicable
| The boundaries of school districts.
road districts, supervisor districts, cleo
| tion precincts, etc., can be easily defined
and understood. Country physicians
can readily find the houses of their pa
tients, and will have data from which
to make charges for their visits. BY
placing some monuments at the divis-
ions between the blocks or otherwise
permanently indicating them they
could be used as starting points in de-
scribing farm boundaries when sales are
made and transfers become necessary
AS numbers are assigned to all the blocks,
whether occupied or not, they are al
waye in readiness for new residences
and can always be applied to them at
any time to any extent without dis
turbing the arrangement of the exist.
ing numbers. A directory showing the
| exart locafiau of avery rac;Ia,t