Minding the Streets

There’s a lot of housekeeping that goes into looking after the streets. At first the authorities tried self help, with an edict to residents to ‘keep the streets opposite their respective dwellings in good repair and the footpaths clean’ (Sydney Gazette, 23 April , 1809). Eventually a town corporation was established and rates were levied to get the work done.

As the town grew signposts were erected and maps were drawn and redrawn as things constantly changed. Directories were published that listed who lived where and what they did – something like a telephone book before there were telephones.

Later telegraph poles filled the streets with wires before they disappeared underground. Lighting was installed – first flickering gaslight and then the brighter electric light. Before the streets were sealed – and many were not sealed until after World War II – water carts were in constant use laying dust. Horse manure had to be swept away. Rubbish is constantly generated and leaves never stop falling.

Street furniture designs change over time, from trolley bus poles and rubbish bins to seats and shelters and bus stops and sign posts and building numbers. The details change but the streets always require minding.