The names of streets are something so banal that many people put no thought into them. Street names are an incredibly usual function of everyday life that makes travel, sending and receiving mail, and life much either for everyone. But who names streets and why?

After noticing a minor discrepancy between two street signs on the same road, I set off in search of answers. While perhaps not the biggest issue in the world, I discovered a number of interesting tidbits about street naming conventions and local history. And spoiler alert: the answer of which sign is correct is actually revealed at the end.

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The extended interview with Judy Chace and Kenneth Roche can be found here:

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Citations:

#1: Gun, Jeff. “We Counted Literally Every Road in America. Here’s What We Learned.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 6 Mar. 2015, http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2015/03/06/these-are-the-most-popular-street-names-in-every-state/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.d29c5d846776.

#2: Shannon, Jacqueline. “Beyond Main: How Streets Get Their Names.” Zillow, Zillow Group, 6 Dec. 2015, http://www.zillow.com/blog/beyond-main-how-streets-get-their-names-99151/.

#3: McCough, Will. “How Do Streets Get Named?” Mental Floss, Minute Media, 7 Oct. 2013, mentalfloss.com/article/53010/how-do-streets-get-named.

#4: Knollwood Beach Association, http://www.knollwoodbeachct.com/.

#5: Chace, Judy, and Kenneth Roche. Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Image provided courtesy of these individuals.

#6: Chace, Judy, and Kenneth Roche. Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Image provided courtesy of these individuals.

#7: Chace, Judy, and Kenneth Roche. Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Image provided courtesy of these individuals.

#8: Chace, Judy, and Kenneth Roche. Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Image provided courtesy of these individuals.

#9: Chace, Judy, and Kenneth Roche. Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Image provided courtesy of these individuals.

#10: Document can be accessed at Old Saybrook Town Hall, Office of the Town Clerk.

#11: Document can be accessed at Old Saybrook Town Hall, Office of the Town Clerk.

#12: Documents can be accessed at Old Saybrook Town Hall, Office of the Town Clerk.

#13: Footage created using Google Earth Pro for MacOS.

#14: Chace, Judy, and Kenneth Roche. 14 Sept. 2018. Interview conducted in person. Both interviewees signed release forms.

#15: Outro Song: “Fill Me In” by Atwaters featuring Yeon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW0iKqFMoxo Used with artist’s consent. The contents and views of this video may not necessarily be shared with the artist.