Once upon a time in a small town, waist-high, concrete street markers with bold, black lettering pointed the way to the street where you lived and to your favorite mom-and-pop store. But over the decades, the stubby markers have gradually disappeared—replaced by modern, easier-to-read street signs with reflective lettering.
Some residents like Barbara Dwyer still love the quaint old-time street monuments. She’s lucky enough to still live on a corner with one. The marker sits along a dirt stretch of Cherry Avenue where it meets the paved Antonell Court. It’s imprinted with the word “Cherry” and below that in smaller, faded letters is “Ave.” Very little is known about the history of the few remaining markers left in town. But in Dwyer’s neighborhood, the markers probably go back at least a half-century like the homes.
“It’s kind of neat to have something from back in the old days,” Dwyer says. “We like it—even if most people don’t say much about it.”
Today, the street marker keeps a lonely vigil on the street corner. Cherry Valley resident Bruce Murrill works throughout Beaumont and often drives the city’s streets. During his travels, he’s seen three or four of the old markers. “I keep an eye out because they’re part of Beaumont’s history,” Murrill said. “I just kind of like them.”
If you have your own favorite old-time marker near where you live, have spotted one around town or know something about their history, make sure to email or write in and let the Beaumont Blogger know!
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