I noticed a silly little thing and have been curious ever since … Most of the lamppost in downtown Greenville are marked with the number 17. Here is a close-up photo … I have asked a few friends if they have a theory as to why. The idea I liked most was that maybe 17 is the number of the inspector. Like the slip of paper that says “inspected by # 17″ which you sometimes find in new underwear.
June 25, 2007 - Lampost
lavenderlady said,
maybe the number stands for the day they installed new lightbulbs.
Marc said,
That’s an interesting question… Maybe it’s the number of the power supply line.
I’m curious what your friends said! :-)
Dsole said,
uhm… what a funny thing! I really don’t know the reason… maybe there are 17 models of streets lights, and they’re number 17? have a great day there!
Zsolt72 said,
I never found any slip of paper like that in my underwear:)
Lessie said,
That’s so funny. It’s weird how small mysterious details can be so thought consuming! Like the photo — the line of the light posts and curve of the walk.
Marsha said,
Just imagine how many people see those lamposts every day and never give them a second thought. Leave it to a fellow photographer to notice the details!
My guess about the #17 is that it is the model of lamp post that the City of Greenville selected, or maybe just the style of the globe.
Denton said,
Lavender Lady (Norma) that is logical.
Marc, possible you are correct. I suspect it is as simple as the model number. However, I don’t see a reason for the numbers to be blue and stand out so much … See my explanation to Zsolt about clothing quality control procedures.
Dsole, I agree you are most likely correct. The numbers are most likely models numbers for the street lights. However, a model number is not as fun as other ideas.
Zsolt, yes strangely in the US, clothing quality control procedures include placing a slip of paper identifying the inspector by number. I suspect most of our US readers would recognize the reference.
Lessie, thank you.
Marsha, thank you for the complement. There is pleasure to be found in noticing small details.
RSS feed for comments on this post · TrackBack URI
