Addresses in Hamilton ON

[ssc1958]

I've recently discovered some addresses for ancestors in Hamilton from various sources, census', marriage and death records and Vernon's directories.  I find it curious that although the street address is Chestnut Av, the # varies for the same individual.  For example in one case I have #76 Chestnut Ave as well as #90 and #92. 

This seems to indicate that they moved frequently but stayed on the same street. Seems like a lot of effort especially in the 1910-1920's.   Would anyone have a theory as to why they might do this?

SSC

[Jacquie in Canada]

If a person likes where they live but the house they are in is either too big or too small they might try to find another house on the same street. Another possibilitity is the street was renumbered at some point.

Jacquie

[Lesanne]

  I think it was renumbered as new houses were built. 

[ssc1958]

Thank you for your comments Jacquie and Leanne, I never thought about the street being renumbered.  The only thing that I could come up with was maybe they were rentals and as the family got smaller they moved to a house with less expensive rent. 

[KarenM]

The only thing that I could come up with was maybe they were rentals and as the family got smaller they moved to a house with less expensive rent. 

That's what my gr grandparents did, they lived in about 3 different houses on the same street, and a very tiny street at that, they were renters and just moved.

Karen

[JDC]

Hi SSC,


The other homes could be homes owned/rented by their relatives (aunts & uncles, brothers & sisters,  etc) inwhich they could have moved between them as circumstances changed for them. This is quite a common practice for new immigrants to Canada  - particularly when they are sponsored by family already here.

JDC