Painted House Number Vechtstraat 10

A number of painted house numbers from the occupation period can still be found in the Rivierenbuurt in Amsterdam (but also in other places). It is not entirely clear why, in addition to the ordinary house number plate, the number was also painted on the facade with large white numbers.

It has been suggested that this served to mark Jewish homes but this is unlikely. A more likely explanation is that the large white house numbers on the facades could be used in surveillance by 'the block chief' in enforcing the blackout rules. This way, he could easily see from which houses light could still be seen. A possible explanation is also that it was residents' own initiative to find their homes easier in the darkness.

Either way, they are monuments and reminders of wartime. The "Spoorzoeken in de Rivierenbuurt" initiative ensured that six specimens are preserved behind glass as reminders of the occupation period.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Mischa Rus
• https://spoorzoekeninderivierenbuurt.nl/index.php?/Geschilderde-huisnummers/bevindingen-conclusies.html