Lost in the maze of Parisian streets. Today we find ourselves on Allée Gutenberg. But wait, there seems to be some confusion.
Allée Gutenberg in Saint-Denis? Or the Rue Gutenberg in the 15th arrondissement? Or perhaps the old Rue Gutenberg in the 1st arrondissement?
Let’s unravel this mystery together. It appears we’re not standing on a street directly linked to the famed printer Johannes Gutenberg. Instead, we’re on Allée Gutenberg in Saint-Denis.
Let’s travel back in time to understand the importance of Gutenberg. Johannes Gutenberg lived from around 1400 to 1468. He invented printing using metal movable type. This invention was revolutionary. It symbolized the spread of knowledge. It was seen as a beacon against religious obscurantism.
Now, let’s consider the Rue Gutenberg in the 15th arrondissement. This street got its name in 1904. This renaming coincided with the construction of the new Imprimerie Nationale. The Imprimerie Nationale replaced the old printing house on Rue Vieille-du-Temple. The northern part of the street existed earlier. It was part of the commune of Grenelle. Before 1904 it was called Rue Virginie.
Interestingly, there was also a Rue Gutenberg in the 1st arrondissement. It connected Rue du Louvre and Rue Jean-Jacques-Rousseau. This street was near the central post office of the Louvre. It separated the post office from telephone buildings. It received the name Gutenberg in 1881. However, this street was removed in 1891. The postal administration annexed it.
The name Gutenberg lived on. It lent its name to the Gutenberg telephone exchange. Eventually, the name was reassigned in 1904. It was given to a street in the 15th arrondissement.
So, while we stand on Allée Gutenberg in Saint-Denis. It’s important to remember the legacy. It’s a legacy of Johannes Gutenberg. His invention changed the world. It facilitated the distribution of knowledge. Even though this Allée Gutenberg may not have a direct historical connection, it serves as a reminder of Gutenberg’s enduring impact. It’s a testament to the power of the printed word in shaping society.