What you're seeing is normal, Lou. I would proceed with no worries.
Here are two images of a 1956 block which along with the matching 1956 head I used for over 30 years. You can see the deadend spots between those 2 cylinders:
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p535/JonGoodman/IMG_8582.jpghttp://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p535/JonGoodman/IMG_8581.jpgNow here are two images of the 1956 head showing two large water holes which go nowhere on this engine:
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p535/JonGoodman/IMG_8585.jpghttp://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p535/JonGoodman/IMG_8583.jpgAnd here is a bona fide 235 head gasket (copper sandwich type) showing the large hole (of which there are 2) deadended into the block surface:
http://i1154.photobucket.com/albums/p535/JonGoodman/IMG_8586.jpgThe 235 gasket you receive will have holes there--it is the way the gasket is made. I have never seen a single one which didn't. They (the holes) will do nothing but should be sealed top/bottom (meaning at the block side and at the head side) before you install the head. I have seen water leaks if you fail to do this. Also please be certain to remember to re-torque your head after you warm the engine up and shut it off. Yes, you will get some erosion on the block here. This eroded part is what I have thought about filling with silver solder before the block is resurfaced. Sorry but I can't tell you if the 1959 block had the same thing. I didn't notice before assembling it, but if I had to guess I would say it was built exactly this same way. Both of these engines were removed as units and neither had been machined before I received them. The only repair I could identify on the 1959 engine was that the rear main seal had been changed for the neoprene type at some point or possibly it came from the factory that way.
Jon
