SignalTraffic Forums

by **steven1981** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 3:45 pm

I came across an interesting segment from a film that dates back to 1955, and I thought I'd share it with you.

The location is Times Square in Manhattan, New York, and the person filmed mainly the traffic. Nice view of everything at that time.

It's interesting to point out that these signalized intersections did not have red clearances at one time, which I wasn't aware of. It might have been introduced in later years in the city. Also, if you look closely at one of the signalized intersections (essentially in the foreground), you'll notice there is an overlap. The amber indication overlaps the green indication for a handful of seconds before both terminate at the same time. Perhaps this was once an indication of caution to pedestrians. Just another interesting observation to point out. Below, is the link to the video. Keep in mind that QuickTime is required to view this segment.

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video ... e/91943898

by **SirMarbelot** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:00 pm

Ahhh, the days when flat-top Marbelites were the "new junk". :thumbsup:

One corner has a green-amber phase, while the next one doesn't. I wonder if they were still undecided on the standard they were going with.

by **steven1981** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:00 pm

Another example of a signalized intersection from the city that did not have a red clearance. The film dates back to the early 1960s, though. At W. 46th Street and Broadway.

http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video ... /105186807

by **SirMarbelot** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:05 pm

It was pretty common to see no red overlap well into the 1970s, when I was first noticing signals.

PS - You've been digging up some great NYC stuff, Steven! :good:

by **SirMarbelot** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:12 pm

Check out the ped signals while the car is stopped in this film. The DONT WALK flash is very brief, and lasts through the amber.

by **steven1981** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:22 pm

SirMarbelot wrote:Check out the ped signals while the car is stopped in this film. The DONT WALK flash is very brief, and lasts through the amber.

Good eye, Francis. I had to view this film again to see that amber indication.

It's interesting to see how these signals once functioned in the 1950s and 1960s in New York City.

by **SirMarbelot** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 4:55 pm

steven1981 wrote:
SirMarbelot wrote:Check out the ped signals while the car is stopped in this film. The DONT WALK flash is very brief, and lasts through the amber.

Good eye, Francis. I had to view this film again to see that amber indication.

It's interesting to see how these signals once functioned in the 1950s and 1960s in New York City.

That's why I set my controllers without the red clearance.,,nostalgia for my youth! :grin:

by **MarkIV** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:30 pm

Some of thoes GTE pedestrian signal are still there. I when into times square last weekend.

by **steven1981** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 5:37 pm

MarkIV wrote:Some of thoes GTE pedestrian signal are still there. I when into times square last weekend.

Many of those still exist today throughout the five boroughs, not to mention the housings from Winkomatic.

by **Rosey** on Fri Feb 08, 2013 9:22 am

Woah, these are GREAT. Good work finding them.
Thanks for sharing.
-Rosey

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Signals of Times Square (Circa 1955)

Signals of Times Square (Circa 1955)

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