More Jacksonville history gone forever

[BackinJax05]

Several articles at MetroJacksonville discuss the thoughtless destruction of historic landmarks. I agree with them. Yet another aspect of our history has been ripped away, and no one really noticed. (Notice I didnt say no one cared) Im referring to the old traffic signals, especially the ones that were downtown, in Riverside, Springfield, and San Marco.

As historic buildings were demolished in the name of progress, so too went the traffic signals. I look at the hundreds of excellent pictures on this website of Jacksonville past and can't help but notice the traffic signals in the pictures - usually in the corners. Most were made by the Eagle Signal Corporation, which at the time was in Moline, IL.

The most ornate Eagle Signals were on Laura and Julia Streets, though other Eagle Signals were at intersections downtown, Riverside, Springfield, and San Marco. The ones downtown and at San Marco Square were mounted on pedestals at the streetcorners. The poles and pedestals, also made by Eagle, were ornate as well. They "fit" those neighborhoods.

Besides well made Eagle traffic signals there were pedestrian signals most intersections. Rather than the orange hand and white man we see today, (dumbed down for the lowest common denominator, no doubt) pedestrian signals of yesteryear had WORDS telling pedestrians when it was safe to cross the street. When the light was red, pedestrians were instructed by these signals to WAIT. Once the light turned green pedestrians could WALK across the street.

The old signals were replaced in the name of traffic safety, no doubt, but the newer ones don't fit our historic neighborhoods. Supposedly they're easier to see, but they also stand out as eyesores - especially at the Laura Street Trio and San Marco Square.

Its too late now, but those old Eagle Signals could have been taken down, disassembled, sandblasted, repainted, retrofitted with LED lenses, reassembled, and returned to their intersections. Other cities have done this to preserve the look and feel of their historic neighborhoods. Since traffic signals have no moving parts, those old signals would have been good for at least another 50 years.

[iloveionia]

And where did they go?

[mtraininjax]

Don't forget the street signs, the old ones, some of which are still around in Avondale featuring black letters on a white background. Also, the stone 4-sided markers at intersections, especially on Dancy between Park and US17 are cool to see, especially when residents take care of them and repaint them.

On the other hand, I do like the newer RAP inspired street signs.

[BackinJax05]

And where did they go?

I wish I knew. Today any time one of those old signals, especially a WAIT/WALK shows up on EBay, they always sell for several hundred dollars.

[BackinJax05]

Don't forget the street signs, the old ones, some of which are still around in Avondale featuring black letters on a white background. Also, the stone 4-sided markers at intersections, especially on Dancy between Park and US17 are cool to see, especially when residents take care of them and repaint them.

On the other hand, I do like the newer RAP inspired street signs.

I remember the black lettered street signs. There used to be one in my grandmother's front yard. (She lived on the corner)

Several 4 sided markers used to line Atlantic Blvd. near St. Pauls Church, as a barricade. From looking at the faded paint I could tell they were from Arlington. There are also a few left, also as a barriacade, on the banks of the Arlington River.

The newer RAP street signs you mentioned are cool, too. They're reflective, which makes them easier to see at night.

[Marley Weinstein]

Any pictures? I'd love to see what you're talking about

[BackinJax05]

Any pictures? I'd love to see what you're talking about

I'll look to see what I have, and post them. In the meantime if you look up articles & pictures here about the Ambassador & Robert Meyer Hotels, and Railroad Row, you'll see the traffic signals in the corners.