New York City Intersections
1920s
The 1920s in New York City saw various intersections (those that were typically major) controlled by mainly police officers and traffic control towers. With regards to the second form of traffic control, traffic control towers were operated by police officers and red and green and red, amber, and green sets were used. One kind of traffic control tower that is well known to date is the bronze tower, in which was designed by Joseph H. Freedlander and first unveiled by the 5th Av. Association in 1922. At the intersection of W. 42nd St. and 5th Av. Approximately seven were installed on one segment of the major thoroughfare, and these were in use in the 1920s. The decorative design of the tower stood out the most, since Freedlander strongly believed in aesthetics. At the top, a police officer was stationed within the inside, and a set of red, amber, and green signal indications were in use.
