New York City Intersections
1920s
Throughout New York City, various intersections (those that were typically major) were controlled mainly by either police officers or traffic control towers. With regards to traffic control towers, these were generally operated by police officers and red and green and red, amber, and green sets were in use. 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. Approximately seven were installed on one segment of the major thoroughfare, and these were in use throughout 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.
