Vintage N.Y.C. pedestrian signals

This pair was once located at the corner of Queens Blvd. in Queens, New York. Circa 1971. Two different kinds are in the photograph. The one that faces you is a Marbelite model LPS-20 incandescent pedestrian signal, while the one next to it is a bulky neon pedestrian signal from Winko-Matic.

The bulky neon pedestrian signal from Winko-Matic was first introduced in New York City in 1955, and it was installed on New York City streets from the time of its debut until the early 1970s. An interesting set-up, in which was common to see on many major thoroughfares throughout New York City was what is shown above. A Marbelite LPS-20 faced the crosswalk of a major thoroughfare, while a Winko-Matic neon pedestrian signal was positioned to face the crosswalk of a cross street.

Sometimes, both kinds were installed at the same time, while one was first installed before the other. In this case, that would be the Winko-Matic neon pedestrian signal. A crosswalk for the main drag lacked actual pedestrian signals; however, vehicular heads were typically in use. One for each direction of the main drag. Uniformity is a likely reason for the addition of new pedestrian signals in later years at existing signalized intersections.

This is just one of many interesting and old N.Y.C. signal arrangements at intersections, in which are practically no longer in existence today.