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Warning

• Chicago Motor Club Warning Signs » Circa 1940

  
  The sign on the left is to be read "Caution - School Crossing," which was a common arrangement of the legend during this era (middle-top-bottom). Both signs were posted by the Chicago Motor Club in areas that were not under the control of a state or local highway agency, and therefore lacked signage. The Motor Club posted many warning signs like this, including square "School" signs as well as diamond "Slow - Danger - Corner" and "Playground" signs. (Both 24" x 24")

• No Passing - School Zone - 20 MPH » Circa 1950

  
  This odd-shaped, 15" x 36" School/Speed Limit/No Passing sign has embossed letters on heavy-gauge steel. This is a 1940s-1950s version of the "School - Speed Limit 20" signs seen today. This sign was manufactured before the standards were set that require sign dimensions to be in multiples of 6" (e.g 12" x 18" and 18" x 24"). (This sign is 15" x 36".)

• Children Wanted Alive » Circa 1950

  
  Rust covers this sign's original pale-yellow color yet it is still an interesting piece in the collection. This sign was posted by the South Holland (suburban Chicago) Jaycees, as noted around the bottom edge. I don't know too much about its history, but I think this sign served the same purpose as a "Slow - Children at Play"-type sign. (12" D)

• Watch Out for Children » Circa 1950

  

  Here are pioneers of the "Slow - Children at Play"-type sign seen today, and it's pretty rare to find the phrase "Watch Out" on any modern sign. I was lucky enough to visit the street department just after they replaced almost 20 of these signs.

  It's interesting to note how many of these "word-heavy" signs have evolved into iconic representations over time, like children running or kids on a see-saw. Icons are not only easier to read and interpret while traveling at higher rates of speed, they can bee seen from farther distances as well. (Left and Right: 12" x 18"; Center: 18" x 24")

Other Embossed Warning Signs

Turn and Curve (W1 Series)

Intersection (W2 Series)

• "T" Interection with Marble Reflectors » Circa 1940

  
  This small, 20" x 20" "T" sign warns of an upcoming intersection. Signs from this era did not use reflective paint, so the red reflective marbles (held together with a round black housing) were added for extra safety. "Dominion Signal Richmond, VA" is embossed around the center marble.

Advance Traffic Control (W3 Series)

Merge and Lane Transition (W4 Series)

Pavement Conditions (W8 Series)

Advance Warning and Crossing (W11 Series)

Advisory Speed (W13 Series)

Dead End, No Outlet and No Passing (W14 Series)

School & Children (S Series)

Object Markers

Other Warning Signs