BusTalk

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

More on the Newark (NJ) traffic tower:

https://knowingnewark.npl.org/recalling-two-architectural-highlights-of-old/

(Note, also, PSNJ buses and streetcars in the 1930's photo at the top of the page)

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"YESTERDAY AND TODAY"

Here are two views of the old Newark traffic tower; one from the 1930's (Broad & Market) and one of the old tower today, standing in a NJ cemetery.....

www.newarkphotos.com/photos/displayimage.php?album=27&pid=2330

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's a page of thumbnails of the old Newark Traffic Tower (note PSNJ buses and streetcars......

www.newarkstreets.com/photos/thumbnails.php?album=312

(The NEW YORK TIMES also ran an interesting story on the former Traffic Tower a number of years back, "JOURNEY FROM CITY INTERSECTION TO CEMETERY PATH").......

"NYO"

[traildriver]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

traildriver:

Yup......

Old radio tubes, long-dead light bulbs, vintage toasters, old cereal premiums....you name it, and there's a collector for it (trust me, Your's Truly know!)

"NYO"

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Regarding the old traffic signals we often encounter in vintage bus (and trolley) photos......

How much they have changed over the past few decades; no longer is there a single incandescent bulb behind a colored lens, no longer can we savor the familiar clicking and clunking emitted by the control/relay box on the pedestal base of an "old school" traffic light.

Long gone are traffic lights that only featured red and green aspects; likewise, the traditional (and now classic) "DON'T WALK" signs.

Once again, yet again, we all took FAR too much for granted.

In many areas, vintage traffic lights stayed on the job for many decades; in my area, on Kennedy Boulevard (formerly Hudson Boulevard) late 1930's/1940's signals were still in use well through the 1980's, and, in some cases, into the early 1990's (West New York also, through the 80's, also featured many truly ancient traffic lights, through the 1980's)

Makes one appreciate vintage transit and street scene photos all the more......

"NYO"

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

"GREETINGS FROM 'JOISEY' ' (1972)

There is so much "classic" aura here; the MANHATTAN LINES Fishbowl, the vintage "pedestal" traffic light, ancient gas pump, vintage autos, old service station,.....yup, that's what we once saw, every day, back in the day......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?156507

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Nungessers, 1981 (I've lived just five minutes north of here, since 1974, so this scene is/was quite familiar to me)

Note the "pedestal" traffic signals; on the next block behind the ex-PS/TNJ Fishbowl (on the left), you will see a lone line pole, that, until 1938, supported PS streetcar wires, and, until 1948, ASV wires (it was torn out by the mid-1990's)

Seeing an "X" series Fishbowl on the "#21", which I rode daily for years (this line is today's much-truncated NJT #181) is unusual, as virtually all runs were held down by Fishbowls of the "Z-300" series.

So many memories, here....so much has changed......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155379

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Here's another very nostalgic scene I recall (date this one to 1981)

Prior to ACADEMY taking over the "22 HILLSIDE", it was operated by FranMar; Mom and I both used these buses frequently (the stops for the #22 were just up the corner from our apartment building)

Mom used the line to shop in West New York; just behind the photographer, would have been "ALESSI's" hobby shop (which is now gone at least 20-odd years) which I frequented for many years.

"LITTLE MARCY'S", across from the bus on Bergenline Avenue, was well-patronized by the ladies in my family; it, too, is long gone.

In addition to the traffic lights, note the suspended, illuminated "SHOPPER'S PARKING" sign box; these were once commonplace on Bergenline Avenue, back in those days........

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?155424

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Note the huge "STOP/DO NOT ENTER" hulkster at 34th St. (Queens Midtown Tunnel), as seen in 1982.....

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?153571

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)

[traildriver]

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

traildriver:

Last time I passed through the Lincoln Tunnel (via NJT's #159) was in early 2004, the day Your's Truly retired from working nearly 25 years in Lower Manhattan.

Going way, way back into ancient history, there used to be a sign(s) that told motorists who were about to enter the Tunnel to: "TURN YOUR RADIO TO 550".

An announcer would talk about safety within the tunnel, and, also, if there were any delays to be encountered. Music would play when the announcer wasn't talking......

"NYO"

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

188 St. & 87th Drive, 1981......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?156514

(courtey: nycsubway.org)

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Roosevelt & Prince, 1978.

Note here that the "DON'T WALK" sign units are mounted on a utility pole.......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?156575

[NEW YORK OMNIBUS 2629]

Main & Bank (White Plains), 1976......

https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?153700

(courtesy: nycsubway.org)