I’ve written about the demise of the last stoplight on I-90 before. The community of Wallace made burying it a spectacle in 1991.
I’ve been reminded to mention an earlier burial of a much-maligned traffic signal.
In 1983, the city of Caldwell said farewell to the last stoplight between Hackensack, New Jersey, and Portland, Oregon. Mayor Al McCluskey couldn’t resist having a little fun with it
First, he named the stoplight “Red-Eye Pete,” because “that’s the proper nomenclature for the notorious bandit who, for many years, has been hanging out on the corner of the old Oregon Trail in Caldwell, robbing motorists and truck drivers of time and fuel, fraying nerves, causing rear-enders and committing the horrendous crime of impersonating a Christmas tree.”
Not one to waste city funds, the mayor said that the actual stoplight—worth about $9,000—would be saved for future use, but a substitute light, probably one no longer operative, would be bronzed and placed on a memorial near the freeway.
I haven’t noticed any bronzed streetlight in Caldwell, but if there is one… enlighten me.
On November 18, 1983, the mayor organized an elaborate celebration and theatrical production that coincided with Caldwell’s Centennial. Re-Eye Pete was found guilty by a judge wearing an appropriately curly white wig and flowing robe. The stoplight was sentenced to be unhung for the aforementioned crimes.
So, Idaho has had at least two traffic signals that received a ceremonial send-off. I’m curious about another signal that I’m familiar with. There was a flashing light—red on the stop side and orange on the caution side—that hung over US 91-191 where Center Street crosses in Firth. I’ve written about that light a few times. You can hear my Story Story Night version at the bottom right on this webpage.
That light is now gone. I wonder where it went. If anyone knows the fate of the signal, please let me know. I’d love to give it a new home.
I’ve been reminded to mention an earlier burial of a much-maligned traffic signal.
In 1983, the city of Caldwell said farewell to the last stoplight between Hackensack, New Jersey, and Portland, Oregon. Mayor Al McCluskey couldn’t resist having a little fun with it
First, he named the stoplight “Red-Eye Pete,” because “that’s the proper nomenclature for the notorious bandit who, for many years, has been hanging out on the corner of the old Oregon Trail in Caldwell, robbing motorists and truck drivers of time and fuel, fraying nerves, causing rear-enders and committing the horrendous crime of impersonating a Christmas tree.”
Not one to waste city funds, the mayor said that the actual stoplight—worth about $9,000—would be saved for future use, but a substitute light, probably one no longer operative, would be bronzed and placed on a memorial near the freeway.
I haven’t noticed any bronzed streetlight in Caldwell, but if there is one… enlighten me.
On November 18, 1983, the mayor organized an elaborate celebration and theatrical production that coincided with Caldwell’s Centennial. Re-Eye Pete was found guilty by a judge wearing an appropriately curly white wig and flowing robe. The stoplight was sentenced to be unhung for the aforementioned crimes.
So, Idaho has had at least two traffic signals that received a ceremonial send-off. I’m curious about another signal that I’m familiar with. There was a flashing light—red on the stop side and orange on the caution side—that hung over US 91-191 where Center Street crosses in Firth. I’ve written about that light a few times. You can hear my Story Story Night version at the bottom right on this webpage.
That light is now gone. I wonder where it went. If anyone knows the fate of the signal, please let me know. I’d love to give it a new home.
In 1983 the crowd gathered for the "unhanging" in Caldwell.
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