Railway Station

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

Traditionally, stationmasters and train engineers communicated by word of mouth or written notes. Any further communication depended on signalmen who walked along the track carrying colored flags. Better signaling became essential at the turn of the 20th century as the numbers of lines and trains traveling those lines increased. The signal rising above this South Deerfield, Massachusetts, station roof offered improved and safer communication that prevented collisions and saved lives. The position of the signal arms in this postcard view indicates that the track is clear. Arms raised horizontally indicate “danger” while arms raised in the intermediate position signal “caution.” White, red, and green lights on the pole communicated the same messages at night.

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Details

Item typePostcard
PhotographerThe Springfield News Company
Datecirca 1905
PlaceSouth Deerfield, Massachusetts
TopicTransportation, Travel, Tourism
EraProgressive Era, World War I, 1900–1928
MaterialPaper
Process/FormatPhotography; Printing
Catalog #1997.08.01.0032
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The Springfield News Company, photographer. Railway Station. Photograph. ca. 1905. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1997-08-01-0032/. Accessed on December 8, 2024.

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