WHITESTONE FIRE ALARM

by Kevin Walsh

These ‘newfangled’ fire alarm stanchions are among the newest in a series of such posts that go back all the way to 1887. Incredibly, a number of models that go back all the way to 1912 can still be seen on NYC streets, and many fire alarms going back to the Roaring Twenties, recognizable by torch elements that look like ice cream cones can be found. Boxier, more streamlined numbers showed up starting in 1957, and these shiny steel posts go back to 1973. The city didn’t get far with installing them, and they’re still few and far between.

Fire alarms like this have been the targets of vandals and pranksters calling in false alarms for many years, and they’re starting to be phased out in the era of the wireless telephone.

6/6/13

5 comments

Fred Mayer June 7, 2013 - 1:49 pm

I used to live in Whitestone 1949-1964. If that thing was near my house, I’d clean it! I may be ugly, but it’d be clean and ugly. People don’t care anymore.

Reply
Tal Barzilai June 7, 2013 - 5:58 pm

Does this one still work or is it just for show these days?

Reply
BST June 8, 2013 - 12:02 pm

LOL-only one way to find out…..

Reply
Tal Barzilai June 9, 2013 - 2:16 pm

I think a fine will be issued if you give the fire department a false alarm, so I think it’s better off not to try it.

Reply
Ryan June 10, 2013 - 11:51 am

I believe there’s a similar one in Fresh Meadows, though I can’t exactly recall where.

Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.