One of the more mysterious practices that I’ve noticed, and have mulled over in in the back of my head for years, is some banks’ practice of installing their own lampposts on the sidewalks outside their property. I’m not sure they’re maintained any more, as I do not often happen by at night. Year in and year out, the lamps stay in place, as the banks they’re in front of get bought and sold, becoming other banks in the process.
I’d have to surmise that the lamps are there to illuminate the bank exteriors at night to discourage nighttime break-ins, but most bank robberies happen during the day, because robbers need bank personnel to open drawers and safes and such. I’m stumped.
This is one of a pair of leftover bank lamps outside the Astoria Savings Bank, a branch of which is in, of course, Park Slope, at 5th Avenue and 9th Street.
8/7/12
4 comments
Maybe this is similar to the reason why so many banks wanted to be in buildings that were made to look extremely tough, with huge stone blocks and thick walls. Thick walls indicate safety, unique lamp posts outside indicate that this is no ordinary property, this is special property that is extra well taken care of.
How many times have we seen pawn shops with clocks outside.
BITD (Back in the day) most people did not have bank accounts and relied on pawn shops to cash checks and get loans.
It sure does make the side walk nice, a little classy like old times. They should paint the rest of the pole black though to match the top.
Ive seen banks do that in other parts of the country