I was looking out a bus window at Richmond Avenue and Arthur Kill Road in Greenridge, Staten Island, when I spotted a rarely-employed double bracket Donald Deskey pole. Never widely used on regular streets, these poles, along with their lengthy Twin versions, found employment in expressway medians because they are long enough to illuminate wide roadways.
They are the cognates of the double-masted octagonal posts (one can be partially seen in the parking lot behind the telephone pole). They first appeared around 1964 and were in use until approximately 1980. They do, or did, have some hotbeds including the old, recently decommissioned Kosciuszko Bridge, as well as Riverside Drive in the 120 streets.
This one is especially notable because it also includes an original Deskey model fire alarm indicator light.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop, and as always, “comment…as you see fit.”
9/26/17