I was lurching around Woodhaven recently, and as part of my immersive Forgotten New York experience, I check the bases of lampposts to see when they were installed. Most of them have the year of installation engraved on the base for your convenience. Unfortunately, many posts have been painted repeatedly and the paint tends to dam up in the grooves of the engraving, rendering it illegible. However, this post at 107th and Jamaica still displayed its information.
Not only the date but the manufacturer, Pfaff and Kendall, is listed here. P&K, as it came to be known, was founded in Newark in 1902 and was a major manufacturer of lamppost standards until 2004, when it was acquired by Flagpoles Incorporated.
Discovering this post cleared up something for me. I had seen lampposts around town with “P&K” inscribed on the base, and Internet searches for P&K or P & K came up empty. I also see some lamps with the Flagpoles logo on the base, as well.
I do this research so you, the curious New Yorker or out of towner, do not have to.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop, and as always, “comment…as you see fit.”
4/2/18
8 comments
Pfaff; any elation to the sewing machine company?
I had a job interview at Pfaff & Kendall in 1979. Back then I believe they also designed and created big overhead highway sign bridges.
That’s an old ass post!!!!
That’s an old post!! I’m assuming that this was taken near a parkway or expressway service road. Those poles tend to be designated for those spots.
Interestingly, the sign outside Flagpole Incorporated’s shop (which is just off a walking/running trail I’ve used) still has the PK name below the main name, 14 years after the acquisition.
https://goo.gl/maps/ayLwZz3esXq
It’s because they are still doing business as P&K under the name “P&K Tubular Products”. Flagpole Inc. bought the company but kept the business going as part of Flagpole. It’s more like a subsidiary or brand now but they are still going strong(at least according to online mentions and orders) despite new owners.
Just for the record, the eastern boundary of Woodhaven is the LIRR tracks between 98thSt & 100th St. So 107th St is well into Richmond Hill.
I actually represent P&K(Flagpoles Inc.). I’m a lighting sales agent in New England. They are still well in business. Their light poles here can be found anywhere from interstate highways to commercial parking lots and even decorative lamp posts in various cities and towns.