I found this remaining 1960s-era pair of park lamps illuminating a playground in Highland Park, just off Highland Boulevard and Bulwer Place. This particular type first appeared in the 1960s when replacement of castiron lamps by octagonal-shafted metal poles really ramped up.
Like those original “octas” the mercury vapor bulbs shone a pale greenish-white color that got dimmer with time. When the lamps turned on at dusk, there was a noticeable buzzing sound. In the 1970s and into the 1980s, these were replaced with bright yellow sodium vapor lamps and then, in the mid-2010sm by bright whoite light-emitting diode lights.
These fluted mercs are getting harder and harder to find, and since I got this photo 3 or 4 years ago they may already have been replaced.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop, and as always, “comment…as you see fit.”
3/12/21