The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society recently raised three poles which were acquired along with the Saugus Train Station 26 years ago. These poles, the wigwag, order delivery pole and semaphore had all been stored on the ground in the train yard behind the depot. A few remarkable things can be said about the project.
First, these three kinds of poles are no longer in general use and constitute a historical demonstration of what would have been standing along side of the depot. This kind of wigwag was the norm before railroad gate crossings. It swung a round banner and rang a bell when a train was approaching a road crossing. Originally called a "magnetic flagman," it illiminated the need for a flagman aboard the train to jump off and stop automobile traffic at a crossing. The order delivery pole was fitted for "order hoops" that could transmit written messages to the engineer, or other crew aboard a train that was not scheduled to stop. The semaphore indicated that such a message was available to be picked up.
Another important illustration of this project is the fact that the community donated the time and materials to make this project happen.
The Signal Project on Make a Difference Day, October 28, Was Made Possible by the following local businesses:
AV Equipment Rentals
Mike & Tom Redmond - Provided heavy equipment AND operators;White Cap Industries
Julio LaGuardia - Provided anchor bolts and fittings; Lowe's Home Improvement
Jessica - Provided rebar, ties and dry concrete for finishing;National Ready Mix Concrete
Mike Randolph and Helen -Provided concrete for the footings;Dunn Edwards Paints
Ron Schaffer - Provided Aluminum Paint for poles;Metrolink-
Elsa Mendoza - Flagged their trains during our equipment moves;and the volunteer help provided by...
The students of Sierra School of Santa Clarita - Clearing weeds, digging footings, scraping and painting of the poles;
Rancho Simi Foundation
Tom Bergh - Plans for foundations;
Mike Jarel,
Jim Escalante and
John Lesperance - Railroad expertise, experience and being there;
Stephen Mitchell - Designed, planned and created foundations
Make a Difference Day Volunteers,
Rodney Geist -Support and completion.
The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society would like to thank all of these generous donors and volunteers. Without any one of them, this project would not have happened. Some detail work is still left to do. The SCVHS would like to invite the public to come and see these poles during our open hours, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4. If you have questions about the SCVHS, call (661) 254-1275.