Grand Haven in Ottawa County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Model 5 Autoflag "Wig-Wag" Crossing Signal

Photographed by Lugnuts, July 19, 2020

1. Model 5 Autoflag "Wig-Wag" Crossing Signal Marker

Inscription. Built by the Western Railroad Supply Company of Chicago, Illinois.

The Disappearing Banner Type Autoflag was designed to be placed at the side of the road, with the banner overhanging the roadway, plainly visible to approaching traffic.

This signal was installed at the Pennoyer Street grade crossing in Grand Haven in the 1920's by the Pere Marquette Railroad. It was replaced by more modern type signals in 1978.

The signal is now electrically activated and operates for one minute on the hour from 9 am. to 9 pm., Memorial Day to Labor Day.

It was donated to the City of Grand Haven by the Chessie System in 1982.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1982.

Location. 43° 4.054′ N, 86° 13.84′ W. Marker is in Grand Haven, Michigan, in Ottawa County. It is on Jackson Street east of North 1st Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grand Haven MI 49417, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan, specifically in Greater Grand Rapids, and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pere Marquette Steam Locomotive (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grand Trunk Western Bridge Approach Signal (about 500 feet away); Pere Marquette Auto Box Car No 72222 (about

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500 feet away); Pere Marquette Caboose No. A-986 (about 600 feet away); Grand Trunk Western, Wood Caboose No. 77915 (about 600 feet away); Grand Trunk Western Standard Coaling Tower (about 600 feet away); Grand Trunk Depot (approx. ¼ mile away); Depot Transportation Museum (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Haven.

Photographed by Lugnuts, July 19, 2020

2. Model 5 Autoflag "Wig-Wag" Crossing Signal Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2020, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 585 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2020, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.