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Conneaut in Ashtabula County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
 

Old Time Ball Signal

 
 
Old Time Ball Signal Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2013
1. Old Time Ball Signal Marker
Inscription. When ball is in the drum it meant “Stop”. When ball is raised high it was a signal to “Proceed” — better known as the “Highball”.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
 
Location. 41° 56.993′ N, 80° 33.491′ W. Marker is in Conneaut, Ohio, in Ashtabula County. It can be reached from the intersection of Depot Street and Sandusky Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker and subject "Highball" signal are located on the Conneaut Historical Railroad Museum grounds, (former Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Passenger Depot), just east of the depot, beside the active railroad tracks. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 363 Depot Street, Conneaut OH 44030, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Ohio’s Lake Erie Shore and in the Western Reserve. 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 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Hopper Car and Caboose (a few steps from this marker); Nickel Plate Road Berkshire Locomotive No. 755 (within shouting distance of this marker); Conneaut Historical Railroad Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Reserve (approx. half a mile away); Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Remembering Our Fallen Heroes
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(approx. half a mile away); Conneaut Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Conneaut Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Conneaut.
 
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Conneaut Historical Railroad Museum
 
Also see . . .
1. Rail Road Ball Signal. Later versions consisted of a tall pole with pulleys at the top and bottom, over which was strung a continuous chain. Ball signals were often at locations requiring more than one indication, so several wire loops would be installed in the chain to accommodate additional balls. At night, the balls would be removed and be replaced by lanterns. (Submitted on August 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.) 

2. Highball Signal (Wikipedia). The term "highball" came to be synonymous with a clear right-of-way and for trains to proceed at full speed. (Submitted on August 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.) 
 
Old Time Ball Signal image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 25, 2013
2. Old Time Ball Signal
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on August 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
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Jun. 30, 2026