In September 1924, construction was completed in Tonawanda on a large circle (roundabout) at the intersection of Main, Niagara, and Young Streets.  Immediately, 1920s motorists were confused by its presence.  Signs were posted and policemen were stationed at the intersection to make sure drivers kept to the right, but many insisted on going to the left.  In short, people were simply unhappy with “The Circle”.

In 1928, Niagara Street – north and south – was repaved, and “The Circle” was paved over – sacrificed in the name of safety and improving traffic conditions.  On August 3, 1928, the new intersection was opened (sans circle) and the traffic light you see here was installed.

On May 9, 1931, Tonawanda Police began using a new device – an automatic whistle, like the kind used by policemen, which was attached to the original 1928 signal.  The whistle took the place of an officer and signaled when the traffic light was about to change, since there was no amber color on the 1928 signal – just red and green.  Although it was acquired for test purposes only, police reported an immediate improvement in the traffic flow.  The whistle was then purchased and permanently installed – and it became a fixture in downtown Tonawanda.

This signal, without its whistle, remained at the intersection until 1953, when it was replaced with a modern red/amber/green device.