Siren Crossing Editors Pick!        
Picture of the famous Siren or Screaming crossing as the locals around here used to call it. This device had neon lights and an air-raid siren. This device was developed by W.A. Billups, a Grenada native. This crossing had numerous deadly accidents, one of which was someone in his family and thus inspired him to create this unique warning device. Mr.Billups tried to market his invention but the idea never took off and to my knowledge, this was the only one ever built. The crossing was installed in 1940 and lasted untill 1970. The crossing is still here but all that remains of this device is the concrete blocks that supported it. Picture was taken as it was being dismantiled and replaced by regular flashers. Photo by Fred Goff.
Date: 11/2/1970 Location: Grenada, MS Views: 13004 Collection Of:   Joe Marascalco
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Siren Crossing
Picture Categories: This picture is part of album:  Grenada District
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User Comments
Name Type Comments Date
Sam Davey General Interesting, very interesting. 7/23/2009 11:44:41 AM
George Redmond General Interesting shot, thanks for posting it. 7/23/2009 4:57:31 PM
Zachary DeVore General That seems a bit excessive - probably was effective though, but I guess that if a tornado ever came, it would be very problematic since people would just think it was another train going by. The tornado sirens are also called air raid sirens, and proving that you can find anything on the internet, there is a site called airraidsirens.com where you can download mp3 files of different types of sirens. 7/23/2009 6:37:11 PM
Zachary DeVore General Oh, I forgot to say - that crossing sign is totally awesome! 7/23/2009 6:38:11 PM
Zach Pumphery General This crossing existed in an era before organized tornado warnings and regular use of sirens for the warning of tornadoes. If anything this was an annoying little relic to live around, but pretty cool. I wish I could have seen it operating once. 7/28/2009 9:27:12 PM
Jonelle DeFelice General I'm suprised the railroad allowed this to be installed! But it sure is cool looking!!! 7/31/2009 3:30:47 PM
Chris S General An amazing piece of RR history, thank you ! 8/13/2009 10:52:28 PM

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