lot of six matching original chicago city street pedestrian crossing traffic signal light "don't walk" molded plastic pictogram lenses. the amber-colored single-sided sign retains the original baked black enameled finish used to outline the "halting" hand. the traffic signal insets were manufactured by the eagle signal corp. during the 1930's, city officials were trying to figure out how to reduce the death and injury toll among pedestrians. for example, cities began passing laws establishing that pedestrians have the right-of-way under certain circumstances. when that didn't work, they tried physical means, including barriers to prevent pedestrians from crossing where they weren't supposed to cross. one method was to add a light to the traffic lights to indicate the walk cycle. when it was on, all traffic approaching the intersection stopped so pedestrians could cross the streets in all directions, including diagonally. each lens measures 12 x 12 inches. this lot contains a textured backside.