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The early days of motoring in California was often an adventurous ordeal; most routes were unmarked, not paved, and traffic
signs were basically nonexistent! Signs that were erected were often confusing and misleading or placed as commercial
advertising instead of an aid to the motorist. One of the first activities undertaken by the State's two auto clubs after
their organization was the establishment of a signing program. The result was a centralized, coordinated, and uniform
program that became the finest in the nation.
The Automobile Club of Southern California (ACSC) erected signs in the State's 13 southern counties from 1906 until 1956. In
1926, when the Federal government adopted the U.S. route system, the ACSC posted shields on routes 66, 80, 91, 99, 101 and
466. When the State established its routes in 1934, the ACSC erected the State "bear shield" on routes in their territory.
Signs were also erected by the Club in Arizona, southern Nevada, and Baja California. Many old trails were marked by the ACSC
including the Midland Trail from Ely, Nevada to Los Angeles, the National Old Trails Road from Kansas City to Los Angeles, and
the Old Spanish Trail from Kent, Texas to San Diego.
The California State Automobile Association (CSAA) was responsible for signing in the 45 counties of northern and central
California from 1914 until 1969. The CSAA erected U. S. shields on routes 40, 50, 99, and 101 and State route markers on State
highways in its territory. In addition, the CSAA erected signs in Nevada and marked the Lincoln Highway to Salt Lake City and
the Victory Highway to Kansas City.
In the beginning, each club paid all costs associated with signing activities. These costs included an engineering survey,
sign, hardware, labor, and maintenance. By the early 1930's cities, counties and the State agreed to pay the costs of signs
only! The CSAA and ACSC continued to pay the remaining signing expenses. In 1947, due to the State's rapid population growth
and improvements to the State highway system, the State of California took over signing responsibilities on all State and
Interstate highways. The auto clubs however, continued to provide signing services to California's cities and counties.
Traffic signs erected by the ACSC and CSAA were porcelain enamel on 18 gauge steel and were made of the finest, most durable
material available at the time. If a sign became damaged, it could be "touched up" in the field without removing the sign from
its post. Signs were generally mounted on a 4" x 4" redwood post or steel pole. Glass reflectors were used to increase night
time visibility but were replaced with plastic during World War II when glass was needed for the war effort. Many signs erected
during the 1930's and 1940's are still in use in some California communities.
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