Burning brightly since 1932
If you have been a dedicated reader, you should remember my reoccurring theme on small town pride. Every small town looks for someone or something from their area that is worth being proud of. Earlier, I took you to Greenville, Ohio, where the locals celebrate all things Annie Oakley. Sure, that’s all well and good. But, what if no one famous was ever born in your town? So, do not get all dejected about it. You just need to dig a bit deeper. There must be something. Perhaps, a small Civil War battle?…a tragic serial killing?…a ball of yarn? Or maybe, just maybe, its a light. Not just any light, but a very old traffic light. Readers…I give you Ashville, Ohio, where the longest operating traffic light has been burning brightly since 1932.
PT with Ashville’s pride and joy 
Punch it, the light is changing
Hanging (and operating) inside Ohio’s Small Town Museum in Ashville, Ohio, is the oldest, continuously operating, electric traffic light in the USA. The traffic light was designed and invented by local legend, Teddy Boor. Since 1932, Mr. Boor’s light has been directing traffic at Main and Long Streets. Supposedly, it was replaced in 1982 because color blind people could not tell the difference in color. After that, the light kept making various guest appearances at important county events. At some point, someone took a shot at the beloved light. From that point on, the light has been kept in secured luxury within the town museum.
As I understand it, there is just one light bulb (also operating since 1932) that is continuously shining in the traffic light. There is a small motor inside the light the rotates the red/green filter at some frequency. You can see it mid change in the second picture above. The light bulb never goes off, but the red/green positions change as the filter rotates around. But, that is enough talk on traffic light mechanics. This post is about small town pride. And, my case needs more substantiation. Thankfully, that is no problem. The Ashvillians love their traffic light. I present to the court, pride Exhibits 1-5…
First, Exhibit 1, the Community Park… 
then Exhibit 2, the tapestry
At the Community Park, you will find the light’s image carved in the top of a “totem pole” like display of pride. Furthermore, some skilled craftsperson has created a town tapestry featuring the light, as well as other historic sites. But, the Exhibits continue…
Exhibit 3, the traffic light lamp… 
Exhibit 4, the water tower…
Replica traffic lights make the perfect base for home lamps. This is the only traffic light-home furnishing that I was able to find. But, I have no doubt that the homes of Ashvillians are well adorned with other traffic light-home furnishings. And, if these things are not big enough for you, how about the town’s water tower. The Ashville pride in their traffic light can be witnessed in the next county over. And now, my final Exhibit…
Exhibit 5…the proud Ashvillian 
Ohio’s Small Town Museum in Ashville, OH
I got the special opportunity to meet a real “Ashvillian” that agreed to talk to me on record. Apparently, every true blooded Ashvillian has their own “at home” version of the traffic light. If you are too busy to visit the museum and spend quality time with Mr. Boor’s light, all you have to do is get out your own “at home” version and bask in its glory. Even the dogs of Ashville are mesmerized by the traffic light. During the pandemic shut down, these “at home” models were life savers.
Enough said? Certainly, my case is made. Mr. Boor’s longest operating traffic light is the symbol of pride that binds Ashville together. Sure, maybe its not as big as Greenville’s Annie Oakley. But, the traffic light is still pretty darn impressive if you ask me…Burning brightly since 1932. PT
Thank you for reading “Burning brightly since 1932” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.
If you want more on small town pride, try https://travelingwithpt.com/where-annie-lived-of-course/
And, I know you are ready to plan your road trip to the light… http://www.ohiosmalltownmuseum.org/index.htm
