Cold War relic
Fallout shelter sign on apartment building at 15th and T Streets NW. I pass by here all the time and today was the first time I really noticed it.
For those who don't remember, these signs were very common on buildings in the 1950s and 1960s, when the government offered small subsidies to building owners to establish fallout shelters in the event of nuclear war (presumably with the Soviets). The small circle between the lower triangles says "Capacity" and below that you could write in the number of persons the shelter could hold.
There is a long history of the creation and design of this sign that I have lost; all I recall from it is that the designer sought a design that could be easily seen under stressful circumstances. As a kid, I remember being taught in school to look for these signs and remember their locations. Having not seen one for so many years, and then seeing this one, was a jarring reminder to a time decades ago.
This particular sign is in the shade and rarely if ever sees direct sunlight. It is certainly weather worn but in great condition otherwise for a sign that has been out in the elements for 50+ years.
[1A9335]
Cold War relic
Fallout shelter sign on apartment building at 15th and T Streets NW. I pass by here all the time and today was the first time I really noticed it.
For those who don't remember, these signs were very common on buildings in the 1950s and 1960s, when the government offered small subsidies to building owners to establish fallout shelters in the event of nuclear war (presumably with the Soviets). The small circle between the lower triangles says "Capacity" and below that you could write in the number of persons the shelter could hold.
There is a long history of the creation and design of this sign that I have lost; all I recall from it is that the designer sought a design that could be easily seen under stressful circumstances. As a kid, I remember being taught in school to look for these signs and remember their locations. Having not seen one for so many years, and then seeing this one, was a jarring reminder to a time decades ago.
This particular sign is in the shade and rarely if ever sees direct sunlight. It is certainly weather worn but in great condition otherwise for a sign that has been out in the elements for 50+ years.
[1A9335]