Billups Neon Crossing Signal
It was put up in the mid-1930s by inventor Alonzo Billups.  Mr. Billups and the railroad were worried; the crossing had many accidents between trains and motor vehicles.  He wanted drivers who were going to cross the tracks to know that a train was coming and he wanted to do it in a very big way.  The Billups signal was built like a giant steel gantry which went up and over the entire highway.  This is similar to crossing signals used today in North America; Mr. Billups' signal may have been the very first time such a signal was built.  A pair of flashing red lights similar to those used today topped giant neon signs on either side of the big gantry.  The signs lit up with the words "Stop-DEATH-Stop" along with a neon skull and crossbones.  Flashing neon arrows pointed toward the train to tell drivers which way the train was coming.  The Billups Neon Crossing Signal even had a special way of warning drivers with sound.  Instead of the electric or electronic bells used now, this signal used a very loud air raid siren.