I'm doing street and crosswalk striping. Anyone remember what color(s) streets in the 50's were striped with? Were they generally the same across the country or different by state?
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White was definitely the predominant color in the 50's. According to one source, by late 1954 every state but Oregon (yellow) had adopted white as the official color. Our current yellow lines were mandated in 1971 and the changeover was complete by 1975.
In some states/areas the yellow lines for both the street and the crosswalks were a designate for a school zone. Most photos from the '50s I recall seeing have white for the crosswalks and street.
Don't forget no fog lines (edge).
For anyone who isn't familiar with this resource, the definitive answers to all such questions may be found in historical editions of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices", many of which are available for free download here:
They are also great sources of images of traffic signs appropriate to different periods.
Great resources! Thanks to all.
The answer is white.
George
