Traffic Light Outage at Four Corners Reminds Pelham of When Mack, the "Jovial Traffic Cop" was Out Sick

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

The intersection of Boston Post Road (U.S. Route 1) and Pelhamdale Avenue in the Village of Pelham Manor is a historic place.  Long known as "Red Church Corner" because of the little wooden red church that once stood there and as "Four Corners," the intersection long has been the busiest in the Village of Pelham Manor.

The Nor'easter that rampaged over the region last Friday, March 2, blew down trees and utility poles throughout Pelham, knocking out electricity including that which provided power to the traffic light at Four Corners.  Pelham Manor police erected temporary four-way stop signs at the intersection with long lines of cars at rush hour snaking carefully through the intersection for days.  (Power was restored and the light was reactivated overnight last night.)  Occasionally during the last three and a half days when traffic at the intersection became particularly bad, Pelham Manor police officers served as temporary traffic cops standing in the center of the intersection and directing traffic to move it along -- the same spot where their famous predecessor Mack the Traffic Cop once worked full time.

I have written about Pelham Manor Police Officer John "Mack" McCormack before.  See:

Mon., Feb. 24, 2014:  Mack, the Movie Star Traffic Cop of Pelham Manor, 1916-1928.

Fri., Sep. 23, 2016:  More on the History of the Police Booth at Four Corners in Pelham Manor.

Wed., Nov. 29, 2017:  Pelham Grows Up: Installation of "Silent Cop" Traffic Lights and Traffic Semaphores in the 1920s.

In mid-December, 1922, construction on Boston Post Road to widen and improve the roadway had just been completed.  Poor Mack, the "Movie Star Traffic Cop" of Pelham Manor had spent an exceedingly long time standing on his box in the center of the intersection at Four Corners trying to unsnarl the mess of traffic that tried to navigate the road construction in the area.

Then, in the second week of December something seemed amiss at Red Church Corner.  A reporter at The Pelham Sun received a phone tip that something was wrong at Four Corners and that he should take a look for himself.  The reporter took off from the newspaper offices near the Pelham train station on foot, but soon flagged down an auto to hitch a ride to Red Church Corner.

When he arrived, all seemed well.  Nothing was amiss at the recently-built stone sanctuary of the Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church.  The "Pop's Gas Station" that stood at the intersection was fine.  A small real estate office that stood at the intersection also was fine.  Slightly down the road, the Old Red Church (once the wooden sanctuary of Huguenot Memorial that was moved up Boston Post Road when the stone sanctuary was built) seemed fine.  

The reporter was puzzled until he turned to ask Mack the Jovial Traffic Cop what was wrong.  When he turned, he realized what was wrong.  Mack was not there!  

For the moment, Pelham Manor Police Officer Cornelius Ormond was standing in Mack's place.  Mack was sick with tonsillitis and was out for a few days.  As the reporter later noted:

"Mack was not there.  That's what it was -- Mack, the jovial Hibernian guardian of the crossing was not in his accustomed place.  'Wassa matter?'"

Red Church Corner was out of sorts for the few days Mack was missing in December, 1922, just like today's Four Corners was out of sorts for a few days this week when Mack's automated machine ancestor was out of commission.  Yet, for some in Pelham who know of the history of Mack the jovial traffic cop at Red Church Corner, it was particularly soothing to see Pelham Manor Police Officers helping direct traffic at the intersection over the last few days. . . . . . . . . . . 

The Police Booth at Four Corners Before Its Recent

Restoration. Note the Light Atop the Structure, Likely

Once a Green Light to Signify, When Lit, That an

Officer Such as Pelham Manor Police Officer John "Mack"

McCormack Was Present. NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"Mack, Ill, Is Missed At Red Church Corner
-----
Unfamiliar Air About Historic Corner During Absence of Jovial Traffic Cop
-----

Motorists who frequent the reconstructed Boston Road have reported that there is an unfamiliar air about the historic Red Church Corner.  This report reached the Sun office and a reporter was dispatched post haste to dig out the trouble.

To give fleeter wing to the Mercuric feet of the press, the reporter hailed a passing motorist.  'Trouble at the Red Church Corner.  Want to get there on the double.  Give us a lift,' he panted, as he dashed alongside the car.  'Hop in,' was the reply, and the reporter cooled his dogs.

As the car approached the corner the reporter jumped out.  'Lemme see; Pop's gas station is still here.  That's O. K.  Huguenot Memorial Church -- O. K.; old Red Church -- O. K.; real estate office -- O. K.; everything Jake, but still there's unmistakably something wrong here.

'Ah!  There is no road work being done.  Nope nothin' doin' for a couple of days.  Say, Mack,' turning to the traffic cop, 'what's wrong aroun---'

But Mack was not there.  That's what it was -- Mack, the jovial Hibernian guardian of the crossing was not in his accustomed place.  'Wassa matter?  Where's Mack?  How did you get here?' we buzzed the questions of Officer Cornelius Ormond, who stood in McCormack's place.

'Why, Mack is sick with tonsilitis [sic].  I'm rubbin' for him for a few days.  'Sallright, he'll be back soon,' said Connie.

We did a little checking back with Chief Philip Gargan, and are now assuring Pelhamites that Mack will be back in a short time."

Source:  Mack, Ill, Is Missed At Red Church Corner -- Unfamiliar Air About Historic Corner During Absence of Jovial Traffic Cop, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 15, 1922, p. 18, col. 5.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Pelham Grows Up: Installation of "Silent Cop" Traffic Lights and Traffic Semaphores in the 1920s

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Pelham was growing up.  

By about the time of World War I, traffic was becoming so heavy on Boston Post Road and accidents were becoming so frequent that a traffic cop was assigned to direct traffic at Red Church Corner, known today as Four Corners (the intersection of Boston Post Road and Pelhamdale Avenue).  Pelham Manor posted John McCormack to handle the duties.  He became known as "Mack," the "Smiling Cop," who became famous and even played himself in a movie.  See Mon., Feb. 24, 2014:  Mack, the Movie Star Traffic Cop of Pelham Manor, 1916-1928.  

During the Roaring Twenties, however, traffic in Pelham exploded.  Two things quickly became clear.  First, traffic was an issue around the clock -- not just during the workday.  Second, intersections throughout all three villages were experiencing a rise in traffic and, in numerous instances, increases in the number of intersection accidents.  It was time to harness the power of "Silent Cops" as early traffic signals were known.

As early as 1922, one such "Silent Cop" was installed at the intersection of Highbrook Avenue and East First Street not far from where the tiny traffic island sits along the Highbrook Avenue railroad overpass.  Apparently, however, the Silent Cop was not always obeyed.  A brief news item published in The Pelham Sun on May 12, 1922 complained as follows:

"When you are in that neighborhood [Highbrook and First Street at the railroad overpass] pause a minute and observe the effect of that handsome silent cop that was erected there recently.  Some people obey the instructions and keep to the right, but alas, so far as many drivers are concerned it might as well not be there.  My observation is that the negligent ones are mostly women and chauffeurs.  They seem to think that traffic rules were not made for such as they.  It might not be a bad notion to put a live policeman at that point until folks get used to the new regulation.  One conscientious soul came down First Street and detoured around the post before continuing up the grade. . . ."

Early traffic signals in Pelham often were placed on some form of pedestal -- often concrete -- in the center of the intersection.  This, of course, could create a traffic hazard as was the case at the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue and Boulevard in 1925.  The Pelham Sun reported:

"The flash light at the corner of Pelhamdale avenue and the Boulevard was hit at moved three feet Sunday night at 5:30 o'clock by a Dort car [manufactured by the Dort Motor Company] driven by William Locklair of 335 Main Street, New Rochelle.  The flash light was not seriously damaged and is now in position again."

The same year (1925), traffic at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street (today's Lincoln Avenue) grew so dangerous that the Village of North Pelham arranged for the installation of a sophisticated new "automatic traffic signal" manufactured by the Horni Signal Manufacturing Company.  Although installation of the light had to be delayed due to a patent infringement suit brought against the manufacturer, the need for the light was so great that the Village of North Pelham had an attorney work to arrange a letter of indemnification from the manufacturer to allow installation of the signal without risk that the village might have to pay a judgment in any subsequent patent infringement action.

1925 Horni Signal Manufacturing Company Traffic Light. 

Residents of the three villages began petitioning for installation of traffic semaphores, traffic signals, and blinking caution lights at numerous intersections during the 1920s.  As is wont in our little Town, controversies soon arose.  There were battles over whether to place lights at intersections.  There were battles over whether such lights should be full-blown traffic signals or blinking caution lights.  

One issue that arose repeatedly was the fact that on busy streets such as Boston Post Road and Boulevard, traffic lights forced heavy trucks to stop and start all night long.  The consequent noise including grinding gears disturbed the sleep of local residents who made their displeasure known to the Village Boards of Pelham (today's Pelham Heights) and Pelham Manor.  The boards studied the issue and handled it in different ways based, principally, on the nature of the intersection involved.

Yes, the little Town of Pelham was growing up in the 1920s.  

Early Traffic Semaphore.

*          *          *          *          *

"Reveries of An Old Resident
-----

It's about time now for the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company to dump a lot of loose blue stone on the corrugated, lumpy, holey and generally disreputable road under the Highbrook Avenue arch and leading up to the Westbound station.  It will lie there until it is pushed into the gutters by passing automobiles and washed into the sewers.  If their practice in this respect is typical of the management of the rest of their property it is not at all strange that they cannot pay dividends.  Why in the world don't they save themselves a lot of expense and bring on their heads the blessings of a long suffering Pelham public by putting that road in first class condition?
-----

When you are in that neighborhood pause a minute and observe the effect of that handsome silent cop that was erected there recently.  Some people obey the instructions and keep to the right, but alas, so far as many drivers are concerned it might as well not be there.  My observation is that the negligent ones are mostly women and chauffeurs.  They seem to think that traffic rules were not made for such as they.  It might not be a bad notion to put a live policeman at that point until folks get used to the new regulation.  One conscientious soul came down First Street and detoured around the post before continuing up the grade. . . ."

Source:  Reveries of An Old Resident, The Pelham Sun, May 12, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 11, p. 2, col. 2.

"SILENT COP HIT AGAIN

The flash light at the corner of Pelhamdale avenue and the Boulevard was hit at moved three feet Sunday night at 5:30 o'clock by a Dort car driven by William Locklair of 335 Main Street, New Rochelle.  The flash light was not seriously damaged and is now in position again."

Source:  SILENT COP HIT AGAIN, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 27, 1925, Vol. 16, No. 39, p. 3, col. 1.

"Installation of Traffic Signal Is Postponed
-----
Horni Co. Owners of Patent Involved in Law Suit Over Validity of Rights
-----

The new automatic traffic signal to be installed at Fifth avenue and Fourth street has arrived.  Its installation will be delayed as the Horni Company, manufacturers of the device are being sued by a Rochester individual who claims infringement of patent.  Attorney Lambert is seeking a letter of protection so that signal may be installed."

Source:  Installation of Traffic Signal Is Postponed -- Horni Co. Owners of Patent Involved in Law Suit Over Validity of Rights, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 27, 1925, Vol. 16, No. 39, p. 5, col. 4.  

"Blinking Lights To Replace Mack's Smile
-----
Pelham Manor Trustees Order Semaphore For Installation at Red Church Corner 

'Mack' is going. His successor has been ordered. In place of the smile of the Hibernian who has held down his post at the Red Church Corner for the last seven years, motorists will be greeted with the blinking of red and green lights of a traffic semaphore. The Pelham Manor village trustees, Monday night placed the order for the semaphore. 

Although removed from his fixed post at the center of the street intersection, 'Mack' will still reign supreme, for he will occupy the post at the controller of the semaphore, a few yards distant from his accustomed post. 

But one semaphore will be purchased at this time. After a sixty day trial at the Red Church Corner, the trustees will decide on locations for additional signal lights on the Boston Road. The new light will cost $424. No charge will be made for the installation. 

Village Engineer Edward F. Campbell recommended that a white line be painted on the center of the roadway on the Boston Road from Pelhamdale avenue to the New York City line. The board favored the suggestion." 

Source:  Blinking Lights To Replace Mack's Smile, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 15, 1926, p. 16, col. 4.

"All Night Traffic Semaphore Brings Protest In Manor
-----
Noisy Stopping and Starting of Trucks Disturbs Sleep of Tenants of Pelham Arms
-----

Following complaint of tenants of Pelham Arms apartment house who protested against the operation of the traffic semaphore at the Red Church corner all night long, the Pelham Manor police department will make a survey of traffic at that point.  If found practical operation of the traffic semaphore will be discontinued after midnight and resumed at 6 a.m.

Village Trustee Ralph C. Angell of Pelham Manor suggested the survey, Monday night, after a second request that the light be discontinued, had been received by the Village Board of Trustees.  The petitioners stated that the screeching brakes and noisy starting of motor trucks halted by the light was disturbing to sleep, and suggested that the light be set at 'caution' during the early morning hours.

President House stated that it had been deemed advisable to continue the operation of the light inasmuch as several serious accidents had occurred at the Red Church corner at night when traffic was heaviest.  He however approved of the suggestion and ordered Chief Gargan to make the survey."

Source:  All Night Traffic Semaphore Brings Protest In Manor -- Noisy Stopping and Starting of Trucks Disturbs Sleep of Tenants of Pelham Arms, The Pelham Sun, Jun. 3, 1927, p. 12, col. 3.  

"No Action Taken On Request For Signal Light At First Ave.
-----
Taxpayers Have Petitioned Board To Eliminate Traffic Danger.  Committee Still Investigating
-----

For the third time in as many months the proposal to install a traffic semaphore was discussed at the meeting of the North Pelham Village Board Tuesday night.  For the third time the matter was referred to committee without action.  Trustees Harder, Dillon and Shaw favored a white light that will not halt traffic.  Mayor Reilly favored a red and green semaphore but stated that it would be too costly.  Village Clerk George O'Sullivan read a petition which was received three months ago, signed by 26 taxpayers.  Trustees Harder announced that former Village Trustee Joseph Lawlor had suggested that the light be installed.  Meanwhile a committee will investigate further.

In their petition the taxpayers protested against the speeding automobiles which cross this intersection and suggested the installation of a traffic light with a view toward eliminating the danger of accident."

Source:  No Action Taken On Request For Signal Light At First Ave. -- Taxpayers Have Petitioned Board To Eliminate Traffic Danger.  Committee Still Investigating, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 9, 1927, p. 9, col. 5.  

"More Signal Lights For Dangerous Corners
-----
Increased Number of Accidents Prompts Trustees To Investigate Traffic Conditions
-----

The increasing number of automobile accidents in the village is responsible for an investigation of the traffic problem in Pelham Heights.  The Board of Trustees is considering installing additional traffic semaphores and flashers to warn motorists at dangerous intersections.  Tuesday night at the meeting of the Village Board it was proposed to install a semaphore, at the intersection of the Boulevard and Highbrook avenue.  After discussions the matter was laid over for future action.

There have been several accidents at this intersection in the last few months, and it was with a view toward relieving the situation that the semaphore was proposed.  Mayor Maxwell B. Nesbitt announced that the light could be installed on the same control operating the light now in service at Pelhamdale avenue and the Boulevard.  Opinion was expressed, however, that as the dangerous intersection was at the foot of a long hill, householders on the Boulevard might be unnecessarily disturbed by the noise of cars, which would be forced to negotiate the hill in low gear after stopping at the light at the foot of the hill.  No action was taken."

Source:  More Signal Lights For Dangerous Corners -- Increased Number of Accidents Prompts Trustees To Investigate Traffic Conditions, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 23, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 26, p. 3, col. 4. 

"Caution Light Will Relieve Village of Motor Disturbance
-----

Suggestion of a traffic semaphore to eliminate danger at Highbrook avenue and the Boulevard has met with the approval of many residents of the village.  Among those to express their favor of the plan is Ernest G. Goodwin, of Irving Place, who forwarded a communication to Mayor Maxwell B. Nesbitt this week in which he offers the suggestion that this signal be set at 'caution' instead of showing the usual 'stop' and 'go' lights.  Such a method, in his opinion, will speed up traffic, and also spare the residents of the village from the disturbing noises of stopping and starting of automobiles at the foot of the steep grade at this point.

Mr. Goodwin's letter follows:

'Dear Mr. Nesbitt:

'I note from the column of a recent issue of the Pelham Sun that consideration is being given to the adoption of some means of eliminating, or at least reducing the number of accidents occurring at the intersection of Highbrook avenue and the Boulevard.

'In this connection the writer suggests that in view of the particular circumstances which make many of the standard traffic signals impractical here and slightly less so at Pelhamdale avenue that a standard semaphore similar to the one at Pelhamdale avenue, or better still, the duplex curb-post type, be installed and controlled by the same mechanism.  He further suggests that the control be set to flash the 'caution' light only and of course at both intersections.  The control might also be arranged so that if the volume of traffic becomes such as to warrant the use of the 'stop' and 'go' lights at periodic intervals, the control could be switched by the passing police officer or otherwise; or, changed permanently as conditions warrant.

'The above should provide normal safely at small cost to the Village, with minimum inconvenience and delay to the traveler and with no additional annoyance to the adjacent residents.  It can hardly be disputed that this is a traffic speed problem rather than a traffic volume problem.  In view of this fact, an effective warning signal should be more practical than a stop signal.

'The latter serves to unnecessarily delay traffic, increases the wear and tear on both vehicle and driver, and many residents by the noise of brakes and gears, particularly on grades.  Of course the stop signal is desirable and necessary or congested points where the volume of traffic is so great that some lines of traffic have to be stopped while the others pass in order to effect sufficient increase in the capacity of the streets to allow all to pass without serious delays and traffic tangles.

'The traffic is not excessive at either of the above intersections, especially for the major part of the day, and it is partly due to this fact that the motorist approaches at high speed.  If he approached at low or moderate speed and on the lookout, he would seldom need to stop if there were no technical reasons, such as violating traffic regulations.

'A flashing amber light is a very efficient warning, is in considerable use where traffic is not too heavy and where a motorist is likely to exceed a safe speed, particularly at the foot of grades.  This warning signal is generally heeded with the desired results, no accident, no appreciable delay, braking, shifting gears, undue noise, etc.

'As regards the type of semaphore, for obvious reasons, it is only natural that the motorists especially would favor a low mounting at the side of the street to one mounted high or on a support in the center of the street.

'The above suggestions are submitted with the hope that they may convey some useful thought for the betterment of the present conditions at these or other points.

'Copy of this letter is being forwarded to the Pelham Sun.

'Respectfully yours,

'E. G. Goodwin.'"

Source:  Caution Light Will Relieve Village of Motor Disturbance, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 27, 1928, Vol. 19, No. 28, p. 8, col. 4.

"Friday Unlucky.

Hot weather dizziness was responsible for the damaging of a traffic light at First street and Wolf's Lane, on Friday night.  A captain of a yacht named Bassy, failed to throw the helm to port hard enough, with the result that his craft, a Chrysler, ran on the rocks, wrecking the lighthouse.  The bow of the Chrysler was wrinkled, and the main deck almost fell overboard.  Bassey's craft was backed off the lighthouse and towed into port at Pelham Garage.  The damage will be repaired and Bassey (phonetic) will be billed for the cost, which the skipper has agreed to pay, as soon as the statement reaches him at the N. Y. A. C."

Source:  Friday Unlucky, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 12, 1929, Vol. 20, No. 15, p. 2, col. 2.  

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Mack, the Movie Star Traffic Cop of Pelham Manor, 1916-1928

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Nearly one hundred years ago, in 1916, the Pelham Manor Police Department hired a jovial police officer of Irish ancestry named John McCormack. McCormack served as a Traffic Officer for the Department and spent most of his years of service standing in the middle of the intersection of the Boston Turnpike and Pelhamdale Avenue, then known as "Red Church Corners." Today the intersection of Boston Post Road and Pelhamdale Avenue is known as "Four Corners." 

For some period of the time he served in his post, Mack used the police booth that stood -- and still stands -- at the intersection. First he used the booth as shelter when the weather became too brutal. Later, when an electric traffic signal was installed at the intersection, he operated the signal from controls installed inside the booth. 

The Police Booth at Four Corners,

Once Used by Mack, the Smiling Traffic Cop, Who

Directed Traffic from the Center of the Intersection then Known as "Red Church Corner"

McCormack had a broad smile and was quick to flash it. As a Traffic Officer, he wore a blue-coat and uniform and directed traffic at an intersection that grew increasingly busy with each passing year. Thousands of vehicles and their occupants passed Mack as he diligently directed a busy intersection with no traffic lights.

Mack became a fixture in the landscape. Despite the replacement of the "Little Red Church" at the intersection with the substantial stone edifice that now serves as the main sanctuary of Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church, the intersection continued to be known as "Red Church Corners" for many years. The intersection and Mack were "landmarks" known far and wide by the thousands of travelers who streamed by the location. 

By the early 1920's, Mack was known as the "Smiling Traffic Cop." In one homage to him and his work, the local newspaper said: 

"'Mack' needs no introduction to Pelham, As firmly stationed in the hearts of Pelham Manor residents as the 'Toonerville Trolley' the genial Hibernian has made many friends in his twelve years service. There is none better known among the blue coated traffic directors than McCormack. From millionaire to delivery clerk he has a cheery greeting and a pleasant word of direction for all, and has established an enviable record as a peace officer in serving the village."

Source: "Mack" To Leave His Post After 12 Years, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 13, 1928, p. 15, col. 1. 

Mack, the Smiling Traffic Cop, became so famous merely from directing traffic at the intersection that he landed a minor "speaking" role in a silent film released in theaters nationwide in October, 1921. The Goldwyn Pictures Corporation film was "The Invisible Power" directed by Frank Lloyd and starring House Peters, Irene Rich and DeWitt Jennings. 

The film was a drama in which an ex-convict named Sid Chambers (played by House Peters) is a lodger living with a couple named the Millers. Chambers meets an impressionable school teacher named Laura Chadwick (played by Irene Rich). Laura convinces herself that Sid has redeemed himself and put his criminal record behind him. The couple falls in love, marries, and moves to New York City. Once there, Sid Chambers is hounded by Mark Shadwell (played by De Witt Jennings), a New York City police detective who previously sent Sid Chambers to prison. Shadwell wants Chambers to divulge information about one of his former friends and gang members named Bob Drake (played by Sydney Ainsworth) who recently has committed a robbery. Sid Chambers refuses to cooperate and is sent to prison again on a trumped up charge despite the fact that he and his wife, Laura, are expecting their first child. The couple's child is born during Chambers' imprisonment. Fearing that the child may develop into a criminal, Laura gives the child up for adoption. Due to his imprisonment and the loss of his child, Sid Chambers vows to kill Detective Shadwell. Laura races to Detective Shadwell's home to warn him, only to find that her own child is inside, adopted by the Detective. Touched by Laura's grief, Detective Shadwell arranges to give Chambers his freedom, thereby allowing the couple to be reunited.

In the midst of the black and white silent film, there is a scene in which bridegroom Sid Chambers is racing in an automobile to get to his wedding with Laura Chadwick.  Soon he is racing along Boston Post Road and, as he tries to pass through Red Church Corner, Mack raises his hand and stops the automobile to the consternation of the bridegroom.  

Immediately below is a newspaper account of the event, in its entirety, followed by a citation to its source.

"'Mack' Makes His Debut As A Movie Star At Proctor's -- Pelham Manor's Famous 'Smiling Traffic Cop' Interrupts Bridegroom's Wild Ride to His Wedding.  'Mack' Turning Down Many Offers to Star with Mary Pickford.

The long list of Pelham notables has an added starter on it since Officer John McCormack, of the Pelham Manor police force, commonly known as 'Mack' became a 'movie' star.  Mack Held sway at Proctor's Theatre in Mount Vernon on Sunday, where he chose as a starring vehcile 'The Invisible Power.'

Patrons of Proctor's Sunday were enjoying the antics of a bridegroom hurryng to his wedding, when the scene took a familiar aspect.  The Boston Road came in view.  The racing automobile flew down the Boston Road and the Red Church Corner loomed up ahead.  There was the old trusty 'Mack' guarding the crossing.  


The bridegroom's car dashed up to the corner and 'Mack' disappointed the excited movie fans by holding up his hand.  Suspense!  The bridegroom leaned out of the car in an effort to persuade 'Mack' to let him pass and entreated him with 'Man I am in a hurry to get married,' but 'Mack' came back with the broad grin and 'you'll have to wait till I blow me whistle.'

The last reports from 'Mack's manager,' Chief of Police Gargan state that the smiling traffic cop has decided to stick to his post on the Red Church Corner as Hollywood has lost it's reputation.  However, any moving picture company that needs a good traffic cop star, on a good location, will be received with the cordiality if they apply for 'Mack's' services through his manager and press agent,' Chief Gargan."

Source:  "Mack" Makes His Debut As A Movie Star At Proctor's, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 17, 1922, p. 5, col. 1.  

Mack never let his fame dissuade him from his duty.  He remained dutifully at his post for many years after his cameo appearance in "The Invisible Power."  Eventually, though, new technologies affected him.  For a period of time, Mack operated a mechanical signal from the center of the intersection.  Indeed, one article published in 1925 described what happened when a motorist intentionally sped through the intersection ignoring that signal (see below).

On December 8, 1926, after a vote by the Village of Pelham Manor Trustees, a new-fangled traffic light was installed at the intersection of Boston Post Road and Pelhamdale Avenue.  It seemed that all was lost and Mack, the smiling traffic cop, might be relegated to less conspicuous duties.  He was not!

Mack could be found for some time after installation of the traffic light, standing on the side of the intersection controlling the "new traffic semaphore" from a box on the adjacent sidewalk.  A hilarious article appeared only two days after installation of the traffic light in The Pelham Sun describing Mack's new job.

That job must have been enough for Mack.  Within a little more than a year, he left the Pelham Manor Police Department to become a private detective.

Below is a series of articles about Mack, the Smiling Traffic Cop, that I have been able to assemble (in addition to the one quoted above in full).

"Rushed Traffic Signal; Captured By Motor Cop
-----
On Tuesday afternoon while watching Officer McCormick [sic] of the Pelham Manor police force operating the traffic signal on the Red Church corner, a young man came speeding along the Post Road, and passed the signal set against him.  He had previously noted however, that there was no vehicle nearby into which 'Mac' could charter, and follow him.  He had failed however, to figure on the excellent cooperation which works in the Manor Force.  No sooner had the young man passed the signal than Mac's whistle sounded, and motorcycle officer Skiff appeared on the scene and soon caught up with the escaping traffic violator.  When brought to the corner the man explained that he was in a hurry and could not wait for the signal to change.  This same gentleman will, do doubt, take his time when he appears before Judge L'Esperance on a charge of passing a traffic signal."

Source:  Rushed Traffic Signal; Captured By Motor Cop, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 11, 1925, p. 4, col. 2.

"'Mack' To Be Moved But Not Far Away
-----
He of the Sunny Smile Will Operate Control for New Traffic Semaphores on Boston Road
-----

After seven years on fixed post in the center of the intersection of the Boston Road and Pelhamdale Avenue, Traffic Officer John McCormack, better known as 'Mack.' is to be removed, by order of the Pelham Manor village trustees.  'Mack,' whose smiling countenance has become a Pelham institution, has his days numbered on his accustomed spot.

During the last seven years no matter how severe the weather, the cheerful Hibernian has directed the traffic across the intersection and disbursed information to thousands of motorists. Vacant from his place for only scant vacation periods, he has come to be regarded as a permanent fixture.  But 'Mack' must give way to progress.  

A smileless electric cop will flash directions to the motorists by means of red and green lights.  The many friends of 'Mack' will miss him.

But Village President Henry H. Fox has assured the Pelham Sun that 'Mack' will not be removed from his old post.  Although the silent cop will direct traffic at 'Mack's' old post, the officer will be found at the control handle at the police booth situated at the intersection.  

'We can't let 'Mack' go from the Red Church corner,' said President Fox.  'Mack is a permanent fixture and will remain at his old post, or as close as possible to it.' 

Upon recommendation of Trustee Elliott House the board ordered four traffic semaphores to be installed at the following Boston Road intersections:  Fowler Avenue, Pelhamdale Avenue, the Esplanade, and Split Rock Road.  They Will be installed within the next month."

Source:  "Mack" To Be Moved But Not Far Away, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 24, 1926, p. 3, col. 4.

"Blinking Lights To Replace Mack's Smile
-----
Pelham Manor Trustees Order Semaphore For Installation at Red Church Corner

'Mack' is going.  His successor has been ordered.  In place of the smile of the Hibernian who has held down his post at the Red Church Corner for the last seven years, motorists will be greeted with the blinking of red and green lights of a traffic semaphore.  The Pelham Manor village trustees, Monday night placed the order for the semaphore.

Although removed from his fixed post at the center of the street intersection, 'Mack' will still reign supreme, for he will occupy the post at the controller of the semaphore, a few yards distant from his accustomed post.  

But one semaphore will be purchased at this time.  After a sixty day trial at the Red Church Corner, the trustees will decide on locations for additional signal lights on the Boston Road.  The new light will cost $424.  No charge will be made for the installation.  

Village Engineer Edward F. Campbell recommended that a white line be painted on the center of the roadway on the Boston Road from Pelhamdale avenue to the New York City line.  The board favored the suggestion."

Source:  Blinking Lights To Replace Mack's Smile, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 15, 1926, p. 16, col. 4.

"'Mack' Removed From Post Still Governs
-----
Installation of Traffic Semaphore Fails to Relieve Famous Cop of Right
-----
'Mack' has been moved.  

The office sleuth hopped into the Iron Horse and rattled his way over to Pelham Manor to investigate the report that the smiling Hibernian, Traffic Officer John McCormack, who has guarded the historic Red Church corner for so many years, had been relegated to some other less conspicuous post.  Here was a story.

Speeding through Pelhamdale avenue at a rate just below that prescribed as proper by the Pelham Manor Association, trailing behind the 'Toonerville Trolley' whose flat wheels beat tattoo in time with the rattle of the 'wings' of the Iron Horse, the site of the mystery came within sight.  

'It won't be long now.'  The story was close at hand, when the Toonerville stopped.  On went the brakes and the Iron Horse squeaked to a stop.

Impatiently the sleuth waited, fretting over the delay when there was big business at hand.  

The doors of the Toonerville were shut.  If the sleuth could get past the car he would be at the corner and the mystery would be explained.  So he gave the Iron Horse some gas when -- 

'Say, can't you see the light is set against you?'

It was 'Mack,' removed from the center of the corner but still doing business only at the sidewalk controller of the new traffic semaphore.

The office sleuth lost two things, a story, yes, but that was not so easy to lose as the 'Ticket' which Mack was prepared to write out for him.  It took long arguments and a promise of better behavior in the future.  

The new traffic light was installed Wednesday."

Source:  "Mack" Removed From Post Still Governs, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 10, 1926, p. 3, col. 4.

"'Mack' To Leave His Post After 12 Years
-----
Motorists who frequent the Boston Road, school children who pass the intersection of Pelhamdale avenue and the Boston Road, and residents of Pelham Manor who have regarded 'Mack' as a permanent fixture at the Red Church Corner will miss the cheery smile of the policeman who directs traffic after Wednesday, when Traffic Officer John McCormack and Motorcycle Officer Edward G. Skiff leave the police department to engage in private detective work.  Monday night the Village Board granted the pair leave of absence of one year, and also two weeks' vacation.

'Mack' needs no introduction to Pelham,  As firmly stationed in the hearts of Pelham Manor residents as the 'Toonerville Trolley' the genial Hibernian has made many friends in his twelve years service.  There is none better known among the blue coated traffic directors than McCormack.  From millionaire to delivery clerk he has a cheery greeting and a pleasant word of direction for all, and has established an enviable record as a peace officer in serving the village.  His new work will not be strange to McCormack as he has had several years' experience in that line before joining the Pelham Manor force, and during his service with the village has been material in the detecting of several criminal ventures.  He is a keen observer, and has made many important captures while stationed at the Red Church Corner.

Officer Skiff has been in the village service for seven years.  He has been on motorcycle duty most of that time.  He is well liked and has proven a capable officer.

Monday night Mayor House expressed regret at losing the officers, but wished them success in their new venture."

Source:  "Mack" To Leave His Post After 12 Years, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 13, 1928, p. 15, col. 1.

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.

Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."