It was installed in the mid-1930s by inventor Alonzo Billups over growing concern due to numerous accidents at the crossing involving trains and motor vehicles.
Like nothing before, the Billups signal was a large gantry spanning the highway and was likely the first such use of a gantry-style crossing of the type now in relatively common use.
Upon approach of a train, a giant neon sign lit up with the words "Stop-DEATH-Stop" beneath a lighted skull and crossbones.
Flashing neon arrows indicated the direction of oncoming trains and an air raid siren in lieu of bells provided aural warning.
The prototype was removed after less than thirty years of service, being replaced with standard railway crossing flashers and bells.