Episode 100: Trenton Makes, the World Takes

Trenton Makes, the World Takes

I’ve probably ridden past this sign dozens of times on my way to New York City and back on Amtrak. It’s always struck me as, well, somewhat resentful. Wah! We make all this stuff and everybody else runs off with it. Many will disagree, I’m sure, but that’s how it seems to me.

The sign graces the Lower-Trenton Bridge which crosses the Delaware River and has been through its share of face lifts over the years. In 1920 a slogan contest was held. The contest winner, S. Roy Heath, refused the prize of $25.

The original slogan was The World Takes—Trenton Makes. In 1916, the wording was reversed, and the sign finally went up in 1917. The original was 420 feet long, 12 feet high, and boasted 2,500 incandescent light bulbs.

In spite of its ups and downs, and there have been many, after its most recent redo, overseen by the Bridge Commission, the sign boasted new LED lights. Finally in the modern world.

Source: The Trenton Daily