Celebrating Dunedin’s Past Through Public Art: The Signal Box Project
Published on December 11, 2024
Written by: Nicole Delfino,
Strategy & Sustainability Manager & Public Art Program Manager
The City’s Public Art portfolio has a new kid on the block – and something you may have seen as around town. The Arts and Culture committee supported by City staff has embarked on a creative journey to bring Dunedin’s vibrant past to life through the Signal Box Project. This initiative transforms ordinary traffic signal boxes into captivating canvases, celebrating historical moments and cultural milestones that have shaped the City. Curated by City Art Consultant Elizabeth Brincklow, the project is a collaborative effort supported by the City Commission, the Arts & Culture Advisory Committee, and funded through the Public Art Fund.
The first portion of the project addressed 4 signal boxes – one at Main Street and three along Patricia. More boxes will be added throughout the City as this project grows. Here’s a glimpse into the stories behind these unique pieces of public art:
Main Street & Broadway Boulevard: A Tribute to Economic Development
The signal box at this intersection portrays Dunedin’s Main Street in the early 1900s. Back then, Oak trees lined the center of the dirt road, creating a picturesque but rugged pathway. In 1915, these iconic trees were removed to pave the road, sparking a protest led by passionate residents. This image reflects the charm of the era, the challenges faced by a growing community, and visualizes the growth and changes to downtown.
Patricia & Virginia Streets: A Legacy of Citrus Farming
At Patricia and Virginia Streets, the artwork showcases a single orange tree, symbolizing the pioneering efforts of L.B. Skinner and A.L. Duncan. These Milwaukee businessmen turned Dunedin into a thriving citrus hub, overcoming challenges like devastating freezes to establish their legacy. From their determination, Citrus farming techniques, machinery, and new products were developed. While Citrus farming is part of our past, it lives through our community from the many oranges found throughout the City on businesses and homes. Read more about Dunedin’s Citrus History and painted oranges here: https://dunedinhistoricalmuseum.wordpress.com/2015/06/24/dunedins-citrus-history/ and https://visitdunedinfl.com/index.php?pagecontent=Dunedin-FL-painted-oranges-everywhere&user=1&adcode=31&pageid=31.
Patricia Avenue & Beltrees Road: The Peacocks of Dunedin
This signal box features a colorful homage to the peacock farms of the 1920s. These farms catered to the fashion industry’s demand for ornamental feathers. Although the Great Depression led to the decline of this industry, the descendants of these majestic birds still roam Dunedin, connecting the City to its vibrant past. Read more about Dunedin’s Peacock Farms here: https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2002/05/02/piqued-by-peacocks/.
Patricia Avenue & Union Street: Honoring Scottish Heritage
Celebrating Dunedin’s deep Scottish roots, this box displays historical images of the City Pipe Band and the inception of the first Dunedin school pipe band. The photos on this box feature the melding of Scottish culture throughout the City. One image depicts Mr. Matthew Forsyth delivering the first bagpipes from the trunk of his car to students, another image of the City Pipe Band visiting Sister City Stirling Scotland, and a former Dunedin Mayor, Manny Koutsourais featured with then Provost of the City of Stirling, Pat Greenhill. Read more about Dunedin’s Sister City and Scottish History here: https://www.dunedingov.com/Your-Government/Learn-and-Engage/Dunedin-insights/City-Information-Resources/Sister-Cities-Celebrates-60-Years-Dunedin-Florida-and-Stirling-Scotland and https://www.dunedinsafoundation.com/history/.
A Community Effort
This project is a true community collaboration, involving local historians, artists, and organizations. Special thanks go to Simeon Liebman for image restoration, Jack’s Signs and Designs for installation, the Dunedin History Museum for providing archival materials, and all the individuals who have assisted with bringing this project to life!
As we look to grow this project – we will continue to look for meaningful photos that connect people to place. Our history is our greatest asset that we endeavor to keep alive through this project. We hope you enjoy the boxes on display!