Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Rustic Safety Sign, Itasca State Park, Minnesota



This rustic outdoor plaque was located at Itasca State Park. It's slogan "In life as in baseball it is the number of times you reach home safely that counts" was a reminder to tourists visiting the park to drive carefully so that they might "return to enjoy the beauties of nature being preserved for them in this and other Minnesota State Parks."

I couldn't find an earlier source for this slogan than the postcards I have, this one from 1953 and a linen one from 1948. I also couldn't find more recent photos of this sign.

I was prompted to post this card today because Memorial Day weekend is approaching, and traffic warnings are always in the news around holiday weekends. For those interested in statistics, here are some from the National Safety Council:
  • Our estimate of traffic fatalities for this 3.25-day holiday period is 406 deaths.
  • The estimated fatality total for 2011 is about 15% less than the average actual number of fatalities (475) that occurred during the previous six Memorial Day holiday periods for which data are available.
  • The average number of traffic fatalities during the six most recent Memorial Day holiday periods was 12.2% higher than similar non-holiday periods (475 vs. 424 deaths).


I'm participating in Signs, Signs



at

14 comments:

  1. RedPatMay 25, 2011 at 2:02:00 PM CDT

    Very timely post - Hope you have a safe holiday! You must have an incredible collection of postcards.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 25, 2011 at 2:11:00 PM CDT

    i wonder what are the usual cause of the traffic accidents--DUI? i hope drivers would heed this sign.

    Signs

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sallie (FullTime-Life)May 25, 2011 at 4:25:00 PM CDT

    Nice reminder and very appropriate for Memorial Day holiday weekend coming up.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JoyMay 25, 2011 at 5:32:00 PM CDT

    What a great saying, makes you think about life more than the plain, drive safely.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LesleyMay 25, 2011 at 5:53:00 PM CDT

    We just had a holiday weekend with 5 deaths before the first day was over.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 7:19:00 PM CDT

    I didn't realize at first glance it was a postcard. Neat sign, and neat postcard.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kim, USAMay 25, 2011 at 8:03:00 PM CDT

    Oh yes I always don't like going out on holidays because of traffic accidents. Nice sign you have here. Thanks for sharing!

    Signs

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMay 25, 2011 at 8:25:00 PM CDT

    Interesting sign with a really great slogan!

    ReplyDelete
  9. ClytieMay 25, 2011 at 9:03:00 PM CDT

    I love this postcard - the red of the sign really stands out doesn't it? And a really good reminder to be safe this week and weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  10. JimMay 25, 2011 at 9:25:00 PM CDT

    Terrific sign.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kranky GrannyMay 25, 2011 at 11:29:00 PM CDT

    Very interesting considering that it appeared on a post card. I would have chosen a more scenic card as a memento if I had been a visitor to the part.

    But, a nice reminder that it is up to us to keep safety foremost in all we do.

    Thanks for the visit to my wind damaged billboard. I do so appreciate all that come to visit.

    ReplyDelete
  12. EG CameraGirlMay 26, 2011 at 5:47:00 AM CDT

    Wise words. I hope everyone reads and heeds them.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Yogi♪♪♪May 26, 2011 at 6:24:00 AM CDT

    Nice old school sign. You can't take the analogy too far though because to win in baseball you have to keep the opposition from getting home.

    ReplyDelete
  14. genieMay 28, 2011 at 9:48:00 PM CDT

    Sorry to be so late commenting, but we have been on the road ourselves.So many trucks and cars all going so fast. It is really scary. Love this sign. Hope you are having a nice Memorial Day Weekend. This is such a great post.

    ReplyDelete