Examining "relics" from our past
Examining "relics" from our past
![A mascot costume known as the Highway Hawk](/sites/default/files/2024-07/IMG_3196.jpg)
Recently, we took you into the ADOT "museum," a storage room in a nondescript government building in Phoenix. Today, we're taking a deeper dive into what we found there!
The collection was started more than 30 years ago by longtime ADOT employees Ed Green and Bob Harris. Here are a few items in the collection.
Detonator: This antique device was used to detonate controlled explosions when constructing new highway infrastructure. Eventually demolition experts began using electronic detonators. Today, they're done using smart devices.
Mascot: Did you know ADOT had a mascot? Called the "Highway Hawk" this costume was worn to public events and entertained crowds.
Crash helmet: This helmet was worn by drivers testing highway speeds.
Concrete milepost: You wouldn't want to crash into one of these. Mileposts used to be made with precast concrete and buried several feet in the ground.
Wooden signs: Today, highway signs are made out of metal, but at one time they were made out of wood, which didn't hold up to the elements very well.
Surveyors transit: This optical device was used by surveyors to measure horizontal angles when planning new highways.