Reference: Object 29

Size: Yo Yo

Recorded: 2012

Found: Chicago, IL, USA

Status: Unknown

These switches or buttons are found on old buildings in Chicago. The housing is surface mounted with wires often visible, and the button is a “momentary” style rubber membrane, similar to a doorbell but waterproof. It doesn’t appear to be a doorbell, because it’s often found far away from doors. They are easily accessible to anyone passing by, but pressing them has no obvious function.

Do they still work, or did the serve some now-unneeded function?

The one in these pictures was found on the side of the Chicago Firehouse Restaurant. This was a functioning firehouse built in 1906. Again, the button is just on the side of the building, away from all doors.

Known:

Old. Often painted over.

Does not seem to be a doorbell.

Surface mounted, so it seems like something added after a building was built.

Guesses: