The history of the noon whistle dates back to the days of industrialization and factory towns. These towns were bustling with activity, with factories working at full capacity and workers laboring long hours. In such a fast-paced environment, it was crucial to have a system in place to signal the lunch break, and that's where the noon whistle came into play.
Back in the day, the sound of a noon whistle could be heard echoing through the streets, serving as a signal for workers to down tools and take a break. It was a simple, yet effective way to synchronize the lunch break for all workers in the vicinity. The noon whistle was typically blown at exactly twelve o'clock, hence the name.
The use of sirens as a noon signal also became common in factory towns. These loud sirens, often mounted on top of buildings or factory chimneys, could be heard from a distance, ensuring that everyone in the area was aware of the lunch break. The piercing sound of the siren would cut through the hustle and bustle of the town, signaling a temporary pause in the workday.
Interestingly, the noon whistle had another important function in early industrial towns. It was also used to summon volunteer firefighters to the station in case of emergencies. This was especially crucial at a time when fire safety measures were not as advanced as they are today. The sound of the noon whistle would alert firefighters to gather at the station, ready to respond to any fire that may have broken out.
While the name “noon whistle” suggests that it was blown only at midday, in reality, it was often used at other times as well. Fires could break out at any moment, and the volunteer firefighters needed to be prepared at all times. Therefore, the noon whistle would sound whenever there was an emergency, regardless of the time of day.
The use of a noon siren in Blackfoot likely began in 1919, as you mentioned. This was a time when industrialization was in full swing, and factory towns were becoming more prevalent. The noon siren would have served the same purpose as in other towns, signaling the lunch break and summoning firefighters when needed.
The history of the noon whistle is deeply rooted in the industrialization era. It served as a signal for workers to take their lunch break in factory towns and also played a crucial role in alerting volunteer firefighters to emergencies. The tradition of the noon whistle continues in some places today, although its significance may have diminished in modern times.