The MTA hosted a huge garage sale on Thursday, cleaning out their storage with an array of vintage signs, attracting shoppers on the lookout for unique transit memorabilia and other treasures from the subway system.
Dozens of eager collectors descended upon the Collectibles Pop-Up shop in Brooklyn, seeking iconic subway signage, including notable attendees like Debi Mazar, the actress known from “Goodfellas.”
“I picked up an old MTA sign that’s probably from the 1980s. It’s not one of the oldest ones, but it has character,” Mazar commented, recognized for her memorable performances in hit shows such as “Entourage” and “Younger.”
“I chose this piece because it’s convenient for travel. Plus, I’m a nostalgic New Yorker,” added Mazar, who happily paid $500 for her find.
“I prefer the subway over taxis because patience has never been my forte,” she mentioned, sharing her Queens upbringing.
Many others at the pop-up were busy selecting decor that ranged from G train signs to ones representing 34th Street-Penn Station, with customers planning to display them at home or craft artwork.
“We bought a G station sign because we often take the G train. It felt meaningful and the price was right,” said Zach Temkin, a software designer who spent $150 on the sign.
Anu Jasingh, age 32, plans to turn his subway “wheelchair accessibility” signs into a lamp for a DIY project.
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“I’m just getting the two, the wheelchair accessibility signs. I’m going to make a lamp for an art project,” he mentioned.
Meanwhile, Jelani Triskell, a 29-year-old bartender, picked up a caution sign and other interesting transit artifacts.
“I chose it for decoration purposes and it’s more functional than a lot of other items here. I also got a sign for Cadman Plaza, Cranberry Street, and Henry Street exit, because my sister and I attended school in that area. It’s nostalgic for me,” Triskell shared.
Bella Virgilia, a 29-year-old engineer, made sure to snag a no-bikes sign.
“I have a sign that reads, ‘Bicycles or other property attached to these railings will be removed,’ and as a cyclist myself, I thought it would be amusing to place next to my bike,” she expressed, excited to see the sign adorned with the characteristic green paint used for the railings.
Others were on the hunt for gifts for train enthusiasts.
“My youngest son has always been obsessed with trains. He’s 26 now, but the interest hasn’t faded. I wanted to get him a present, so I picked up two signs,” said Adrian Booth, 61, noting one indicated Herald Square with various trains marked on it.
“It was also lightweight enough for me to carry, and it wasn’t $2500,” Booth added.
The event, which allows visitors to shop on a first-come-first-served basis instead of by reservation for the first time, will continue on Friday at 23 Avenue X in Gravesend.
