The theme for this week's Sepia Saturday centers around a photograph entitled "Photograph of Women Working at a Bell System Telephone Switchboard." I knew I didn't have anything switchboard related, but it got me thinking about communication and how things have changed drastically from when our ancestors had to send letters by messengers on horse or foot to the very early invention of the telephone. Alexander Graham Bell was credited with inventing the first practical telephone in addition to other groundbreaking inventions. He has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history. His invention would drastically change the way that people would live, communicate and work. I'm sure as with most new inventions not everyone could afford to have a telephone at first but eventually they became more commonplace.
This is a photo of Alexander Graham Bell, 1892, in New York calling Chicago. (Gilbert H. Grosvenor Collection, Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.)
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| Alexander Graham Bell 1892 |
Today with the onslaught of cellphones many people are actually moving away from having the traditional land-lines in their homes. My husband and I have considered it, but can't quite seem to cut the cord, so to speak. Please scroll further down to see various ads, ephemera and photos I have pertaining to this great invention. This is a long post with a number of photos but if you stick it out until the end you'll get to see a scrapbook page I made with a picture of me when I had a job working from home a few years ago! What a treat!!
These two photos are from the 1897 Sears Roebuck Catalog and show that the telephone was available and affordable for many.
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| Sears Roebuck 1897 |
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| Sears Roebuck 1897 |
This Valentine's postcard which was postmarked in 1910 shows a cute little boy calling his sweetheart on a desk phone.
Ads from 1935 and 1962:
And finally a scrapbook layout I did a few years ago when I was working from home, quite frazzled, on the phone all day. Dang - I wish I still looked that good!
Sepia Saturday is calling you to come on over to see more great stories and photos!
Sources: Wikipedia, Better Homes & Gardens, Sears Roebuck
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| 1910 |
Next are ads from various years touting the wonders and convenience of telephones.
Ads from 1935 and 1962:
And finally a scrapbook layout I did a few years ago when I was working from home, quite frazzled, on the phone all day. Dang - I wish I still looked that good!
Sepia Saturday is calling you to come on over to see more great stories and photos!
Sources: Wikipedia, Better Homes & Gardens, Sears Roebuck
