This telephone switchboard was used in the town of Richland, Iowa. While in use, the switchboard was located in the telephone operator's home. Switchboards such as this one were used to connect telephone users with each other when they made phone calls. When a person made a phone call, they were connected to the switchboard's operator, who would then connect the caller to the person they wished to call. In small towns, the switchboards were often installed in the operator's home so that they could answer phone calls at any time. Content can be used with the following standards: 4th grade SS 4.25 Technological Changes in a lesson on communication in the late 1800s and early 1900s. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions.
2018.013.008 [Switchboard, Telephone]
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