Historical Museum

Located in La Conner

"Come to the top of the hill for a spectacular view of Skagit County history"

Making A Call in 1903

In 1903, making a phone was simple, but it was also an adventure. The growth of the telephone system brought callers from several communities from the Skagit Valley together. The Rural Telephone system was such a system. It built lines around Edison and out to Mt Vernon, Avon, La Conner and "other towns in the western part of the county." Its subscribers were " the merchant, lawyer, doctor, editor and farmer."

In their 1903 Directory, they explained how the system worked and to make a phone call.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Each subscriber's telephone call is designated by a certain ring at the right of his name or place of business. The line he is on is placed at the top of the column.

In calling for a subscriber, it is necessary to give both name and line he is on, viz: "Hello, Central, give me Callahan on the Burlington line," or whoever you way want. When calling parties who have phone number, call their number: For instance: "Hello. Central give me Main 42 (using the words FOUR TWO).

Instructions for using telephone: In talking speak in a moderate and clear voice, directly into transmitter, with lips about half inch from it. TO call up central, use central's ring, then take down receiver and hold to ear until central says," Hello," then call for your party thusly: "Hello, is this Central?" Give me Knutzen on the Burlington line."…When a conversation is finished hang up your receiver and give one SHORT ring.