THE MAYNARD TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

THE MAYNARD TELEPHONE EXCHANGE

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY OF THE MAYNARD TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. Maynard Minn. Nd. c. 1910? Printed by the News Printery of Maynard, MN.

On the front wrap of the directory is a listing of officers and directors. However the most fascinating aspect of this phone book is the rules and regulations to patrons who are using this telephone exchange. For instance: “When talking, stand with the mouth one inch from the transmitter, speaking directly into it, slowly, distinctly and not too loud. Loud talk is difficult to understand. If the party to whom you are talking does not understand you, speak more slowly and get nearer to the transmitter.” “It is a criminal offense to use profane or obscene language over the lines.” “Do not listen while someone is talking or trying to call up….Conversations should be limited to 5 minutes and common conversation should cease in all cases, when the line is required for business messages. The telephone will be removed for persistent violation of this rule.” These are only three of the twenty-two rules and regulations for telephone usage in Maynard, Minnesota.

According to Wikipedia one source mentions an "ambitious doctor who started the first telephone service in Montevideo but came to Maynard to practice medicine". This suggests a connection between early telephone service and a doctor in Maynard.

Exceptionally rare. Stapled stiff paper covers which show considerable wear along with the interior pages showing wear.

$225.00