westernelectric

119 photos tagged westernelectric, from 3 members of Flickr Commons.

When were these photos taken?

1
1921
2020

 

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Photos

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Recent uploads

The last upload was April 2026.

Conversations

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26_0026505 Rohr Collection Image

from SDASM Archives

  • Chuck Walla said:
    Looks like a headset jack under the console writing surface.

26_0070208 Rohr Collection Image

from SDASM Archives

  • Chuck Walla said:
    Looks like a Western Union Telegram form at lower right. A binder at lower right says, "Chase Manhattan." It might be accounts payable or accounts receivable?

26_0070867 Rohr Collection Image

from SDASM Archives

  • Chuck Walla said:
    It looks like Chula Vista had 7 attendants during peak hours.

    This attendant console is called a Western Electric 608A:


    This PBX attendant (operator) appears to be holding a message form. Before voice mail, the attendant(s) would take a message on paper then either page you or wait for you to call in to retrieve your messages.

    Attendants also filled out a paper ticket recording each long distance call. For example, if you called the Auburn, Washington plant, the attendant would fill out a paper form and your department would get billed for the call.

    The odd ball on the pen is used to dial the rotary dial at right. Sore fingers? Just did your nails? The pen gets worn instead of you.

    Many photos show Rohr employees with Pac*Tel Motorola Bravo numeric pagers on their belts.

    Auburn, Washington plant had a single-position attendant console: