TELEPHONE SERVICE - Revision history

Randylyon at 22:03, 15 September 2022

2022-09-15T22:03:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:03, 15 September 2022
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	On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange began. (6) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (7) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]]; the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (8)		On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange began. (6) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (7) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]]; the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (8)

	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (9) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (10) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (11) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (12) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER, AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of [[HARKETT, William A\|William A. HARKETT]]. (13) The quickly spreading telephone business in 1879 led to telephones installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO BOATYARD]] office at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (14) Phones were warranted at the time to operate at a distance of one mile and to be unaffected by the weather. (15)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (9) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (10) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (11) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (12) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER, AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of [[HARKETT, William A.\|William A. HARKETT]]. (13) The quickly spreading telephone business in 1879 led to telephones installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO BOATYARD]] office at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (14) Phones were warranted at the time to operate at a distance of one mile and to be unaffected by the weather. (15)

	[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (16) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (17) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (18)		[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (16) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (17) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (18)

Randylyon at 17:16, 29 June 2021

2021-06-29T17:16:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 29 June 2021
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	On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange began. (6) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (7) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]]; the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (8)		On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange began. (6) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (7) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]]; the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (8)

	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (9) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (10) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (11) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (12) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER, AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. ~~Harkett~~. (13) The quickly spreading telephone business in 1879 led to telephones installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO BOATYARD]] office at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (14) Phones were warranted at the time to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (15)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (9) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (10) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (11) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (12) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER, AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of [[HARKETT, William A\|William A. HARKETT]]. (13) The quickly spreading telephone business in 1879 led to telephones installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO BOATYARD]] office at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (14) Phones were warranted at the time to operate at a distance of one mile and to be unaffected by the weather. (15)

	[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (16) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (17) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (18)		[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (16) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (17) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (18)

Randylyon at 17:50, 24 April 2021

2021-04-24T17:50:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:50, 24 April 2021
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	On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange began. (6) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (7) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]]; the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (8)		On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange began. (6) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (7) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]]; the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (8)

	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (9) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (10) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (11) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (12) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER, AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (13) The quickly spreading telephone business in 1879 led to telephones installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO ~~PACKET COMPANY~~]] office ~~and its boatyard~~ at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (14) Phones were warranted at the time to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (15)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (9) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (10) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (11) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (12) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER, AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (13) The quickly spreading telephone business in 1879 led to telephones installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO BOATYARD]] office at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (14) Phones were warranted at the time to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (15)

	[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (16) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (17) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (18)		[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (16) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (17) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (18)

Randylyon at 03:05, 1 November 2018

2018-11-01T03:05:21Z

Randylyon at 22:10, 12 May 2018

2018-05-12T22:10:55Z

Show changes

Randylyon at 21:40, 12 May 2018

2018-05-12T21:40:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:40, 12 May 2018
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	On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque telephone exchange began. (5) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (6) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]] while the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (7)		On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque telephone exchange began. (5) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (6) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]] while the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (7)

	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (8) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service here and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (9) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (10) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first office telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (11) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER AND WHEELER]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (12) The quickly spreading telephone business was also shown in 1879 when telephones were installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO PACKET COMPANY]] office and its boatyard at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (13) Phones were then warranted to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (14)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (8) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service here and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (9) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (10) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first office telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (11) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (12) The quickly spreading telephone business was also shown in 1879 when telephones were installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO PACKET COMPANY]] office and its boatyard at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (13) Phones were then warranted to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (14)

	[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (15) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (16) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (17)		[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (15) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (16) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (17)

Randylyon at 16:30, 24 August 2017

2017-08-24T16:30:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:30, 24 August 2017
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	Keim returned to Dubuque but waited until 1878 to write to Theodore Vail, general manager of the National Bell Telephone Company of Boston, Massachusetts. Keim was told that to establish a telephone system in Dubuque, George Engle of Cedar Rapids would have to be contacted. Engle was National Bell's exclusive agent for a large part of Iowa. (2)		Keim returned to Dubuque but waited until 1878 to write to Theodore Vail, general manager of the National Bell Telephone Company of Boston, Massachusetts. Keim was told that to establish a telephone system in Dubuque, George Engle of Cedar Rapids would have to be contacted. Engle was National Bell's exclusive agent for a large part of Iowa. (2)

	Keim was joined in organizing the Dubuque telephone service by D. H. Ogden, a member of the Engle company. The firm of Keim and Ogden was later renamed the Dubuque Telephone Exchange Company. (3) Cedar Rapids promoters had not been successful in obtaining subscribers, so the Dubuque exchange became the first one built in the United States west of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (4)		Keim was joined in organizing the Dubuque telephone service by D. H. Ogden, a member of the Engle company. The firm of Keim and Ogden was later renamed the Dubuque Telephone Exchange Company in May 1879. (3) Cedar Rapids promoters had not been successful in obtaining subscribers, so the Dubuque exchange became the first one built in the United States west of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (4)

	On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque telephone exchange began. (5) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (6) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]] while the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (7)		On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque telephone exchange began. (5) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (6) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]] while the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (7)
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	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (8) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service here and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (9) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (10) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first office telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (11) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER AND WHEELER]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (12) The quickly spreading telephone business was also shown in 1879 when telephones were installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO PACKET COMPANY]] office and its boatyard at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (13) Phones were then warranted to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (14)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (8) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service here and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (9) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (10) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first office telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (11) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER AND WHEELER]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (12) The quickly spreading telephone business was also shown in 1879 when telephones were installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO PACKET COMPANY]] office and its boatyard at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (13) Phones were then warranted to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (14)

	[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]~~bellThe~~ growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (15) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (16) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (17)		[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (15) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (16) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (17)

	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange announced on November 7, 1879 that patrons could use which ever "instrument they preferred." (18) The consolidation of the two systems was completed by February 6, 1880. (19) The universal switch board, arranged to answer magnet and battery calls, was handled by two operators who managed the two hundred subscribers. (20)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange announced on November 7, 1879 that patrons could use which ever "instrument they preferred." (18) The consolidation of the two systems was completed by February 6, 1880. (19) The universal switch board, arranged to answer magnet and battery calls, was handled by two operators who managed the two hundred subscribers. (20)
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	In 1934 there were just over 9,000 telephones in Dubuque. It took seven years to add another 3,000 with the gain during [[WORLD WAR II]] being especially slow. (36) By 1945 all available space was occupied in this building. This building was vacated by the telephone company in 1951 and was used by [[LANDON'S]], a Dubuque furrier, as a storage space until 1959. The telephone company's business office moved to 221 West 9th in the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]]. (37)		In 1934 there were just over 9,000 telephones in Dubuque. It took seven years to add another 3,000 with the gain during [[WORLD WAR II]] being especially slow. (36) By 1945 all available space was occupied in this building. This building was vacated by the telephone company in 1951 and was used by [[LANDON'S]], a Dubuque furrier, as a storage space until 1959. The telephone company's business office moved to 221 West 9th in the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]]. (37)

	[[File:wwtelephone.png\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-know-you-grew-up-in-Dubuque-Iowa-if-you-remember/130170407077838]]In 1941 the [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]] building at 9th and Locust was purchased by Northwestern Bell and demolished. In 1948 a modern building was constructed (900 Locust Street). Additional lines and cables were laid and the switchboard went from 55 to 70 operators. Dial equipment was not yet available. The facility was rated as the "most modern" in Iowa when it opened on November 21, 1949. In 1951 Northwestern Bell vacated its old location at 824 Locust. In 1959 [[PFOHL, Louis\|Louis PFOHL]] purchased the building for $53,000 and developed the site into the Fischer Arcade Building.		[[File:wwtelephone.png\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-know-you-grew-up-in-Dubuque-Iowa-if-you-remember/130170407077838]]In 1941 the [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]] building at 9th and Locust was purchased by Northwestern Bell and demolished. In 1948 a modern building was constructed (900 Locust Street) and dedicated on October 28th. (38) Additional lines and cables were laid and the switchboard went from 55 to 70 operators. Dial equipment was not yet available. The facility was rated as the "most modern" in Iowa when it opened on November 21, 1949. In 1951 Northwestern Bell vacated its old location at 824 Locust. In 1959 [[PFOHL, Louis\|Louis PFOHL]] purchased the building for $53,000 and developed the site into the Fischer Arcade Building.

	In 1953 the first 24-hour public telephone was installed at the Ninth Street parking lot. (38)		In 1953 the first 24-hour public telephone was installed at the Ninth Street parking lot. (39)

	A new long distance telephone cable project was announced in 1955. Plans called for approximately 160 miles of storm-proof long distance cable to serve the northeastern part of Iowa. The cable would stretch from Dubuque to Waterloo with a 70-mile branch reaching northward from Independence to Decorah. (39) The new cable added 225 circuits equaling 13,600 miles to the facilities serving the area. Except in cities where the cable would be buried in underground conduit, the cable would be fastened to poles. (40)		A new long distance telephone cable project was announced in 1955. Plans called for approximately 160 miles of storm-proof long distance cable to serve the northeastern part of Iowa. The cable would stretch from Dubuque to Waterloo with a 70-mile branch reaching northward from Independence to Decorah. (40) The new cable added 225 circuits equaling 13,600 miles to the facilities serving the area. Except in cities where the cable would be buried in underground conduit, the cable would be fastened to poles. (41)

	Around 1988 US West took over Northwestern Bell. Qwest became the telephone company in June 2000. Increased Internet and cellphone use led to a division of the old 319 area code on March 25, 2001. Dubuque became part of the 563 designation. Century Link took over Qwest on April 1, 2011.		Around 1988 US West took over Northwestern Bell. Qwest became the telephone company in June 2000. Increased Internet and cellphone use led to a division of the old 319 area code on March 25, 2001. Dubuque became part of the 563 designation. Century Link took over Qwest on April 1, 2011.
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	37. Ibid.		37. Ibid.

	38. ~~Day, Mike (editor), '''The '50s: Vol~~. ~~1: 1950-1954''', Dubuque: Woodward Communications, 2015, p~~. 8		38. "Corner Stone to be Laid ..."

	39. ~~"New Long Distance Telephone Cable Project to Start Here~~," ''~~Telegraph Herald~~'', ~~August 4~~, ~~1955~~, p. 26		39. Day, Mike (editor), '''The '50s: Vol. 1: 1950-1954''', Dubuque: Woodward Communications, 2015, p. 8

	40. Ibid.		40. "New Long Distance Telephone Cable Project to Start Here," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 4, 1955, p. 26

			41. Ibid.

Randylyon at 04:24, 31 May 2017

2017-05-31T04:24:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:24, 31 May 2017
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	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (8) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service here and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (9) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (10) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first office telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (11) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER AND WHEELER]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (12) The quickly spreading telephone business was also shown in 1879 when telephones were installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO PACKET COMPANY]] office and its boatyard at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (13) Phones were then warranted to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (14)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (8) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service here and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (9) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (10) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first office telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (11) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER AND WHEELER]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (12) The quickly spreading telephone business was also shown in 1879 when telephones were installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO PACKET COMPANY]] office and its boatyard at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (13) Phones were then warranted to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (14)

	~~The~~ growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (15) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (16) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (17)		[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]bellThe growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (15) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (16) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (17)

	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange announced on November 7, 1879 that patrons could use which ever "instrument they preferred." (18) The consolidation of the two systems was completed by February 6, 1880. (19) The universal switch board, arranged to answer magnet and battery calls, was handled by two operators who managed the two hundred subscribers. (20)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange announced on November 7, 1879 that patrons could use which ever "instrument they preferred." (18) The consolidation of the two systems was completed by February 6, 1880. (19) The universal switch board, arranged to answer magnet and battery calls, was handled by two operators who managed the two hundred subscribers. (20)

Randylyon at 01:52, 29 May 2017

2017-05-29T01:52:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:52, 29 May 2017
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	The popularity of the telephone led to competition. Shortly after the opening of the exchange, Keim and Ogden were faced with competition from the Western Union Telegraph Company which organized another telephone company. These two companies consolidated under the name of the Western Telephone Company. This became the Central Union Telephone Company and finally the [[IOWA TELEPHONE COMPANY]], the predecessor of [[NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY]]. (28) On June 11, 1884, E. T. Keim of the Northwestern Overland Telephone Company petitioned the Dubuque City Council for a charter to operate within the city. He asked for the same privileges as the Bell Company and promised lower rates. The petition was approved. (29) In 1895 the [[HARRIMAN INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY]] made a serious bid for local business.		The popularity of the telephone led to competition. Shortly after the opening of the exchange, Keim and Ogden were faced with competition from the Western Union Telegraph Company which organized another telephone company. These two companies consolidated under the name of the Western Telephone Company. This became the Central Union Telephone Company and finally the [[IOWA TELEPHONE COMPANY]], the predecessor of [[NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY]]. (28) On June 11, 1884, E. T. Keim of the Northwestern Overland Telephone Company petitioned the Dubuque City Council for a charter to operate within the city. He asked for the same privileges as the Bell Company and promised lower rates. The petition was approved. (29) In 1895 the [[HARRIMAN INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY]] made a serious bid for local business.

	The Iowa Telephone Company presented itself in February, 1895. It's petition was strongly contested ~~by Northwestern Overland, but the charter was granted~~. (30)		The Iowa Telephone Company presented itself in February, 1895. It's petition was strongly contested E. T. Keim who wished to establish a company funded locally. (30)

	On July 3, 1897 the Interstate Telephone and Electric Company was granted a charter for the construction of the Dubuque Telephone Company. The new company would operate in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin with cities linked by toll lines and "long distance instruments." (31)		On July 3, 1897 the Interstate Telephone and Electric Company was granted a charter for the construction of the Dubuque Telephone Company. The new company would operate in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin with cities linked by toll lines and "long distance instruments." (31)

Randylyon at 01:50, 29 May 2017

2017-05-29T01:50:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:50, 29 May 2017
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	[[File:toperators.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|c. 1912. Photographer unknown, “[Telephone operators],” Loras College Digital Collections, accessed April 12, 2014, https://digitalcollections.loras.edu/items/show/74.]]Telephone communication remained limited to East Dubuque until June 19, 1883, when the cities of Dubuque and Cascade were linked by telephone lines. Dubuque and Monticello were connected the same year. The line to Davenport was completed on December 2, 1883 and by March 1884 one hundred communities were linked to Dubuque by telephone. (26) Long distance calls happened more slowly. In was not until December 1, 1897 that the first call between Dubuque and Chicago occurred. Three months later the first calls to New York and Washington, D.C. were made. (27)		[[File:toperators.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|c. 1912. Photographer unknown, “[Telephone operators],” Loras College Digital Collections, accessed April 12, 2014, https://digitalcollections.loras.edu/items/show/74.]]Telephone communication remained limited to East Dubuque until June 19, 1883, when the cities of Dubuque and Cascade were linked by telephone lines. Dubuque and Monticello were connected the same year. The line to Davenport was completed on December 2, 1883 and by March 1884 one hundred communities were linked to Dubuque by telephone. (26) Long distance calls happened more slowly. In was not until December 1, 1897 that the first call between Dubuque and Chicago occurred. Three months later the first calls to New York and Washington, D.C. were made. (27)

	The popularity of the telephone led to competition. Shortly after the opening of the exchange, Keim and Ogden were faced with competition from the Western Union Telegraph Company which organized another telephone company. These two companies consolidated under the name of the Western Telephone Company. This became the Central Union Telephone Company and finally the ~~Iowa Telephone Company~~, the predecessor of [[NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY]]. (28) On June 11, 1884, E. T. Keim of the Northwestern Overland Telephone Company petitioned the Dubuque City Council for a charter to operate within the city. He asked for the same privileges as the Bell Company and promised lower rates. The petition was approved. (29) In 1895 the [[HARRIMAN INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY]] made a serious bid for local business.		The popularity of the telephone led to competition. Shortly after the opening of the exchange, Keim and Ogden were faced with competition from the Western Union Telegraph Company which organized another telephone company. These two companies consolidated under the name of the Western Telephone Company. This became the Central Union Telephone Company and finally the [[IOWA TELEPHONE COMPANY]], the predecessor of [[NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY]]. (28) On June 11, 1884, E. T. Keim of the Northwestern Overland Telephone Company petitioned the Dubuque City Council for a charter to operate within the city. He asked for the same privileges as the Bell Company and promised lower rates. The petition was approved. (29) In 1895 the [[HARRIMAN INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY]] made a serious bid for local business.

	~~On July 3, 1897 the Interstate~~ Telephone ~~and Electric~~ Company ~~was granted a charter for the construction of the Dubuque Telephone Company. The new company would operate~~ in ~~Iowa~~, ~~Illinois and Wisconsin with cities linked~~ by ~~toll lines and "long distance instruments~~." (30)		The Iowa Telephone Company presented itself in February, 1895. It's petition was strongly contested by Northwestern Overland, but the charter was granted. (30)

	Continued acceptance of the telephone led by 1906 to the construction of a new building for the Iowa Telephone Company at 824 Locust Street. (31) During the summer of 1910 an estimated $6,000 in labor alone was to be spent by the company on improvements to the telephone service. (32) A new section for the switchboard ~~would be~~ installed accommodating three thousand additional phones. A new "Phantom Circuit" was also to be used by which two wires could carry three separate conversations. (33)		On July 3, 1897 the Interstate Telephone and Electric Company was granted a charter for the construction of the Dubuque Telephone Company. The new company would operate in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin with cities linked by toll lines and "long distance instruments." (31)

			Continued acceptance of the telephone led by 1906 to the construction of a new building for the Iowa Telephone Company at 824 Locust Street. (32) During the summer of 1910 an estimated $6,000 in labor alone was to be spent by the company on improvements to the telephone service. (33) A new section for the switchboard was installed accommodating three thousand additional phones. A new "Phantom Circuit" was also to be used by which two wires could carry three separate conversations. (34)

	[[Image:phone2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Typical desk phone used in Dubuque in 1927.]]		[[Image:phone2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Typical desk phone used in Dubuque in 1927.]]
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	the mouth at a distance from the mouthpiece which makes		the mouth at a distance from the mouthpiece which makes
	the voice unintelligible to the party at the other end		the voice unintelligible to the party at the other end
	of the line." (34)		of the line." (35)

	In 1934 there were just over 9,000 telephones in Dubuque. It took seven years to add another 3,000 with the gain during [[WORLD WAR II]] being especially slow. (35) By 1945 all available space was occupied in this building. This building was vacated by the telephone company in 1951 and was used by [[LANDON'S]], a Dubuque furrier, as a storage space until 1959. The telephone company's business office moved to 221 West 9th in the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]]. (36)		In 1934 there were just over 9,000 telephones in Dubuque. It took seven years to add another 3,000 with the gain during [[WORLD WAR II]] being especially slow. (36) By 1945 all available space was occupied in this building. This building was vacated by the telephone company in 1951 and was used by [[LANDON'S]], a Dubuque furrier, as a storage space until 1959. The telephone company's business office moved to 221 West 9th in the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]]. (37)

	[[File:wwtelephone.png\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-know-you-grew-up-in-Dubuque-Iowa-if-you-remember/130170407077838]]In 1941 the [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]] building at 9th and Locust was purchased by Northwestern Bell and demolished. In 1948 a modern building was constructed (900 Locust Street). Additional lines and cables were laid and the switchboard went from 55 to 70 operators. Dial equipment was not yet available. The facility was rated as the "most modern" in Iowa when it opened on November 21, 1949. In 1951 Northwestern Bell vacated its old location at 824 Locust. In 1959 [[PFOHL, Louis\|Louis PFOHL]] purchased the building for $53,000 and developed the site into the Fischer Arcade Building.		[[File:wwtelephone.png\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-know-you-grew-up-in-Dubuque-Iowa-if-you-remember/130170407077838]]In 1941 the [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]] building at 9th and Locust was purchased by Northwestern Bell and demolished. In 1948 a modern building was constructed (900 Locust Street). Additional lines and cables were laid and the switchboard went from 55 to 70 operators. Dial equipment was not yet available. The facility was rated as the "most modern" in Iowa when it opened on November 21, 1949. In 1951 Northwestern Bell vacated its old location at 824 Locust. In 1959 [[PFOHL, Louis\|Louis PFOHL]] purchased the building for $53,000 and developed the site into the Fischer Arcade Building.

	In 1953 the first 24-hour public telephone was installed at the Ninth Street parking lot. (37)		In 1953 the first 24-hour public telephone was installed at the Ninth Street parking lot. (38)

	A new long distance telephone cable project was announced in 1955. Plans called for approximately 160 miles of storm-proof long distance cable to serve the northeastern part of Iowa. The cable would stretch from Dubuque to Waterloo with a 70-mile branch reaching northward from Independence to Decorah. (38) The new cable added 225 circuits equaling 13,600 miles to the facilities serving the area. Except in cities where the cable would be buried in underground conduit, the cable would be fastened to poles. (39)		A new long distance telephone cable project was announced in 1955. Plans called for approximately 160 miles of storm-proof long distance cable to serve the northeastern part of Iowa. The cable would stretch from Dubuque to Waterloo with a 70-mile branch reaching northward from Independence to Decorah. (39) The new cable added 225 circuits equaling 13,600 miles to the facilities serving the area. Except in cities where the cable would be buried in underground conduit, the cable would be fastened to poles. (40)

	Around 1988 US West took over Northwestern Bell. Qwest became the telephone company in June 2000. Increased Internet and cellphone use led to a division of the old 319 area code on March 25, 2001. Dubuque became part of the 563 designation. Century Link took over Qwest on April 1, 2011.		Around 1988 US West took over Northwestern Bell. Qwest became the telephone company in June 2000. Increased Internet and cellphone use led to a division of the old 319 area code on March 25, 2001. Dubuque became part of the 563 designation. Century Link took over Qwest on April 1, 2011.
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	29. "City Council," ''Dubuque Herald'', June 12, 1884		29. "City Council," ''Dubuque Herald'', June 12, 1884

	30. "Sustains Stewart," ''Dubuque Herald'', July 4, 1897, p. 8		30. "So All Can Talk," ''Dubuque Herald'', February 17, 1897, p. 8

			31. "Sustains Stewart," ''Dubuque Herald'', July 4, 1897, p. 8

	31. Meyer, Jeffrey. "Hello Operator, Dubuque Please," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 12, 2012, p. 1c		32. Meyer, Jeffrey. "Hello Operator, Dubuque Please," ''Telegraph Herald'', June 12, 2012, p. 1c

	32. "District Offices Tel. Co. Come Here," ''Dubuque Herald,'' July 21, 1910, p. 10		33. "District Offices Tel. Co. Come Here," ''Dubuque Herald,'' July 21, 1910, p. 10

	33. Ibid.		34. Ibid.

	34. " 'Dumb Bell' Phone Has Advantages," ''Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal'', May 15, 1927, p. 14		35. " 'Dumb Bell' Phone Has Advantages," ''Telegraph-Herald and Times-Journal'', May 15, 1927, p. 14

	35. "District Offices Tel. Co. Come Here,"		36. "District Offices Tel. Co. Come Here,"

	36. Ibid.		37. Ibid.

	37. Day, Mike (editor), '''The '50s: Vol. 1: 1950-1954''', Dubuque: Woodward Communications, 2015, p. 8		38. Day, Mike (editor), '''The '50s: Vol. 1: 1950-1954''', Dubuque: Woodward Communications, 2015, p. 8

	38. "New Long Distance Telephone Cable Project to Start Here," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 4, 1955, p. 26		39. "New Long Distance Telephone Cable Project to Start Here," ''Telegraph Herald'', August 4, 1955, p. 26

	39. Ibid.		40. Ibid.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:05, 1 November 2018
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	Keim was joined in organizing the Dubuque telephone service by D. H. Ogden, a member of the Engle company. The firm of Keim and Ogden was renamed the Dubuque Telephone Exchange Company in May 1879. (3) Cedar Rapids promoters had not been successful in obtaining subscribers, so the Dubuque exchange became the first one built in the United States west of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (4) Shortly after the opening of the exchange, Keim and Ogden were faced with competition from the Western Union Telegraph Company which organized another telephone company. These two companies consolidated under the name of the Western Telephone Company. This became the Central Union Telephone Company and finally the [[IOWA TELEPHONE COMPANY]], the predecessor of [[NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY]]. (5)		Keim was joined in organizing the Dubuque telephone service by D. H. Ogden, a member of the Engle company. The firm of Keim and Ogden was renamed the Dubuque Telephone Exchange Company in May 1879. (3) Cedar Rapids promoters had not been successful in obtaining subscribers, so the Dubuque exchange became the first one built in the United States west of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (4) Shortly after the opening of the exchange, Keim and Ogden were faced with competition from the Western Union Telegraph Company which organized another telephone company. These two companies consolidated under the name of the Western Telephone Company. This became the Central Union Telephone Company and finally the [[IOWA TELEPHONE COMPANY]], the predecessor of [[NORTHWESTERN BELL TELEPHONE COMPANY]]. (5)

	On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange began. (6) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (7) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]] ~~while~~ the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (8)		On May 20, 1879, construction of the Dubuque Telephone Exchange began. (6) The company's main office was located on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth [[STREETS]] at the rear of the insurance office of [[SMITH AND PLAISTER]]. (7) Plans for the switchboard, plugs, and transmitters were furnished by an electrical firm in Boston. The switchboard made of black walnut was manufactured by the [[DUBUQUE CABINET MAKERS' ASSOCIATION]]; the brass work was produced by [[JOHN HARTIG]] of Dubuque. (8)

	The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (9) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service ~~here~~ and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (10) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (11) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first ~~office~~ telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (12) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER, AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (13) The quickly spreading telephone business in 1879 led to telephones installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO PACKET COMPANY]] office and its boatyard at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (14) Phones were ~~then~~ warranted to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (15)		The Dubuque Telephone Exchange originally served twelve customers. (9) Within a month, there were thirty telephones in service and by the end of the year the telephone system had grown to two hundred-fifty telephones. (10) The first operator for the local exchange was Sam C. Peaslee. Interested in communication between Dubuque and East Dubuque, Peaslee on June 13, 1879 had a line run from the top of the [[SHOT TOWER]] to the bluff on the east side of the [[MISSISSIPPI RIVER]]. (11) The first conversation was carried the following day. The same year another first was accomplished when the first telephone was installed in the offices of the ''Dubuque Herald''. (12) The second office phone was installed in [[CARR, RYDER, AND WHEELER COMPANY]]. The first phone on the hill went into the residence of H. A. Harkett. (13) The quickly spreading telephone business in 1879 led to telephones installed in the [[DUBUQUE LUMBER COMPANY]] and the office of the [[DIAMOND JO PACKET COMPANY]] office and its boatyard at [[EAGLE POINT]]. (14) Phones were warranted at the time to operate at a distance of one mile and be unaffected by the weather. (15)

	[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (16) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (17) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (18)		[[Image:bellt.png\|left\|thumb\|250px\|Porcelain telephone booth sign.]]The growth of telephone service in Dubuque pitted two companies against each other. Bell Telephone was the first to establish itself. Their competition was the telephone of Gray-Edison. (16) On June 25, 1879 Bell Telephone offered listeners a concert of the East Dubuque band to show the superiority of its equipment. (17) Repeated references to Bell telephones being installed in businesses and governmental offices could be found in the ''Dubuque Herald'' during the summer of 1879 without a single mention of Gray-Edison. Increased telephone usage led to a request by the ''Dubuque Herald'' in July 1879 for more police on the night shift to respond to reports of criminal behavior. (18)
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	In 1895 the [[HARRIMAN INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY]] made a serious bid for local business.		In 1895 the [[HARRIMAN INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY]] made a serious bid for local business.

	In 1896 the Dubuque Telephone Exchange was purchased by the Iowa Telephone Company which had also absorbed the Central Union Company. Iowa Telephone, with offices in Burlington, announced that it would have ~~the~~ electrical wires attached to their poles removed. (27)		In 1896 the Dubuque Telephone Exchange was purchased by the Iowa Telephone Company which had also absorbed the Central Union Company. Iowa Telephone, with offices in Burlington, announced that it would have electrical wires attached to their poles removed. (27)

	In was not until December 1, 1897 that the first call between Dubuque and Chicago occurred. Three months later the first calls to New York and Washington, D.C. were made. (28)		In was not until December 1, 1897 that the first call between Dubuque and Chicago occurred. Three months later the first calls to New York and Washington, D.C. were made. (28)

	The Iowa Telephone Company presented itself in February, 1895. ~~It's~~ petition was strongly contested E. T. Keim who wished to establish a company funded locally. (29)		The Iowa Telephone Company presented itself to the city council in February, 1895. Its petition to supply service was strongly contested by E. T. Keim who wished to establish a company funded locally. (29)

	On July 3, 1897 the Interstate Telephone and Electric Company was granted a charter for the construction of the Dubuque Telephone Company. The new company operated in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin with cities linked by toll lines and "long distance instruments." (30)		On July 3, 1897 the Interstate Telephone and Electric Company was granted a charter for the construction of the Dubuque Telephone Company. The new company operated in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin with cities linked by toll lines and "long distance instruments." (30)

	Continued acceptance of the telephone led by 1906 to the construction of a new building for the Iowa Telephone Company at 824 Locust Street. (31) During the summer of 1910 an estimated $6,000 in labor alone was ~~to be~~ spent by the company on improvements to the telephone service. (32) A new section for the switchboard was installed accommodating three thousand additional phones. A new "Phantom Circuit" was also to be used by which two wires could carry three separate conversations. (33)		Continued acceptance of the telephone led by 1906 to the construction of a new building for the Iowa Telephone Company at 824 Locust Street. (31) During the summer of 1910 an estimated $6,000 in labor alone was spent by the company on improvements to the telephone service. (32) A new section for the switchboard was installed accommodating three thousand additional phones. A new "Phantom Circuit" was also to be used by which two wires could carry three separate conversations. (33)

	[[Image:phone2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Typical desk phone used in Dubuque in 1927.]]		[[Image:phone2.jpg\|left\|thumb\|200px\|Typical desk phone used in Dubuque in 1927.]]
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	of the line." (34)		of the line." (34)

	In 1934 there were just over 9,000 telephones in Dubuque. It took seven years to add another 3,000 with the gain during [[WORLD WAR II]] being especially slow. (35) By 1945 all available space was occupied in ~~this~~ building. This building was vacated by the telephone company in 1951 and was used by [[LANDON'S]], a Dubuque furrier, as a storage space until 1959. The telephone company's business office moved to 221 West 9th in the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]]. (36)		In 1934 there were just over 9,000 telephones in Dubuque. It took seven years to add another 3,000 with the gain during [[WORLD WAR II]] being especially slow. (35) By 1945 all available space was occupied in the present building. This building was vacated by the telephone company in 1951 and was used by [[LANDON'S]], a Dubuque furrier, as a storage space until 1959. The telephone company's business office moved to 221 West 9th in the [[BANK AND INSURANCE BUILDING]]. (36)

	[[File:wwtelephone.png\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-know-you-grew-up-in-Dubuque-Iowa-if-you-remember/130170407077838]]In 1941 the [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]] building at 9th and Locust was purchased by Northwestern Bell and demolished. In 1948 a modern building was constructed (900 Locust Street) and dedicated on October 28th. (37) Additional lines and cables were laid and the switchboard went from 55 to 70 operators. Dial equipment was not yet available. The facility was rated as the "most modern" in Iowa when it opened on November 21, 1949. In 1951 Northwestern Bell vacated its old location at 824 Locust. In 1959 [[PFOHL, Louis\|Louis PFOHL]] purchased the building for $53,000 and developed the site into the Fischer Arcade Building.		[[File:wwtelephone.png\|250px\|thumb\|left\|Photo courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-know-you-grew-up-in-Dubuque-Iowa-if-you-remember/130170407077838]]In 1941 the [[DUBUQUE CUSTOM HOUSE AND POST OFFICE]] building at 9th and Locust was purchased by Northwestern Bell and demolished. In 1948 a modern building was constructed (900 Locust Street) and dedicated on October 28th. (37) Additional lines and cables were laid and the switchboard went from 55 to 70 operators. Dial equipment was not yet available. The facility was rated as the "most modern" in Iowa when it opened on November 21, 1949. In 1951 Northwestern Bell vacated its old location at 824 Locust. In 1959 [[PFOHL, Louis\|Louis PFOHL]] purchased the building for $53,000 and developed the site into the Fischer Arcade Building.
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	In 1953 the first 24-hour public telephone was installed at the Ninth Street parking lot. (38)		In 1953 the first 24-hour public telephone was installed at the Ninth Street parking lot. (38)

	A new long distance telephone cable project was announced in 1955. Plans called for approximately 160 miles of storm-proof long distance cable to serve the northeastern part of Iowa. The cable would stretch from Dubuque to Waterloo with a 70-mile branch reaching northward from Independence to Decorah. (39) The new cable added 225 circuits equaling 13,600 miles to the facilities serving the area. Except in cities where the cable would be buried in underground conduit, the cable ~~would be~~ fastened to poles. (40)		A new long distance telephone cable project was announced in 1955. Plans called for approximately 160 miles of storm-proof long distance cable to serve the northeastern part of Iowa. The cable would stretch from Dubuque to Waterloo with a 70-mile branch reaching northward from Independence to Decorah. (39) The new cable added 225 circuits equaling 13,600 miles to the facilities serving the area. Except in cities where the cable would be buried in underground conduit, the cable was fastened to poles. (40)

	Around 1988 US West took over Northwestern Bell. Qwest became the telephone company in June 2000. Increased Internet and cellphone use led to a division of the old 319 area code on March 25, 2001. Dubuque became part of the 563 designation. Century Link took over Qwest on April 1, 2011.		Around 1988 US West took over Northwestern Bell. Qwest became the telephone company in June 2000. Increased Internet and cellphone use led to a division of the old 319 area code on March 25, 2001. Dubuque became part of the 563 designation. Century Link took over Qwest on April 1, 2011.