Farmer's Phone, 1894
Add to SetSummary
Around 1900, the Bell Telephone system was widespread, but served mostly urban areas on the East Coast. Independent telephone systems sprang up to provide service to rural customers. Most independents used phones from independent telephone manufacturers, like Stromberg-Carlson, a Chicago company whose "farmer's phone" introduced many rural Americans to the way telephones could shrink long distances. This phone was used in Cookeville, Tenn., from 1894 to 1905.
Around 1900, the Bell Telephone system was widespread, but served mostly urban areas on the East Coast. Independent telephone systems sprang up to provide service to rural customers. Most independents used phones from independent telephone manufacturers, like Stromberg-Carlson, a Chicago company whose "farmer's phone" introduced many rural Americans to the way telephones could shrink long distances. This phone was used in Cookeville, Tenn., from 1894 to 1905.
Artifact
Telephone
Date Made
1894
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Collections Platform
Object ID
42.190.94
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Independent Pioneer Telephone Association.
Material
Nickel (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)
Brass (Alloy)
Inscriptions
Outer ring of transmitter cover: PAT'D BY STROMBERG & CARLSON. / JUNE.12.94.DEC.4.94 / 55
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