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How many Strowger 11 digit wall phones are still out there?

Started by HarrySmith, December 26, 2012, 09:24:16 PM

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HarrySmith

Has anyone else noticed all the Strowger 11 digit wall phones that have sold on eBay recently? There was 4 all listed at the same time less than a month ago and then another more recently! I was really surprised to see all these available.

Item numbers:
150942909327
121018524840
160920319301
290806939280
130824122771
Harry Smith
ATCA 4434
TCI

"There is no try,
there is only
do or do not"

poplar1

All the ones you mentioned are from Canadian sellers. I seem to recall that Edmonton had dial phones by 1905.
"C'est pas une restauration, c'est une rénovation."--François Martin.

AE_Collector

Yes it is surprising how many are around. Many due originate in Canada since both Edmonton and Somewhere in Saskatchewan or maybe it as Manitoba had these phones. I wish there were Strowger Sticks in the same quantity as then maybe I could find one for under $3000!

Terry

kleenax

I know that there are at LEAST this many still out there!  ;D
Ray Kotke
Recumbent Casting, LLC

ReneRondeau

As long as we're discussing these, is there anyone reproducing the push button for the front? Mine has an empty hole I'd love to fill correctly, even if only for display (I have no parts of the switch it would have activated).
Also, what went into the opening above the switch, a paper slip with a phone number, perhaps? That would seem logical except that there's also a hole in the round plate on the center of the dial which would logically be suitable for placing the number.

AE_Collector

Quote from: ReneRondeau on December 27, 2012, 05:55:23 PM
Also, what went into the opening above the switch, a paper slip with a phone number, perhaps? That would seem logical except that there's also a hole in the round plate on the center of the dial which would logically be suitable for placing the number.

I wondered if possibly an instruction to "press the button to ring" possibly went in that spot and then it too was removed along with the button when the Strowger CO's were upgraded to do automatic ringing but no proof this has been found either.

Terry


DavePEI

I should note that some time ago, we found a vintage photo of one of these taken in 1907, and nothing was in this place. Quite frankly, I don't remember where we found the photo now, but if I remember correctly, it was in an AE publication. The number was indeed in the space on the dial. Couple with that the fact no original cards have been found under this spot on any 11 digit, it appears unlikely that it was anything more than decorative.

There are many of us who have wondered the same thing.

Dave
The Telephone Museum of Prince Edward Island:
http://www.islandregister.com/phones/museum.html
Free Admission - Call (902) 651-2762 to arrange a visit!
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Jim Stettler

Quote from: ReneRondeau on December 27, 2012, 05:55:23 PM
As long as we're discussing these, is there anyone reproducing the push button for the front? Mine has an empty hole I'd love to fill correctly, even if only for display (I have no parts of the switch it would have activated).
Also, what went into the opening above the switch, a paper slip with a phone number, perhaps? That would seem logical except that there's also a hole in the round plate on the center of the dial which would logically be suitable for placing the number.

Gordon Gerdes (ATCA member) out of Canada has replacement push buttons. I think the display of wall phones are his. Gordon showed me a photo of 18 strowger sticks once.

When the Srowgers were removed from service, one of the installers kept them and installed them as intercoms for farmers. Gordon met this man and convinced him to take a drive and point out where he sold the Strowger "intercoms" at.

Gordon then bought as many of them as he could.

Gordon brings some wall phones and a stick or 2 when he attends the Abilene show.
JimS.
You live, You learn,
You die, you forget it all.

AE_Collector

I knew that picture of the Strowger Wall Phones looked familiar. Not the actual picture but the location., Here's a picture that I took when I was there awhile ago. Have you completed your order for AE 1A sets for this customer now Ray? They aren't in Alberta but in BC Canada.

Terry

ReneRondeau

Thanks to all for the helpful info. Interesting that the cutout in the finger stop was merely decorative.

Does anyone have contact info for Gordon Gerdes? I'm afraid I let my ATCA membership lapse. (#876, incredibly enough. Sometimes I feel old.)