Established in 1970, there were 32 Bell System PhoneCenters in 1974 and 34 more under development. Modular wiring, pre-wiring and simple do-it-yourself methods were important factors.
Modular wiring was phased in beginning in 1972, an important element in the new PhoneCenter stores.
I just added an article to the TCI Library titled, "The PhoneCenter Concept Grows." It highlights some goals and progress duiring the first four years. It, and an article on the new modular phone concept are found here:
https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/search?q=PhoneCenter (https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/search?q=PhoneCenter)
Please reply with scans and images from the PhoneCenters and info on their evolution.
Here are some forum topics with PhoneCenter content:
Modular Wiring
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1518.msg76693#msg76693 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1518.msg76693#msg76693)
Modular wiring was phased into the Bell System starting in 1972.
The article "Telephone sets go Mod" in the September 1974 issue of Bell Laboratories Record, on page 244 concludes:
"The Bell System's introduction of the modular telephone set began on a limited scale in Illinois Bell in June of 1972. Soon after, modular desk sets were introduced at several PhoneCenters in Southern Bell. Trouble rates of associated components were traced and manufacturing improvements were made where needed. In August of 1973 the entire Illinois company was converted to the modular plan. The system-wide introduction program calls for company-by-company conversion to modular telephones as Western Electric increases manufacturing capacity. Production schedules indicate that within just a few years all new and repaired telephone sets will be modular."
PhoneCenter recycling area
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=11500.msg122636#msg122636 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=11500.msg122636#msg122636)
Modular Adapters and 4 Prong Plugs/Jacks for Spade Cords
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1804.0 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=1804.0)
Bell Phone Center advertisement 1983
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=8590.0 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=8590.0)
Transformers for dial lights
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=26983.msg260659#msg260659 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=26983.msg260659#msg260659)
Modular cords at PhoneCenters
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=207.msg1643#msg1643 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=207.msg1643#msg1643)
AT&T Telephone Tester
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=16150.0 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=16150.0)
"M" Number Cards for modular sets
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=12874.msg135356#msg135356 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=12874.msg135356#msg135356)
Neutered Design Line Phone (for display)
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13692.0 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13692.0)
PhoneCenter Ad
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=15959.0 (http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=15959.0)
Some ads...
More ads...
We had the Bell phone center stores in the Portland OR area when I grew up. I remember going and smelling the new phones.
What I really loved though was an occasional trip to Gresham where I could go to the GTE phone store and see something different. After a while though it all became more alike as GTE move to more WE clone - like designs
We didn't see modular here in Northern California until about 1975. I never liked those super-thin cords. They always get caught under a furniture leg or something when walking around with the phone.
Mike
The Phone Center stores were pretty nice. Too bad the Bell System was destroyed. It was the best phone system in the world. And nice low bills too.
Mike
Quote from: paul-f on March 20, 2023, 12:14:14 AM...Please reply with scans and images from the PhoneCenters and info on their evolution.
A few more Phone Center Store advertising images.
Christmas advertising Promotions
Bell Telephone 1978 Christmas commercial:
Assorted adverts.
Additional magazine advert.
Three more Bell TV Commercials:
Illinois Bell Services and Rates, 1980
Timelines for above ads (where known):
Talk About a Great Gift. c 1980
Future Christmas. c 1984
My Calls Follow Me. c 1981
Be Choosy. c 1978
Doesn't Look a Day Under 70. c 1988
Why Come to a Bell PhoneCentre. c 1988
Jingle All the Ways. c 1982
If You Don't Have Call Waiting. c 1981
And
'The Bell Phone Center, it's for you'
Bell TV Commercial, 1981.
This GTE/Automatic Electric 883A Speakerphone was "sold" by the Bell System, with repairs to be done at a Bell PhoneCenter.
Another Bell Phone Center commercial. 1980.
'Show Offs'.
This ad takes us inside a phone centre and briefly demonstrates a display board which has a rotating wheel. Turn the wheel (via the panel on the left side) to spin the example phone on the board and see which you, the customer, likes best in the room setting shown on the display image.
'Show Off'. c 1980
Surprise! c 1980
Added Attractions. c 1982
Wouldn't it be Nice. c 1982
Quote from: paul-f on March 20, 2023, 01:33:06 PMThis GTE/Automatic Electric 883A Speakerphone was "sold" by the Bell System, with repairs to be done at a Bell PhoneCenter.
I think I saw one on Ebay about a year ago too and was very interested. As I recall they are also phone line powered
It's interesting in that none of all those images show the 882 Coquette.
Seems the 881 Cradle Phone was the preferred phone.
10 'Be Choosy' magazine advertisements. c 1978.
Be Choosy (white Sculptura)
Be Choosy (brown Sculptura)
Be Choosy (Exeter)
Be Choosy (Exeter)
Be Choosy (Touch-a-Matic)
Be Choosy (early American)
Be Choosy (Mickey Mouse)
Be Choosy (Candlestick)
Be Choosy (Trimline)
Be Choosy (Snoopy)
Each has a witty (tag line) connection as to why the gifter gave the phone.
Note the Exeter model is featured twice, as is the Sculptura (two colourways).
Re the duplicate models in the ads:
Why would the lamp 'choose' that particular model phone, I cannot see the witty connection (in the 'tie that binds' image the same Exeter phone is being held where a tie would be worn).
Likewise the Sculptura on the 'reproductions' ad. There are more apt choices for that ad theme.
Did the wrong telephone go to the photoshoot...
'Be Choosy'
'Every Home Should Have At Least One Conversation Piece'
Here's a good read covering the Hollywood/Hallandale PhoneCenter trial.
"Bell tries do-it-yourself phone service in Florida." Telephony, Oct. 24, 1970. Explains the Florida PhoneCenter trial goals, operation, and quotes from the Florida General Exchange Tariff showing terms and pricing.
https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/search?q=phone+center+store+trial+1970 (https://www.telephonecollectors.info/index.php/search?q=phone+center+store+trial+1970)
Is the address of that store anywhere? I just tried a Google search but could not find anything. I live not far from Hallandale Beach and thought it might be interesting to see what it looks like today. If I can find it.
I cannot find an address but the screenshot Paul added (reply 2 above) mentions it was in a 'new apartment community' (I found a copy without the flash on image so have added it below).
Also found a good article which details the new trails of 'Concept Stores':
'As the PhoneCenter Evaluation Guidelines Manual points out, however, ... it must be recognized that the conditions under which the Hallandale/Milwaukee trials were run were not intended to be models for all future PhoneCenters; rather they were trials of the concept'.
Date of article appears to be 1974. The additional images below are of the Hallandale store.
https://www.bellsystemmemorial.com/pdf/phonecenter1974.pdf
Fast-growing PhoneCenters are already using modular telephone sets. Residences in an area served by a PhoneCenter are prewired with modular connecting blocks. Customers can go to a PhoneCenter, see the actual colors, styles, and types of phones available, and have their selected sets assembled "to order" and installed without waiting for special equipment or wiring changes.
From this article 'Telephone Sets Go Mod (Modular, That Is)'.
September 1974.
http://bellsystempractices.org/Miscellaneous/Modular_Set_Intro_-_BLR.pdf
Thanks CJ. I did see the same article in my search. Maybe I will find something one day.
Quote from: HarrySmith on March 23, 2023, 07:20:52 AMThanks CJ...
...Maybe I will find something one day.
Nothing to confirm address that I can find, but using what little info I have
maybe the PhoneCenter was in the Sunrise Shopping Center (Sunrise Shopping Centre, constructed in 1954. Enclosed in 1980 and renamed the Galleria). Much (if not all) of it gone now but it was the place to shop at the time so makes sense to locate it there.
As you are in the locale maybe you know of a gov building which would hold records for retail outlets in that location. Maybe a search for the period 1971 - 1974 as we know the PhoneCenter was there at that time (we don't know exactly which month 1970 it was opened, although possibly September/ October). An earlier 1970 record may miss it.
I have found other retail store lists but not for that time period.
:)
In the 1980s, I noticed in several malls that the Phone Center Store was located right next door to Radio Shack, and those two were the last inline stores before the anchor store Sears. It was probably a random occurrence, and just by chance I happened to see so many of them, but at the time, I thought it was intentional placement. So, whenever I was in an unfamiliar mall, I knew how to find the Phone Center Store -- just walk toward Sears, and it would be right there!
Quote from: HarrySmith on March 22, 2023, 04:29:19 PMIs the address of that store anywhere...
Have spent some spare time searching (misc keywords) but no luck.
Quote...maybe the PhoneCenter was in the Sunrise Shopping Center...
Since found an interesting website which has photos and floor plans of malls in the area but no phonecenter listed in the retail tenants lists.
http://mall-hall-of-fame.blogspot.com/search/label/Ft.%20Lauderdale-Hollywood%20Malls
Exterior sign 'Phonecenter Store'.
Michigan Bell 1977.
Your Phone Could be Minding the House.
c. 1982.
'Give the Phone that will always be the Center of Conversation'.
Noteworthy magazine advert.
c 1981.
Apparently some Sears stores in the 80's had Bell Phone Center displays. This ad from 1983 shows the displays at timestamp 0:12.
Quote from: Westrex on January 05, 2024, 06:41:01 PMApparently some Sears stores in the 80's had Bell Phone Center displays. This ad from 1983 shows the displays at timestamp 0:12.
I do not remember seeing any Bell Phone Centers in Sears back then. Maybe only some stores had them. I bought a Western Electric 2500 set from Sears in (coincidentally) 1983, but it was just regular merchandise, not in a Phone Center department.
I also got from Sears (about 1987) one of those touch-on lamps seen in the video (0:08). Every so often, it would stop working, and I would have to get a new module from Sears and open up the bottom of the lamp and replace it.