Identifying Switchboard

[Madelyn]

Hello,

I am looking to identify this switchboard, to learn how it worked, and to identify missing parts so that I can teach the public about it.

I am the curator of a very large historic house museum in the midwest of the United States. The house was located on a working farm, and each day, a switchboard operator worked to transfer calls throughout the house and estate. When she was not on duty, phones rang directly to the butler or to the family den. In 1929, 37 telephones were added to the system, 25 of which were in the main house.

Though the mansion was finished in 1929, I believe this switchboard is from an earlier house that was being built in 1918-1919. The small black box on the left of it is labeled "Western Electric" and Bell installed and serviced all of the telephones in the house (note: the family chose Bell over PAX/Automatic Electric, Inc. of Chicago, I have some interesting comparisons between the two if anyone would like to read them!).

Our goal is to recreate some or all of this switchboard so that we can place it in our new exhibit and allow our guests to "call" staff. We want it to be educational so people understand how switchboards work... but the problem is that I don't understand how this worked. Why aren't there cords and plugs? Are we missing parts, like a dial or a headset? I stuck the cord for the speaker part in that hole but I don't know where it came from originally.
I'd love help understanding this and getting advice on educating people!

Thank you for your time,
Madelyn

[poplar1]

I believe that this is a console used with a dial PBX, rather than a complete switchboard. There must have been a separate room in the mansion, with equipment for dialing from one extension to another, or 0 to reach the attendant (operator) at this console. It is also possible that the extensions could dial 9 to be connected to one of the outside lines (called trunks).

Incoming trunks (outside lines) would be answered on the bottom row, currently labeled ROCHESTER and two 4-digit line numbers.  The central office may have been manual (non-dial), even though the mansion had dial phones.

The date on the label inside of the console is 1924.

I am surprised that Bell left the console behind, but perhaps some evidence of a telephone equipment room also exists.

[loblolly986]

(note: the family chose Bell over PAX/Automatic Electric, Inc. of Chicago, I have some interesting comparisons between the two if anyone would like to read them!).

Welcome to the forum! Please do share those.

[Madelyn]

17 Jan 1927

In accordance with your request we have investigated the two types of telephone systems and clock systems and wish to report as follows:
It is perhaps true that telephone lines in the country are more subject to disturbance by electrical storms than are city systems.  However, all trunk lines are adequately protected by lightening arresters at the building entrance point so that the disturbance is not carried to the switching equipment.  Therefore even if one or all trunk lines are out of commission the Michigan Bell Telephone intercommunicating system will still function.
While an intercommunicating failure due to an electric storm may have occurred on the Scripp's estate, it was a very unusual condition.  Perhaps the intercommunication lines between the house and adjoining farm buildings are overhead wires and the failure was due to a hit on the intercommunication line itself.  In this case either lightening arresters were not installed or failed to function.
In comparing two interior communication systems, results as well as investment should be considered.  The following is a comparison between the dial telephone private branch exchange proposed by the Telephone Company and a Private Automatic (dial) Exchange known as P.A.X., as manufactured by the Automatic Electric, Inc., Chicago.
With the Telephone Company's system the following can be done:-
     (a) Any station may be an outside calling station only.
     (b) Any station may be an intercommunication station only.
     (c) Any station may be both intercommunication and outside station.
     (d) Any station may be so connected that it can call only a certain few other stations but can be called     
     from all stations.
     (e) Any station may be connected so that it can call or be called from only a certain few other stations.
     (f) Central office may be dialed directly from any outside calling station without going thru the     
     switchboard, or an operator at the switchboard may get the connection thru the central office and then
     connect the calling station.
     g) Any station may be connected so that incoming calls on trunk line will ring that phone directly.

(page 2)
With the P.A.X. system the following conditions prevail:-
     (1) All stations are intercommunication only.
     (2) (d) and (e) above are possible
     (3) A watchmans recording and supervisory service may be incorporated.
     (4) May be equipped for emergency alarm.
It is apparent that with the P.A.X. system, rooms requiring both Bell Telephone and intercommunication service must have two separate outlets and instruments since there can be no connection between the two systems.
The following cost data is based on systems of 30 stations.  It is assumed that the same number of Michigan Bell Trunk lines will be required in either case so that this cost is omitted from consideration.  Likewise the cost of conduit for 30 stations is omitted.
Michigan bell Telephone System:
Fixed charges
30 stations, connection charge @ 3.00                      $90.00
Yearly charge                     $1002.00

P.A.X. systems: All fixed charges.
Switching equipment, terminal equipment      
Battery charger, etch installed, approx.             $2600.00
30 telephone @ 18.00 approx average                     540.00
30 stations, installation @ 3.00 approx.             90.00
                                                               $3230.00
In addition to the P.A.X. system there will be a certain number of Michigan Bell Telephone stations.  Assuming 5 Bell stations, installation @3.00 each = $15.00.  The monthly charge for attendant switchboard and phone will probably run $25.00.  This figure depending upon the extent of the installation.
The cost of additional phones above 30 and up to 50 on the P.A.X. system is very small.
Telephone may be given any desired finish, cost to depend on the finish.
 
P.A.X. is installed on the Henry Ford Estate.

(page 3)
Following is cost data and a short description on two different clock systems; Stromberg and Sangamo.
The Stromberg system consists of a very accurate master clock and which transmits an electric impulse every minute to as many secondary clocks as desired.  The secondary clock movement is noiseless.  Master clock is electronically wound.  With the system all clocks must show the exact same time.
The Sangamo system consists of individual clocks connected to the regular electric lighting system.  No master clock is required therefore there is no connection between the various clocks.  Each clock is an electronically wound, eleven jewel movement.
Cost data is based on a system of 18 clocks recessed in the wall.
Stromberg
Control cabinet and battery complete              $108.50
Master clock with brass bob pendulum              125.00
18 secondary clocks @ $30.00 each         540.00
Installation, approx.               300.00
1073.50
Add $100.00 is the master clock is equipped with a mercurial compensating pendulum.

Sangamo
18 clocks @ 45.00 each approx.               $ 810.00
installation, approx               270.00

The Stromberg system is in use in the Buhl Building and Mrs.  Wilson probably has a secondary in her office.  In the Buhl Building the maintenance cost over the last three years had averaged one cent per clock per year.
Telechron clocks are not suitable for this installation as the accuracy of these clocks depends upon frequency of the electric current and this is subject to change.

[Madelyn]

Hi,

Thank you so much! There was a large telephone equipment room in the basement which has now been modernized, although there are still some remnants of older fixtures in it. I could post photos of the original blueprints and telephone riser diagram.
This "attendant" console, for which we have the original chair as well, was used in a room on the main floor that had initially been used as the butler's office. The inventory doesn't list any other equipment in the room. It wasn't directly above the telephone closet but was relatively close to it. I don't know where the switchboard operator would have worked in the beginning- I guess in the basement, then moved upstairs? I know she liked having the window there to look out at the front door and identify people who were coming and going.