Bell PhoneCenter Stores

[paul-f]

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

Please reply with scans and images from the PhoneCenters and info on their evolution.

[paul-f]

Here are some forum topics with PhoneCenter content:

Modular Wiring
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

Modular Adapters and 4 Prong Plugs/Jacks for Spade Cords
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

Transformers for dial lights
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

AT&T Telephone Tester
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

Neutered Design Line Phone (for display)
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=13692.0

PhoneCenter Ad
http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?topic=15959.0

[paul-f]

Some ads...

[paul-f]

More ads...

[markosjal]

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

[MMikeJBenN27]

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

[MMikeJBenN27]

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

[FABphones]

...Please reply with scans and images from the PhoneCenters and info on their evolution.

A few more Phone Center Store advertising images.

[FABphones]

Christmas advertising Promotions

Bell Telephone 1978 Christmas commercial:

[FABphones]

Assorted adverts.

[FABphones]

Additional magazine advert.

Three more Bell TV Commercials:

[paul-f]

Illinois Bell Services and Rates, 1980

[FABphones]

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.

[paul-f]

This GTE/Automatic Electric 883A Speakerphone was "sold" by the Bell System, with repairs to be done at a Bell PhoneCenter.

[FABphones]

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.