Maine Memory Network

Contributed by McArthur Public Library

Description

Around 1900 the Biddeford Telephone Exchange was located on an upper floor of what is now 156 Main Street, Biddeford.

The "Biddeford & Saco Telephone Exchange" was established about 1880, at which time there were only 35 phones in both cities.

Miss Eva H. Bent was manager until about 1895, then Mrs. Amy E. Briggs served until about 1899. She was succeeded by Dean J. Tolman.

The exchange moved to the Biddeford Journal Building at City Square in 1908.

In the photo, from left, are Thomas Quint, assistant lineman; Frank Goodwin, lineman (later manager); Dean Tolman, manager; Mrs. Luther Day, bookkeeper; and the operators, Miss Zora Seavey, Mrs. Walter Robbins, Miss Mary Aitken, Mrs. Ned (Lillian Dean) Chadbourne, and Mrs. Abraham Kay.

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About This Item

• Title: Staff of Biddeford Telephone Exchange, ca. 1900
• Creator: Biddeford Telephone Exchange
• Creation Date: circa 1900
• Subject Date: circa 1900
• Location: Biddeford, York County, ME
• Media: Photographic print
• Dimensions: 18.5 cm x 13 cm
• Local Code: mca694
• Collection: General Image Collection
• Object Type: Image

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Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Linemen
• Telephone switchboards
• Telephone operators
• Telephone industry--Maine--Biddeford
• Telephone supplies industry
• Women--Employment

People

• Aitken, Mary
• Chadbourne, Lillian Dean
• Day, Mrs. Luther
• Goodwin, Frank
• Kay, Mrs. Abraham
• Quint, Thomas
• Robbins, Mrs. Walter
• Seavey, Zora
• Tolman, Dean

Other Keywords

• business

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For more information about this item, contact:

McArthur Public Library
PO Box 346, Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 284-4181
Website

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