Main telephone exchange, switchboards, 1915

glass negative

PHOTOGRAPHS - GLASS NEGATIVES
Rosenfeld and Sons
1915-02-05
emulsion on glass
overall: 8 x 10 in.; 20.32 x 25.4 cm

8 x 10 glass plate negative taken by Rosenfeld and Sons. Image taken as part of long term commissioned work and documentation for the American Telephone & Telegraph Company, ranging from 1910 through the 1940s. Interior view of the Main telephone exchange, February 5, 1915. View of women switchboard operators seen seated at boards in a large open room. A supervisor stands behind the group seen on the left. A series of individual desks with smaller desktop switches are seen in the center of the space, with five women seen working with headsets and recording by hand, on paper. These women appear to be working unsupervised. Handwritten on original negative sleeve: "2937 / 227--10 / Main Exchange / Box 227 / 7".

1984.187.2937

Mystic Seaport, Rosenfeld Collection