Long distance switchboard, Walker Street, NYC, 1917

glass negative

PHOTOGRAPHS - GLASS NEGATIVES
Rosenfeld and Sons
USA, NY, New York
1917-9-27
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. View of women switchboard operators at the long distance switchboard, Walker Street, New York City, on September 27, 1917. Operators seen seated at switchboards with headsets -- supervisors shadow standing to their backs. Styles vary from women with long dark skirts and light colored blouses, to dark dresses with light collars, a striped skirt, and one woman is wearing a dark blouse with shear sleeves. All women wear their long hair tied back, both white and black boots seen. Chalk boards above switches check off "DELAYED TRAFFIC" and estimated times. Handwritten on original negative sleeve: "6514 / 9/27/17 / 524--6 / Tel Co / Box 524 / Long Distance Switchboard / Walker St. (for lecture)".

1984.187.6514

Mystic Seaport, Rosenfeld Collection