I had a bit of a laugh when I came across this description I found in an old online telephone directory – instructions on how to use a dial telephone. It had never occurred to me that anyone would need instructions because its operation seemed so obvious. But only to those of us who grew up with them, and not to the first generation of people for him such things were brand new. And neither, I subsequently realized, would today’s cell phone generation know how to use a dial telephone. What goes around, comes around. (Pun intended.)
Instructions on how to use a dial telephone
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This is WILD!
I’m surprised you didn’t include the bit about not mistaking O for 0… 😀
Must be a slow day.
What an insightful addition. Thanks so much for sharing.
Late mother was a telephone operator as a teenager during World War II in Palm Springs. Relayed when VE Day was declared, ending the war in Europe, the telephone switchboard “lit up like a Christmas Tree” in that everyone was calling everyone they knew to relay the news. Mom relayed supervisors instructed all the operators to listen in & disconnect calls not of importance! Only time such instructions ever given to the operators, to keep the lines available for important matters –
Love the old movies with people making calls on the old candlestick dial telephones using phone numbers like HO-llywood 4-6789. When everything had a dash of flair and style.
It’s far more cinematic than tapping a fingertip on a screen.
My business cards give my phone number as CEntral 6- XXXX… 😉
Non-sensical Japanese stereo instructions! Everyone knows…always let your dialing finger take the free ride back!!
I’ve heard that someone asked some kids recently to make a call on a dial phone, and they had NO idea how to do it.