“Did YOU ever Dial “O” for Operator”

Jul 24th “Did YOU ever Dial “O” for Operator”

“Day Time Telephone Operators”

If you took a look at the post for yesterday… you were looking at this very same area… where there were only three “OPERATORS” working.

This PHOTO is the “DAY TIME OPERATORS” covering the switchboard – but this switchboard is five (5) times the length that you see here.

Would you believe that this photo is over sixty years old – – – as you can tell by the length of the skirts on the Chief Operator, Mrs. Quirk – – the lady with the white fringe around the bottom of her skirt and… I can not remember the name of the other lady standing – and can not remember any more… or for sure, as to her exact tittle would have been – – could be something “assistant” – – as there were several that would plug in with the an Operator… checking how well you were handling the calls.

Th e “assistant” had the duty to listen in on your calls … to learn … if you were answering the customers with the correct information – – and also if you were over-lapping and most importantly the way that you held your pencil – – in the correct way … so as not to put the eye out of the OPERATOR that would be sitting next to you.

Before I started working for the “Telephone Co.” – – no one had ask to take PHOTOS” of the girls working at the switchboard – – but I just thought, that I would like to remember those “telephone operators” that… I was working with and just exactly … what the place looked like.

So… I had to get a special permission – – and was to stand so many feet away from the switchboard – – since we just finished WWII – – and communications sites needed to be protected against any enemy of America.

Today I have seen several “MOVIES” that have photos of similar systems – – and they are up close with lots of detail – – and also TODAY – – I’ll bet that everything is so much different and so updated – – just an entirely whole and different ballpark!

When ever you get to talking with ex-operators that did work for the Telephone Co., – ask them – – “How many times did you quit – – and then later returned to work for the Telephone Co.,”?”

And just another question to ask – “WHAT states and cities did you work?”

I do believe… that I am the only one that has worked five (5) different times – was working at the St. Louis Toll office when “President Kennedy” was shot – – everyone that was having Lunch and or in the Lounge areas…were called to return back to work, because that switchboard immediately lit up like a Christmas Tree.

Everything in America was turned up-side down… and for months following!

Also … I had transferred to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida – – and did work at an office in Illinois and several in St. Louis areas.

One thing that helps is that you will be at the work place every hour that you are scheduled and willing to work on all Holidays and any and all over-time… when ever you might be needed.

Back in the day… I would tell people… “Just dial “O” for “OPERATOR” …

You just may reach me… as your “OPERATOR” – – with that extra special smile … in her voice!”