The Mail-Journal, Volume 15, Number 36, Milford, Kosciusko County, 27 September 1978 — Page 27

Remember When It Was.. "HfeM

by M.D. Reynolds Those who have used direct dialing all their lives might not know a Hilda. I knew her as Chief Operator when the smalltown switchboard was a beehive of activity and when it was common to have several families on a party line. “It never fails,” Hilda used to complain, “that just when I get a new operator trained and a help to me, she tells me she’s in the family way. Mebbe my board is hexed.” But Hilda somehow managed to have the board, as she called

“Number, please.” "It is exactly 2:18. And, Ethel, set that clock of yours right this — time. You asked me the same thing yesterday." "Number, please.” “The funeral isn't till Wednesday and that’s because they’re waiting on Jim. He’s in the army, you know. I remember he left town the same day that Fred’s barn caught fire.” "Lettie, get off that line! Nobody invited you to listen in.” “Helen, go on. Where did you find such good berries? They’ve all been picked back of ...” “Number, please." "Oh, John, the line’s still busy at the Grain Company. No sense tryin’ again for ten minutes because that party is always longwinded.” “Helen, are you still there?” "Lisbeth, Helen just hung up on me—mebbe the mail’s broke. So could you tell me what they’re having to the church supper tomorrow? I have a party waiting that wants to know.” “Sadie, did you think I’d never call? Lisbeth says it will be chicken salad with rolls and Theresa is going to make the pies.” “Got to cut off, Sadie. Good bye.” “Number, please.” “Mary, what are you doing there?” "So that is where Doctor went this morning. I was wondering ...” “Yes, I’ll ring it for you. But you didn’t tell me whose truck hit him.” “Number, please.” "The Shirley Temple movie is Wednesday, not Saturday.” “You are welcome, Amanda.” “Number, please.” “The telegraph office closed at two, so you will have to call long distance to the Western Union office across the river. Do you want me to get it for you, Seth?” “But how come you don’t know their hours by this time?” “Number, please." “No, he didn’t get here. Agnes was at the depot when the train come in and he wasn’t on it." “I’ll remember, Louise, and I’ll let you know right off if they get a call from him.” "Marne, I guess I have a minute now to give you that recipe.” “You want to ask me something first? What is that?” “You have sharp eyes, Marne. And you’re right. Can you beat that —at my age! I tell you, my board IS hexed!”

*1 ? 9HMBB it, manned ’round the clock, the stork notwithstanding. The phone office was located in one room of the rambling old house where she lived with her husband and teenage kids. This office provided the town’s only public pay phone (unboothed), and it also housed the switchboard. Hilda could answer just about any question a Chief Officer might be asked —and many more. She was a large woman with dark hair and brown eyes. Listen to her for a minute or so as she plugs in and out, her earphones in place.

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