News: Abbotsford (Dial Phone System - 1957)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 7/19/2017

Originally published in the Abbotsford Tribune, Thursday, July 18, 1957

Dial Phone System Will Start July 24

All telephones on the Abbotsford exchange of the General Telephone Company of Wisconsin will be on the dial system Wednesday, July 24. Switchover time is 7 a.m.

The new phones, including many colored models, have been installed and are now being tested. Phone books with the new numbers will be distributed shortly before the switchover, along with complete instructions.

The new telephones will be used according to the present system until July 24. From then on, it will be necessary to dial every number wanted.

The new telephone numbers consist of a central office name, Blackburn, and five numbers. A local call may be made by dialing only the five numbers, but if the complete number is dialed, the correct person will be reached. The central office name must be given to the operator when making a toll call, because it is this name that designated the Abbotsford exchange.

After the switchover is made, the present office will be discontinued and the equipment will be housed in the new building behind the Abbotsford Tribune. Operators will be located at Colby, in case there are any problems, and can be reached by dialing “operator.” For fire calls, dial 6-3331 and for police, 6-2221.

Phone bills should be paid at Wing’s Drug Store, in Abbotsford.