Port Hope – Kinde – Port Austin, Michigan
Scans of the last directory from an important part of history. The directory is from July, 1961, and is the last directory published before being sold to the Independent Telephone Corporation of Michigan.
Recommended Reading
Telephone History: HISTORY OF TELEPHONE
Just out of school in 1967, I found myself fortunate to land a job with the phone company, all thanks to my brother-in-law’s connection. Little did I know then that it would mark the beginning of a 49-year journey deeply intertwined with the evolution of communication technology. My career spanned through different roles within the local company – starting as a cable splicer, then advancing to OSP inspector, Cable Foreman, and eventually becoming a Contract Administrator.
Throughout these roles, I witnessed firsthand the transformation of communication technology, particularly in the realm of telephony. From the early days of telephone development, rooted in the rich history of Scottish inventor Alexander Graham Bell’s invention, to the ever-evolving landscape of historical communication devices, my career paralleled the advancements in the telephone industry.
As I moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth metro area, my expertise became sought after, leading me to work as a contractor for 17 years. Despite the changes in my surroundings and the nature of my work, my passion for the phone business remained steadfast. Reflecting on nearly five decades in the industry, I can’t help but marvel at how far we’ve come from the humble beginnings of the telephone to the sophisticated communication technologies of today.