Historical Perspective: Meeting Baraboo’s ‘Hello Girls’

Thu
02
Jul

Historical Perspective: Meeting Baraboo’s ‘Hello Girls’


Long before call centers and automated connection services, phone calls were directed by ladies working at switchboards. These women were dubbed, “Hello girls,” as they were expected to be polite and friendly while providing good customer service. (Submitted photo)

The ladies seen in the accompanying picture were switchboard operators in the Baraboo telephone exchange in 1916.

Often called “hello girls,” it was their job to intercept incoming calls and redirect them to the party being called, whether locally or long distance.

 

 


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