Old-style Phone Numbers
November 9th, 2010
I’m not quite old enough to remember when phone numbers were something like “WHItehall 1212”, but I’ve seen references to that nomenclature in older movies and books. I do, however, remember only needing to dial the last 5 digits (e.g., 6-4085 versus 856-4085) after moving to Wyoming in 1976. How things have changed in a few short decades—these days I have to dial the full 10 digits because Denver has two area codes. For those like myself who are curious about these types of things, the linked article explains the older numbering system and its history.
Link: http://scheong.wordpress.com/…
(via Neatorama)
[link]Eric Says:
November 9th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Back in 1984 when I got to RPI, I didn’t know that you had to dial a 1 before a long distance number.
Apparently it was not necessary in the 516 area code (Long Island) — I think this was the last place in the country to not require the leading 1.
Now it’s necessary to dial a 1 and Long Island has also been split into two area codes – 516 and 631.
[link]donna cloman Says:
November 11th, 2010 at 6:22 am
My phone number in the 1950-1955 or so was Sugan3439, I recall it to this day. Then, I seem to recall it changed to axtel7-5491. My husband’s number in 1965 was cy5-4505. I do not recall when area codes came into play.