LAST: The last of our 1903 story of the new Bell Telephone system in Bradford.

“There is a huge storage battery that furnished the power to run the whole exchange; there is a dynamotor or motor-dynamo to charge the battery, there are other dynamos for ringing current and testing, there are serried rows of relays that operate the lamps, there are racks of cables and switches, switchboards for controlling the current supply, switchboards for testing the circuits, etc.

“The Bell Telephone Company is constantly seeking to improve its service as well as the efficiency and comfort of its operators. Ordinarily the transmitter used by the operator in answering patrons is suspended in front of her, and requires more or less handling on her part and a corresponding delay in switching. The operators are now furnished with what is known as “breast transmitters,” the metal part being made of aluminum and thus of but little weight, and worn as ladies do a chain or beads. This arrangement gives perfect freedom and use of both hands, thus ensuring a more rapid handling of the calls.

“The new building is substantially a fireproof structure, and in addition to generous provision for the convenience of the public, commodious offices are provided for the manager and employees together with handsome retiring and toilet rooms for the operators.

“The architect for the new building was J.W. Morrison, and William Hanley was the contractor.

The local representatives of the Company in Bradford are Mr. C.T. McKee, manager, and Mr. D.H. Jack, counsel.

“The company has on hand in the city to receive its guests the general manager, general superintendent, secretary, district superintendent, engineer, traffic engineer, contract agent and superintendent of toll stations.”