Virtual Historical Tour - Telephone Exchange

Built in 1909, this 20th Century Commercial building housed the Telephone Exchange. This building is located at 112-114 North Fourth Street and opened on March 31, 1910. Apparatus and work rooms were on the ground floor; operator's rooms, business offices and restrooms on the second level. Women operators could not be married. Codes of conduct were very strict; and proper dress included long skirts, white aprons, hats, white gloves and bloomers. Exercises were held on the roof of the building and were mandatory! The operators would become the focal point of the town's social activities. Many young men became infatuated with the sweet voices on the other end of the line, and would actually propose to these unseen women. The company was later absorb ed by Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company - a part of the Bell System. This building served as an exchange for over 50 years. Its exterior is relatively unaltered.

The two-story, red brick building has projecting brick piers with concrete bottoms and topped with iron Ionic capitals. The metal cornice with dentil molding rests underneath a short continuance of the brick piers. The second story arched windows were likely replaced with the plate glass there today. The first story windows have a stone sill course that runs the length of the facade. Although the building is somewhat lacking in ornate detail, it is an excellent example of the functional type commercial architecture built at the turn of the century.

The interior has seen recent remodeling, as several businesses have re-located here.

Overland Trail Museum
210533 CR 26.5
Sterling, CO 80751
Phone: (970) 522-3895