West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
WEST LIBERTY TELEPHONE CO.

By Mrs. Nelle M. Forsyth:

So rapid is the flight of time it hardly seems possible that the telephone has been in use, in our community, for more than a third of a century. However back in 1899 the following men : Isaac Nichols, Sylvannus Hogue, Maurice and Albert Whitacre, A. H. McClun, Howell Hise, Will McFadden and Harry Macdonald, felt that the telephone was coming into general use enough to have the business established here.

It was estimated that perhaps 75 subscribers could be obtained. With this as a nucleus the West Liberty Telephone Company was organized with the men first mentioned taking shares. Albert Whitacre was named president and its first manager.

An expert in his time, was hired to direct and supervise the work. All the stock holders who could, turned out to help set the first poles and do other outside construction. The exchange was located on the second floor at the corner of Third and Calhoun Streets.

The farther the work advanced the more interested the citizens became. By the time they were ready to install the board the company looked, what then seemed far into the future, and selected a board adequate for 100 subscribers. This shortly had to have a section added, as more patrons were soon secured. Day and night services were offered from the first, with one operator serving each period. Applicants for that position were then chosen almost solely on their " speaking voice."

Farmers soon began to realize what the telephone would mean to them as a saver of time and money and asked for connection with the company. In due time they built their lines to the town corporation and were likewise given service.

By means of switches mostly, we were connected with some nearby towns. Later toll lines were built by the company to a half-way point between the various exchanges, and telephoning was farther extended.

In 1907 it seemed best to all concerned to either reorganize, or change to a different kind of membership. At this point the late M. F. Melick made the company an offer which was accepted and he continued to operate it for the next ten years. During that time a new improved board was installed and more operators added. Negotiations were made with the Bell Telephone at this time which connected West Liberty and the rest of the world. This had much to do with the present growth of the company. The convenience of being able to talk anywhere, without going to the Bell office, which was located in one or another of the local drug stores, was an aid in securing new subscribers. The telephone was now a necessity rather than a luxury.

In 1918 it again outgrew itself and a stock company was formed. This time it was composed of some local men, with the present manager H. B. Melick being chosen. The present location was acquired and a modern plant built. Central energy system was adopted and two-part line service offered.

The company still operates under the same name, A. L. Dice is president. Ivan Noland, vice president, Frank Weber, secretary-treasurer. They employ seven operators and two electricians.

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