Retro Telephones
Instructions: Remember the days of party lines, rotary dials, and phone booths on every corner?
- 1.
What was a 'party line' in the context of home telephones?
AA toll-free number for celebrationsBA shared telephone line among multiple householdsCA direct line to the operatorDA phone line dedicated to teenagers - 2.
What color was the classic Western Electric Model 500 rotary telephone that became standard in American homes?
ABeigeBBlackCWhiteDRed - 3.
What phone company was known as 'Ma Bell' and dominated American telephone service for most of the 20th century?
AAT&T (Bell System)BMCICGTEDSprint - 4.
What was the popular wall-mounted kitchen telephone of the 1950s often called because of its shape?
AThe candlestickBThe wall boxCThe princess phoneDThe kitchen phone - 5.
The 'Princess Phone,' introduced by Bell Telephone in 1959, was specifically marketed toward which group?
AWomen and teenage girlsBBusinessmenCRural familiesDElderly customers - 6.
What did you need to do to make a call on a rotary dial phone?
ATurn the dial for each digit and wait for it to returnBSpeak the number to the operatorCPress buttons in sequenceDCrank a handle on the side - 7.
Before area codes were commonly dialed, what did many callers use to reach numbers in other cities?
AA telegramBA telephone directory from that cityCA relay stationDLong-distance operator assistance - 8.
What distinctive sound did a rotary phone make as the dial returned to its resting position?
AA clicking or pulsing soundBA ringing chimeCA beeping toneDA buzzing hum - 9.
What was the 'Trimline' phone, introduced by AT&T in 1965, notable for?
AIt could store phone numbersBIt used a speakerphoneCIt had the dial built into the handsetDIt was cordless - 10.
In the early days of the telephone, what did people say when answering instead of 'Hello'?
AAhoyBGood dayCSpeakDReady - 11.
What year did the Bell System break up into regional 'Baby Bells' due to an antitrust ruling?
A1978B1974C1984D1990 - 12.
What device, introduced for home use in the late 1970s, allowed callers to leave a recorded message when no one answered?
AA pagerBAn answering machineCA call forwarding boxDA fax machine - 13.
What type of early telephone had the mouthpiece on a tall stand with a separate earpiece held to the ear?
AConsole phoneBCandlestick phoneCDesk set phoneDWall crank phone - 14.
What was the standard emergency telephone number established across the United States in 1968?
A999B611C411D911 - 15.
In the 1950s and 1960s, what did telephone companies charge extra for if you wanted a color other than black?
AAn unlisted numberBA colored telephoneCA longer cordDTouch-tone service