Bordentown in Burlington County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Telephone made its Bordentown Debut in 1882

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 2, 2022

1. The Telephone made its Bordentown Debut in 1882 Marker

Inscription. Samuel E. Burr arranged for the running of a line from Trenton's only switchboard to his hardware store here at 309 Farnsworth Avenue. Many residents used the phone mainly through curiosity. It wasn't long before Burr's switchboard was operating at capacity. In 1902, the Delaware and Atlantic Company set up a two-position magneto switchboard on the second floor over Burr's Hardware. These positions were gradually increased to six. On October 24, 1930, after nearly fifty years at this location, service was cut over to a new telephone building at 320 Farnsworth Avenue.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is October 24, 1930.

Location. 40° 8.758′ N, 74° 42.693′ W. Marker is in Bordentown, New Jersey, in Burlington County. It is on Farnsworth Avenue (County Road 545) south of Crosswicks Street (County Road 528), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 309 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown NJ 08505, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Jersey

and in Greater Philadelphia.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bordentown Female College (within shouting distance of this marker); Bordentown (within shouting distance of this marker); Friends Meeting House (within shouting distance of this marker); Tower Clock

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(within shouting distance of this marker); World Wars I and II Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Paine (about 500 feet away); First Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); First movement by steam on a railroad in New Jersey (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bordentown.

309 Farnsworth Avenue, currently Highlights Hair Salon image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 2, 2022

2. 309 Farnsworth Avenue, currently Highlights Hair Salon

Banner display along the sidewalk image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 2, 2022

3. Banner display along the sidewalk

From 1858 until 1904, Samuel Engle Burr was the proprietor of a flourishing general store that stood on the corner of Farnsworth Avenue and Crosswicks Street. Considered the hub of social activity in town, this was where local community and business leaders discussed the important issues of the day. Through these contacts, Burr's Store was the first location in town to be installed with a telephone in 1882.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 406 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.