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
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. Marker 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.
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
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 2, 2022
2. 309 Farnsworth Avenue, currently Highlights Hair Salon
this page online
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 91 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 3, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
