[GreenKeys] What is to become of NADCOMM?

[Doug Alderdice]

At one time the Smithsonian had a rather nice telephone display in the 
basement of the Science & Technology building.  They had a working 
step-by-step switch encased in glass (or plexiglas) with two wall phones 
that you could dial from one to the other and watch the steppers 
work.  Near that was a section of a panel switch that had the risers going 
up & down.  Also in the same area were some examples of switchboards of 
various vintages.  All the telegraph stuff was behind glass, though as I 
recall there was a tape playing on a speaker of a sounder clattering 
away.  No teletypes that I can recall, though.  There was a wirephoto 
machine, now that I think of it.

The last time I visited the Smithsonian was in 1986, so I am sure it is 
quite different now.  After all, there was still a lot of step-by-step gear 
still in actual service then, so they were exhibiting current 
technology!  Today, there are many who haven't a clue how to operate a 
rotary dial telephone.

We hear the term "museum quality" a lot used to imply that an antique piece 
is in pristine or otherwise original condition.  Actual experience, though, 
is something else entirely, like the observation in a previous post this 
evening about the Model 28 with the missing keys, on display.  Since I have 
gotten into collecting telephone, telegraph and teletype equipment 
seriously, I have come to find that museum quality -- in its true sense -- 
is something to be avoided entirely!  Heck, I want my stuff to look good, 
work, and be as original as possible.  There are many museums where none of 
the above apply to the mechanical or technical items in their collections.

It's up to people like us to keep the old stuff alive & going and only hope 
that when it comes time to distribute our stuff elsewhere that it goes to 
another person or organization that can truly appreciate it.

73,

Doug, KA2WFT
Buffalo, NY