Automatic switching equipment has taken the place of the old -style crank phones.
| KEYSTONE-When Bill Hill purchased the Keystone Telephone Co. in 1952
there were 72 subscribers, all with crank telephones. Today Hill has 140.
Subscribers at Keystone, 160 at Lemoyne and automatic equipment throughout.
Lemoyne had no exchange until 1957 when Hill put in switchboards. There were no telephone lines to Lemoyne. In 1962, dial phones were put in at Keystone and Lemoyne. Hill also has direct phone lines from Keystone to Lemoyne and Arthur. Hill says he does not know much about the automatic switching equipment. However, he has a son, Bill. Jr., who is manager of the cooperative telephone system at Arthur and another son, Charles, who helps with the phone repair work at Keystone. Time was when the switchboard was in the living room of the Hill home. Hill's two daughters managed the switchboard in the home. |
Now the firm based at Keystone has Hill. His son, three salaried employees said two employees who work on an hourly basis. In fact, it probably employees more people at Keystone than any place with the possible exception of tile school. "We have never had a problem yet," Hill said regarding the upkeep on the equipment. One or both of his sons can usually handle any equipment difficulties that arise. The last few years have seen new lines and new switchboards put in. The 300 subscribers also have connections with the nationwide Bell System. Obviously, the Keystone' Arthur Telephone Co. is prospering. "God has been good to us," the 79-year-old company manager said. A faithful Baptist, he thinks his hard work has paid off but he also is quick to give the Lord His due, keeping an open line to Him at all times. |
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| William Hill of Keystone is shown in the "control room" of the telephone
office with direct lines to Lemoyne and Arthur provided by those three
phones on the wall.
Automatic switching equipment has taken the place of the old -style crank phones. |