Willoughby: ‘Hello girls’ — some things better a century ago

Our phones are small computers, but if you want to talk to a company representative, it is a challenge. Many businesses want all communication done online, and if you try to call them, you go through “options” that don’t include what your topic is. Sometimes you just give up. Occasionally, you get to talk to a live person. That does not seem like progress to me.

My great aunt, Ethel Frost, was one of Aspen’s phone operators from around 1910 to 1916, beginning just after graduating from high school and ending up as the chief operator. Much later in life, when some readers might have known her, she was the Aspen City Clerk from 1943 to 1966. She lived for around 50 years in what is now Explore Booksellers and was known for her colorful sweat peas.

Ethel began work for the phone company around the time it went through a major change. Aspen had phone service for years, but in 1911, it expanded through a major merger: It was part of the Bell Telephone Company, and it joined Colorado Telephone Company and Tri-State Telephone to form Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company. Its office was the upper floor of 228 South Mill Street.

Misogyny stands out during that period. Mountain States Telephone tried to entice women customers to sign up as customers. They ran a variety of ads with sketches of women with text all similar to this: “When the weather will keep you homebound. If you have a telephone however, you will not be isolated. The markets and your friends will be subject to call without leaving the house.” The cost was $1.00 a month ($26.50 in today’s dollars).

The switchboard featured only young women. They were called “hello girls” and sometimes described as “popular telephone girls.” Since the office was also for telegraph, there were “messenger boys” to deliver. The manager at that time was, as you might expect, a man — Howard Adams. He was often away from the office as the phone system had downed lines and other technical problems on a regular basis, and he had to travel to address them.

The operators were well-known in Aspen. The Aspen Times reported when they were sick or when they traveled. When they got married, it was news. The lineup changes were reported.

It was a position that had many rules and expectations as operators heard conversations. While a caller was waiting to be connected, the operators would/could carry on a social conversation with them. They were known by name throughout the community, and it would appear that their telephone manners were above reproach.  

A “good morning” from a “hello girl” could make someone’s day. Think about what we are missing today!

Tim Willoughby’s family story parallels Aspen’s. He began sharing folklore while teaching at Aspen Country Day School and Colorado Mountain College. Now a tourist in his native town, he views it with historical perspective. Reach him at redmtn2@comcast.net.