1900 - 1950

Elisha Gray and Alexander Graham Bell both independently created their versions of the telephone in the 1870’s. A well-known legal battle occurred over who owned the rights to the invention in which Bell won because he had his patent in before Gray (Bellis). Photo from (Massey)

1900- An ongoing goal was improving the telephone. The first telephones were voice-powered and a wet battery powered those made in the 1900’s. This wasn’t the best model because it leaked onto the floor, so the dry battery was invented for the telephone. At this time, the battery was a huge leap for the invention of the telephone.

1907- Later a built in generator was produced for signaling the operator.

1913- The large size of the telephone began to decrease. The style during this time period included an intercom service to help housewives.

1919- Phone service was expanding and became available coast-to-coast. The style of the phone has changed from a wall instrument to a more mobile, stylish piece.

1928- The style of the phone changed again to another tabletop device. The twenties brought about the phone imitating a European streamlined version. There was a sufficient improvement for general service. At this time, the combined receiver-transmitter idea also came into play.

1937- This model is very recognizable. It has a circular front with holes that you have to move to dial the number. It was popular throughout WWII for mainly defense work. Convenience was key in this design and the subscriber had to place the bell in the base.

1938- A slightly different model was more convenient for businesses because you could use the hold button along with other helpful uses.

1949- A business version was created with improved talking and hearing qualities and volume control. (Massey)

The basic concept of cellular phones began in 1947, when researchers identified a problem with mobile (car) phones. ("Cordless", Bellis)

Works Cited

"Cordless Phone History." Phone Warehouse. 27 April 2009. 10 March 2009.<http://www.ask.com/bar?q=history+of+the+telephone&page=1&qsrc=178&ab=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.affordablephones.net%2FHistoryCordless.htm>.

David Massey."The Bell System Telephone Poster Story." Bell System. 27 April 2009. 2005.<http://www.porticus.org/bell/the_bell_system_telephone_story.html>.

Mary Bellis. "Selling the Cell Phone." About.com. 27. April 2009.<http://inventors.about.com/library/weekly/aa070899.htm>.

Written by Sarah Deford