Keyboard

Object Name:

Keyboard

Object ID:

1990.019.01

Creator:

Redding, Jerome & CompanyManufacturer

Place of Origin:

Boston, MA

Date:

circa 1890

Description:

Telegraph Keyboard. Set of three telegraph components mounted on 0.625" thick board, rounded at front corners, no connecting wires. Left to right:
1. Electromagnet on mahogany base, top arm stamped "W.U. TEL. C° 3372".
2. Key pad with wooden finger button, arm stamped "J. REDDING & CO. / BOSTON".
3. Wooden disk, 2.4" diameter, with brass lever that rotates across two brass contacts.

Material:

Wood
Metal
Brass

Dimensions:

H-5 W-6.5 L-26.375 D-0.625 inches

Provenance:

From the home of Henry E. Chamberlin (1854-1929), West Concord, NH. Telegraph was used by Chamberlin as Superintendent, Concord Street Railway, 1893-1901. He also served as Concord City Clerk and in NH House of Representatives. Belonged to Harriet Goudie of Concord, aunt of Ross Smart. Ms. Goudie resided at McKerley Nursing Home in Concord at time of donations, and gift was made on her behalf.

Credit Line:

Gift of Ross Smart, in Honor of Harriet Goudie

People:

Chamberlin, Henry E. (1854-1929), Goudie, Harriet E. (1900-1994), Smart, Ross

Subjects:

Telegraph, Telegraph stations, Street railroad stations, Street railroads