Ely Paxson's Telephone
From the Springfield Daily Herald, May 12, 1883, page 3.
An Independent Telephone
"Ely Paxson was toiling like a coal-heaver through the sunny afternoon of yesterday, assisted by several general superintendents and much casual advice from bystanders, in putting up a double telephone line between his office and residence. Ely is philosophical and never lost his temper as he met successive annoyances and overcame them. Late last evening he was found contemplating his unfinished lines and softly whistling 'In that Sweet Bye and Bye.' He expects the lines to be monopolized by messages of affection alternating with business affairs and daily market reports."
In the Springfield and North Springfield City Directory for 1884-5, Ely Paxson's undertaking business was listed as 210 South Street and his residence was 503 College Street. Telephone books are available on microfilm at the Library Center starting in 1916.
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