Quote:
Originally Posted by crich70
I believe the telegrams were probably a lot cheaper than the expense of a long distance call. I don't know what they cost but I imagine if you could get 10 words for 10 cents or spend several dollars for a couple of minutes on the phone (assuming you could reach your party) the choice was probably clear.
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That was before my time, but I think you are on to something.
They didn't have answering machines back then. My own mom never had one. A phone call might have to be made several times, IF there was a phone where you wanted to call.
If you sent a telegram, either the telegram guy left a note, or they left the message. You normally would be sure to get notification. As said above, when the train was arriving, or the new baby.