Idaho history: Telephone service spread from Boise to long-distance destinations quickly

The 1890s saw telephone service expanded to all parts of Idaho, in Boise and other small towns. In November 1904 the Idaho Daily Statesman reported: “The telephone line along the Ridenbaugh Canal will be completed in a few days. It will be 38 miles long.”

In December 1894, “A telephone line connecting Albion with Minidoka, the nearest railroad station, will be built early next spring.” And in August 1895: “The citizens of Meridian will soon enjoy the benefits of communication by telephone with Boise and other points. The line will be in operation by September 1st. It is said Meridian will soon be incorporated.”

The great moment came in April 1898, when it was announced that Boise would soon be connected to the Pacific Coast system, allowing access to California towns. In July that year: “Big Telephone System will connect Boise with a great many cities. Only a few gaps left, like the one between here and Huntington.”

On Nov. 10, 1898: “Long Distance Telephone: Service will be formally opened today. Portland will be the central station for the system linking Boise with Pacific Coast cities; San Diego being farthest away — 2200 miles. Idaho’s governor will talk to those of Oregon and Washington.”

Residential service was available that December if six households agreed to be on one line. You could have the service but little or no privacy. (My family experienced this in rural New Hampshire as recently as the 1950s.)

In December 1898, the Idaho Daily Statesman reported: “Telephone Co. Building. A fine building in Boise is another improvement planned by the company for spring. It is understood a location has been secured and construction will begin as soon as winter breaks up. This company always builds handsome structures and the building here will be one of the most ornate in the city.”

That month: “The telephone line from Minidoka to Albion is now open. Heretofore there has been no way of getting dispatches through to the Cassia County town promptly.”

On New Year’s Day 1899: “Cut in Telephone Rates to go into effect Monday. Heretofore the charge has been on a five minute conversation, one cent for each mile. If the conversation was of but a minute’s duration the patron was charged for the full five minutes. Now the five minute regulation will be sliced up and separate charges made.”

Curiously, when the phone company offered the Idaho Legislature free telephones in January 1899, the House rejected the offer but the Senate accepted. After debating the issues of “corruption” and “undue influence,” the House also accepted. Whether to accept free railway passes was also discussed, and either damned or defended.

“Stone Jug is doomed” was the headline on Jan. 9, 1899. “Handsome three story structure to take its place. The squatty little ‘stone jug,’ soon to be demolished, is one of the oldest office buildings in the city. To tear it down seems like striking to death a dear friend, but from its ashes will rise Phoenix-like, an imposing structure that will be a credit to the city and that will be an enduring monument to the memory of the ‘jug.’”

The building was replaced in 1899 with another excellent stone structure, the Rocky Mountain Bell Telephone building.