Slice of History - JPL Telephone System

11 August 2022 marks the 70th anniversary of JPL’s conversion to the dial telephone system! In 1952, the Lab had the largest and most modern telephone exchange in the entire Pasadena area, about 75% of the Lab’s incoming calls were direct-dialed. At this time, PBX operators were handling upwards of 300 calls per hour, with a small staff run by PBX supervisor, Sally Crane. According to the August 1952 issue of Lab-Oratory, the implementation of the dial telephone system is a direct result of the unprecedented growth of the Lab during the early 1950s.

This photo, taken 28 August 1962, represents the staffers known as the ‘JPL Telephone Girls.’ The original PBX staff included Julia Plagemann, Kay Kent, Phyllis Mittlestedt, and Hannah Ash, under the leadership of JPL trailblazer, Sally Crane. CL#21-5935

The content presented here should be viewed in the context of the time period. Our intent is to present the history of JPL in a factual manner that uses primary resources and historical context. We recognize that some information or images do not reflect the current values, policies, and mission of JPL.