What the heck are these?

Two pay phone at Spencer Beach Park in Hawaii

I saw these at Spencer Beach Park and realized there are generations of people who will have no idea what these are, or indeed why such things ever existed. But it’s an historical fact that telephones (they were once called that) used to be connected by wires. Go ahead, Duck it (I won’t use Google) on your phone, that’s in your pocket, not connected to anything, except to everything.

I was going to return to the park to see if the phones worked, but it’s clear the one on the left doesn’t, and chances are the one on the right doesn’t either. Which is pretty much the way they were when that was the way everyone placed phone calls when they were out and about!

12 thoughts on “What the heck are these?”

  2. kzmcb's avatarkzmcb

    I know what you mean. We have red boxes here, very large and equally shocking to find in small towns or back streets. I think like you – do the next gen know how to use one?

    Liked by 1 person

  5. The Snow Melts Somewhere's avatarThe Snow Melts Somewhere

    Funny to think so many people have never used one of these or a land line. Generations, like you said. Which reminds me, I just saw someone make a call from a car phone the other day. Like a proper telephone with a wire and all!

    Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.