Learning to be a Telegrapher

The interest to become a telegrapher usually came naturally to those "hanging around" the telegraph offices and befriending an operator or two.

Often the "student" would learn by following a book, distributed by J.H. Bunnell & Co. Practical knowledge was gained while watching telegraphers going about their duties.

The code, either the Morse or Continental (International) Code, was learned by many hours of listening to incoming messages and sending at the telegraph station. Some students of the code even practiced sending code with a manually operated practice key.

The military service was also a source of learning to be a telegrapher - particularly during WW II. Many radio telegraphers got their start in the Navy.

History of J.H. Bunnell & Company   A Telegraph Office   Other Telegraph Instruments
Learning to be a Telegrapher   The Morse and Continental Codes   The Lineman's Job and Equipment
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J. H. Bunnell Co., 80 Locust Drive, Kings Park, NY 11754
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