H4565.35

• railroad

Telegraph key used by Kate Potwin, first woman telegrapher at Concord and Port Costa, also the first lady station agent at Oakland Pier; a position held for 25 years. Base: stamped "W.U.T. Co." (Western Union Telegraph Co.) From the History Information Station: In addition to the telegrapher in each statin, one crew member on every early Western train was designated the telegraph operation. Each of these men carried a portable unit called a "box relay" that could be attached to the telegraph line along the tracks. The trainman used the relay to send for help, to tell about track problems or downed telegraph lines, or to inform the stations about other emergencies.

Used: California | Kate Potwin | Western Union Telegraph Company ~ Concord ~ Port Costa ~ Oakland Pier