Operator, Randwick 908

01 April 1913

Telephones have been pivotal to the work of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor from the outset.

This Lars Magnus Ericsson AC100 ‘broom handle’ telephone once sat on the left-hand side of the bed of Our Lady’s Nurses for the Poor co-founder, Eileen Connor.

Although almost completely incapacitated between April 1913 and September 1914, Eileen had limited use of her left hand. At the time, telephone connections were made via a switchboard operator instead of dialling, allowing Eileen to use the telephone with just one hand.

An early telephone directory lists the phone number of ‘Miss E. O’Connor, Our Lady’s Home, Dudley St, Coogee’, as Randwick 908. A PMG (Post Master General) stamp is clearly visible on the telephone’s frame.