> The Phila schools utilized their 32A38 system, which apparently was compact 
> and inexpensive; it offered up to 100 stations but only one channel, ideal
for  > school buildings where there was light intercom traffic.  It fit into a
small 
> cabinet.

Because these systems utilized a rotary Strowger switch, some maintenance was
involved, such as annual lubrication, and perhaps some spring adjustment every
few years.  Strowger switches had a long lifespan.  However, the systems also
required a 
rectifier for power, and I don't know the lifespan or maintenance, if any, of
rectifiers built in 1950.  Some were "selenium".

Also, some very large schools, such as certain big high schools, may have used
a manual cord switchboard instead of a dial system.  The big schools might
have had more than 100 telephones and needed more than one channel for
communication.  A cord board, 
though requiring a part-time operator, could provide that economically.


But not to worry--I believe these systems were all replaced in the 1980s or
1990s after a service life of 30-40 years.  The new systems, unlike the old,
could connect into the outside telephone network.  Thus, a teacher wishing to
call a parent, could do 
so from her classroom instead of needing to go to the school office.

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