Years
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ago the phone book was a single page and in no particular order (that was 1878), since that time the phone book became almost an answer to most questions such personal and business names, phone numbers and addresses. As the population grew so did the phone book, at its height (4 inches) it weighed as much as 4-6 pounds). There was a book for business (the yellow pages) and one for individuals (white pages). As technology changed phones as we knew them the personal phones (cell and smart) improved the need for a book diminished as did the size of the books. We still have them but in a greatly reduced size, the current books are half the size in physical size and even less in weight. Currently you can receive as many as 3 different books with coupons for local businesses and the same division between business and personal location information. There was also assistance by phone from a live operator, this service now comes as a paid service. There is also a fee to be published or unpublished in a directory. There are websites that offer this same search information but at a price. You can enter your information and receive just enough information to encourage your paid participation in this activity. This fee is small but will continue unless you cancel the service within 3 days. The old phone books had several uses aside from directory assistance, it acted as a booster chair for little kids at the table, it acted as a support for a wobbly table and as shown in some carnival events -such as a feat of strength for a strongman. There was a scene in a film about coercive tactics using a phone book (as it leaves no marks). What we currently have are small computers which coincidently are phones and cameras as well as phone directories which can speed dial specific numbers, send instant messages, assign special ringtones and fit in our pockets. The next big thing is the comic strip concept of a wrist phone. Many of us remember phone booths (which are also going away) to be replaced by small partitioned areas in some public places as the cell phone has replaced the need for them as the technology improves. It might be reasonable to collect phone books since they are dwindling in size and availability.
Michael1942's Blog 