Pete-Roleum and His Cousins

Pete-Roleum and His Cousins 1939

6.50

Pete Roleum, an oil droplet, narrates a presentation about the history and uses of oil: He starts by introducing some of his relations, with illustrations of the things that they have done throughout history. He then turns to the modern era, and shows that oil has a great many important uses, some of which might come as something of a surprise.

1939

Switchboards, Old and New

Switchboards, Old and New 1932

1

Traces the development of voice switching methods from the first system that utilized the wires of a burglar alarm unit in Boston in 1877, to the "latest type" of switching in central offices, circa 1932. Along the way, we get the evolution of the Operator as well. Originally teenage boys were hired as operators, but it was quickly noted that they were not ideal due to being rambunctious and prone to pranks. Emma and her sister Stella Nutt were the first female operators, hired in 1878. They started a tradition that continued to the 1970s, when equal hiring practices made it possible for men to become operators as well, again.

1932

Thrills for You

Thrills for You 1940

1

Pioneering 3D promotional film about the Pennsylvania Railroad.

1940

Dial Comes to Town

Dial Comes to Town 1946

1

A grandfather is reluctant to use the new dial telephones coming to his town. Gives background of the change to dial service, and also illustrates proper dial usage.

1946

Mobile Telephones

Mobile Telephones 1949

1

How the mobile telephone system works, and how mobile phones can benefit businesses such as trucking and construction companies.

1949