YOUR PIX: Technology breakthrough in 1954

The cover photo on the May 27, 1954 issue of Ozaukee Press illustrated an exciting change in Saukville and had a special meaning for Steve Courter, who sent this reproduction of the front page of the newspaper that was printed 71 years ago. “This is a photo of my mom,” Steve wrote. “I was born in Port Washington seven months later.”  The photo of Barbara Courter, taken by Press photographer Vern Arendt (father of current Press staff photographer Sam Arendt), was published on the day the first dial telephones went into use in Saukville. The caption reported: “The lines are buzzing in Saukville today as residents of the village and surrounding area try out their new telephones. The new Saukville exchange went into operation yesterday and now all phones are dial operated. As Mrs. Edward Courter remarked, ‘The service is wonderful even though I may miss out on some news without my 12-party line.’ Phone books with new dial numbers, as well as instructions on operating the new instruments, have been distributed.” Steve, who lives in Austin, Tex., wrote that his mother died a few years ago at the age 93.

Ozaukee Press welcomes photos submitted by readers for YOUR PIX. Subjects should be related to nature in the Ozaukee County area, including landscapes, seascapes, farm scenes, buildings in picturesque settings and people and animals enjoying nature. Photos, with the photographer’s name and contact information and the location and other details about the picture, should be emailed to: editor@ozaukeepress.com.