In 1917, the New York Telephone Company was still getting Albany residents used to some of the benefits of the burgeoning telephone systems. This ad from the Blue Book reminded residents:
“In An Emergency
Telephone first, there is no quicker way to call help in case of fire, burglary, sickness or any other critical situation.”
Of course, we remember that the first central telephone office was right on Broadway, though the only reminder of that today is an historical marker.