Letters

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", January 2001, page 4

BUCKING THE ELEMENTS
Where Telephone Men Fight Storm

The ramifications of science are erected about us, and for the most part they shield us from inconvenience. Yet, now and again, the forces of nature tear down the walls and let in confusion. Then comes reconstruction, which is one of the most dramatic features of this mechanical age. 

The battle against Storm seizes the imagination and holds it. Certain pictures of heroism there are which will never be displaced from the gallery of public gratitude, -- the Coast Guard, venturing on angry seas to save men on a

In the high wind of January 25th, a tree fell between two poles on the line between Babylon and Bayshore, Long Island. This is the result.

No. 12 iron wire covered with ice, as it was found on the Alleghany Road by C.E. White of Orangeville Exchange, Rochester Telephone Corporation.

Higher Than a House -- A snow slide in Oregon. 
Linemen shovel to keep the wires from grounding.

Early seasons greetings were received November 1st from subscriber Bill Pottichen, NIA #6232. 
Not sure what the source was of this article and photos, but certainly not a current publication. 
Thanks for your WARM greetings, Bill.

This is regarding your cover on the December 2000 CJOW. The birthday present Mr. Crawley received is an old disconnect switch.

It was probably used in an old powerhouse or substation. One side of the switch is the "load" side, the other is the "line" side.

The circuit would be energized when the blade was closed, and de-energized when the blade was open. The conductors would have been connected to the metal tops of the switch.

Being a power lineman, I have seen similar disconnects in old powerhouses.

I hope this information comes in handy for John and other readers.

Brad Byrer
Petersburg, Alaska