Nappanee Telephone Company

The Nappanee Telephone Company started in 1898. The initial installation consisted of fifty two telephones with an ultimate capacity for a hundred telephones. Claude

Stoops led the way for this new innovation to Nappanee.

The first switch board was installed in Mr. Stoops’ Jewelry Store and all the business was handled by one operator from 7:00 am – 9:00 pm. In 1916, the Telephone Company experienced rapid growth, 720 telephones were in service with over 12,000 feet of cable. There were also six operators, two lineman and they were able to give 24 hour service.