How many stories can a building tell? The New England Telephone Building standing tall before us holds many. It is more than just steel and stone. It represents a pivotal time in communication history.
Erected in 1947, the New England Telephone Building served as the headquarters for the New England Telegraph and Telephone Company. Imagine the flurry of activity within these walls as the telephone revolutionized how people connected. Alexander Hoyle, a partner in Cram & Ferguson, designed this Art Deco skyscraper. Its form resembles a stepped pyramid or ziggurat. The design features successive receding stories rising from a four-story base. This reduces its perceived size from the street.
Inside the New England Telephone Building, a grand lobby once showcased a stunning mural. Dean Cornwell created “Telephone Men and Women at Work”. Commissioned in 1947 and installed in 1951, the 190-foot mural depicted the history of the telephone. It was truly an artistic masterpiece. Sadly, it was removed during a recent renovation and sold.
The New England Telephone Building stands 364 feet tall with 20 floors. It’s a testament to Art Deco architecture. The exterior boasts a steel frame sheathed in polished granite and limestone. It’s located at 185 Franklin Street. This was just north of the Western Union Art Deco building.
The New England Telephone and Telegraph Company has a rich history dating back to 1878. It merged with the Bell Telephone Company in 1879 to form the National Bell Telephone Company. Theodore Vail then took over its operations. This company then merged to form the American Bell Telephone Company in 1880. American Bell was later acquired by AT&T in 1899. New England Telephone and Telegraph evolved into ownership of AT&T. AT&T merged with SBC Communications and BellSouth to become the New AT&T.
The New England Telephone Building stands as a reminder of innovation. It is a testament to architectural design. The building’s legacy is etched in Boston’s skyline. It is a proud symbol of how communication technology shaped our world.