Lehigh Valley Railroad, uses Brooks insulators

The Lehigh Valley Railroad Telegraph Lines.

MAUCH CHUNK, Pa., Sept. 3.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TELEGRAPHER

WE do not remember to have seen anything in THE TELEGRAPHER concerning or relating to the Lehigh Valley R. R. in something over a year, although THE TELEGRAPHER is quite extensively taken on this line. Now, we believe we will break the silence and step out and take a little peep at the outside world. We have remained silent spectators long enough, and we wish (if you will devote one little corner to us) to be heard for once. A little over a year ago Mr. Pope was visiting this region, and he wrote a somewhat lengthy article, not only on the beautiful and picturesque scenery along our entire road but also on our telegraph department. For the benefit of those not acquainted with our road we will give a brief sketch of it. The main line extends from Easton to Waverly - Pennsylvania and New York R. R. included - or a little more than two hundred miles; then we have three divisions leaving the main line a few miles above Mauch Chunk, penetrating the coal fields west and connecting with the Pennsylvania Central R. R. We have upwards of three hundred miles of telegraph wire, counting only the division wires. In addition to this we have a through wire from Philadelphia to Waverly, insulated with the Brooks patent insulator, and I believe it as good a working wire as can be found in the State. Under the efficient management of our Superintendent, Mr. H. A. Clute, our wires are all kept in most excellent working order, and we have not a single wire that we cannot, in the worst of weather, work the entire length on the same adjustment. Over a year ago Mr. Clute began the work of supplying Callaud batteries in place of the Grove (main line) and Daniell (local). We now have all Callaud main, and the principal part of the locals the same. They give good satisfaction, and are kept up at a considerable per cent. less expense than the old ones. A word in regard to our "C. H.," or general office, and I am done: It is situated at Mauch Chunk, corner of Broadway and Susquehanna streets, second floor. We have three division wires here and our through wire. I believe the instruments are arranged as nicely as any I ever saw - being so that the operator can work every one without moving from his chair, yet they are not so close as to interfere. By a very ingenious arrangement in the repeaters the time which is sent from Bethlehem is repeated over every wire on the road. Mr. Clute has lately put up a Culgan switch, made for the accommodation of six wires. It is a model of excellent workmanship, and adds greatly to the appearance of the office.

J. H.