This is intriguing. Were there really people in 1954 who preferred “Ahoy” or other alternatives? And why the scare-quotes on “wife”? Does he think Steve never married Paul? Or is secretly a man? (Letter title should be Hello, Hello, Who’s Your Lady Friend?)
Reposted from
Hannah Cooper
Disgusted of Weymouth was sickened that characters in radio dramas were answering the telephone with, "Hello" in 1954.
Comments
I believe that is today officially regarded as Too Much Information
Back then, you'd dial the operator and ask for "Holborn 1234" or whatever.
It's a block specifically reserved by the phone companies for use in media.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/jersey/content/articles/2008/06/30/07700_ontv_feature.shtml
The point re the possibility of it being a call box was that the caller needed to know they were through to the right number/person BEFORE they pressed Button B - which took their money & let them speak
You stopped the 'pips' by putting your money in.
Saying just 'hello' left you no wiser if you had the right person before committing.
Giving the number/business name first solved this.
Ringing
Caller picks up.
"Hello"
Obscuring beeping noise.
Put money in.
'Is that Pullman's Solicitors?'
"No, wrong number, this is the Dog and Duck."
Very frustrating.
Take it from a generation of kids who were sent out with a tuppence to call home 'in an emergency.'
We (BT Group Archives) have lots of informational/instructional material covering this, e.g. this charming and still funny film produced by the GPO Film Unit in 1936.
"Trumpton 234, hello" is acceptable, whereas "hello, Trumpton 234" might frighten the horses.
Thought 'hello' was established by 1920s.