It's Bizarre To Think That South Carolina Is Home To The World's Largest Collection Of Telephones, But It's True
By AnneMarie|Published October 27, 2022
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AnneMarie
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South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
It’s been almost five decades since The Guinness Book of World Records broke a record itself in 1974, becoming the biggest-selling copyright book in history with sales to date totaling nearly 24 million. Some of the types of world records set and broken are quite impressive and some are downright bizarre. And to think that the world’s largest collection of telephones is right here in South Carolina seems … well, a little strange, too. But it’s true!
Now just for a little overall historical context, Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone in 1876.
And it’s really no surprise that the first telephone exchange in South Carolina was in Charleston. This happened in less than three years from the time of the patent.
Now by telephone collection, we’re not talking about a bunch of old mobile phones that are simply no longer in use due to routine upgrades we’ve all become accustomed to in the digital age.
As of August 6, 2011, the collection consisted of 1,135 telephones. It includes racing cars, food and beverages, musical instruments, flying machines, vehicles, superheroes, animals, cartoon characters, sports, and branded novelty phones.
The telephone has evolved in different and fascinating ways throughout the years. The Comporium Telephone Museum in Rock Hill offers hands-on learning experiences about the history of communication through videos and audio devices, and you can see a telephone booth, a Mack truck, and a switchboard. Admission is free.
Communication is so crucial in our lives and the invention of the telephone certainly made it easier and quicker when there’s distance between two parties needing to talk. It’s neat to see older versions of these devices preserved and even still in use!
What’s the strangest world record you’ve heard about? Share with us in the comments below!
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