1003 Main - United Telephone Building

The unique building at the corner of 10th and Main was finished in 1931, the most prolific construction year in the history of Goodland.

Built specifically to house the rapidly growing system of communication, the telephone, this was the fourth location in 30 years for the business.

A Rock Island Railroad employee, J. M. Jewell, brought the first phone system to Goodland, and in November 1902, a permit was granted.  The Goodland City Council granted a franchise to Goodland Telephone Company composed of William Ennis, C. E. Swartz, and J. M. Jewell.  The "Central system was chosen, requiring an Operator to manually connect each call.

The office would be located upstairs above the Ennis Drug Store (Now Carol Lee Donuts-1008 Main).  Rates were $2 per monthly for business phones, and $1 per month for residences.

The first plant consisted of 100 lines and 85 phones, put into service in November 1902.  The first operator was a gentleman, William Know.

In 1905, after Ennis sold his interest to Jewell and Swartz, the exchange was moved one block south, again upstairs in a new building now the site of Mr. Jim’s His Shop, 1112 Main. Ms. Beulah Grant served as "Central."

In 1910 C. H. Jett and C. E. Swartz sold to Dr. Gulick and R. A Kent and in 1922 it became the United Telephone Company.  The principal stockholders sold out to the United Telephone Company, and the exchange was moved to the ground floor of a cottage still evident at 121 W. 11th Street.

Under United Management the company continued to grow, with more than 1,000 telephones beings used with the city and in 1931, the system was deemed obsolete and the newest and most modern equipment was selected to be housed in a new building at SE corner of 10th and Main.  One of the first dial system in the state was installed in October 1931.

C. P. Russell, purchased this location from the Sherman County Development Company in July 1888 and moved his bank to Goodland in October 1887.  The Russell Bros., bank changed the name of the bank to The Commercial Bank in 1890.  It was closed in January 1893 and placed in the hands of Bank Commissioner Johnson.  The Goodland News stated: "the suspension was brought about by a lack to secure ready cash and withdrawal of large amounts on deposit."  The bank liquidated without loss to either depositors or stockholders.  The bank never reopened.

While still engaged in the banking business Mr. Russell was united in marriage with a daughter of Dr. Swisher, an early-day physician and druggist, whose office and store were occupied on the lot just south of the Russell Brothers Bank where the telephone exchange was built.  For many years this location was used for The Sherman County Republican (a local newspaper), whose name was changed to the Goodland Republican, in 1898, then to the Goodland Republic, in 1891.

To the rear of the bank was a residence property later owned by B. R. Brown and still later by Mrs. J. H. Stewart.

One of the best examples of Art Deco in a large area, the design and decoration of the building was overseen by Mr. Colby Hamilton, an employee of United, who researched every aspect of the Native American symbols used in the interior and exterior design.

Telephone poles, carved to simulate Totems are used as beams in the lobby ceiling, and the service desk was a masterpiece of carving and artwork.  Heavy oak Mission Style chairs, table and large settee graced the lobby for the comfort of waiting customers.

In 1937, United Telephone merged with Southwestern Bell.

The building as it stands retains its original exterior.  Many changes have occurred throughout the interior.  The mechanics were removed in 1957.   The changes in management and deregulation of the Bell Company changed forever the function of this fine memorial to an age of pride and progress.

During the next 25 years, as new and modern techniques became the norm, a new and much more compact building was erected to the east, which houses all the necessary equipment to serve businesses, homes, and the computers vital to the times.

Lobby furnishings from the original building have been preserved by The High Plains Museum and interested private parties.

At present, the building is owned by the County, also the owner of The Sherman County Court House, the other Art Deco building, much photographed and sketched by artist who visit Goodland, Kansas.

Both buildings are sources of pride to Goodland and Sherman County, and residents are happy to share their history.

Design Notes:

Colby Hamilton, Superintendent of Equipment for United Telephone, chose to use a Native American motif for the new telephone building in 1931.  Goodland’s location and history in the Great Plains made the choice logical.

His research into the designs and mythology of the symbols are apparent in the exterior.  The terra cotta panels and borders have been patterned after Aztec artwork.

The hacienda-like interior featured heavy beams (telephone poles) carved and painted with southwestern symbols of the Thunderbird, Swastika, and various symbols of luck and long life.

Heavy Mission Style furniture crafted from golden Oak graced the lobby.   The large armchairs and the long settee were carved and painted as well.  The furniture was presented to The High Plains Museum in the 1980’s by Southwestern Bell.

The service desk was a waist high marvel of carved totems and painted panels.  This artifact is now privately owned.