THE REPUBLICAN

October 5, 1883

            On Monday, on the train coming to Oshkosh, it was the pleasure of the REPUBLICAN to meet with the pioneer telephone man of Wisconsin, C.G. Starks of Berlin, editor of the Journal.  Since Mr. Starts built the first toll line in the state the Wisconsin telephone company have purchased it and added it to their general system.  The company may not build the line from Pine River to Waupaca this winter, however, if enough will subscribe to warrant it, Mr. Starks thinks the company would give us an exchange and will build the line immediately.  The plan is for individuals to subscribe as little or as much as they see fit, receiving books with coupon checks in return, good for telephone service, subscribers having the advantage of a discount for telephone talk over those who are not.  In all probability the telephone folks will soon visit Waupaca and present the matter t our citizens and see how bad they want to “hello”.