HISTORY
The Baldwin Blue Hill Telephone Company was incorporated in 1912 and remained in operation until 1955. It operated a rural telephone line for members only, who connected with the Tri-State Telephone & Telegraph Co. Each member of the company was assessed every year for the estimated expense of operating and maintenance of the line. Members also granted permits to the company for installation of lines on their property. Connection and long distance toll charges were paid to Tri-State Telephone Company, which had a switchboard in Princeton. The Company operated on less than $200.00 profit yearly, which contributed to Federal and State tax problems two times in 43 years.
SCOPE AND CONTENT
Records of the Baldwin Blue Hill Rural Telephone Co. consist of contracts with other companies, local and state merchant flyers and letterheads. The bulk of the collection deals with the financial aspect of the company that includes: Annual Reports, tax papers, ledgers, and charge slips that include local names. Included are checks and deposit slips from Security State Bank in Princeton, later Princeton State Bank. Of special interest are two engineer trip tickets dated 1894.
(Source: Sherburne Historical Society - Becker, MN., July 22, 2003. Gift from Gerald Bender - No restrictions.)