In February of 1878 Mr. Rogers resigned and the present Postmaster, John B. Tyler, was appointed. He has made repeated additions to the office, the number of boxes at present being nearly 1500.

In 184S the first telegraph line went through this town, connecting it with Boston and New York. The company was called the, Vermont and Connecticut Telegraph Company. Local capitalists subscribed for the stock, which was made out in shares of one hundred dollars each. The office was located in a room now used by H. D. Ward, the, photographer, at 78 Main street, with Hamilton Morris as operator. The business only continued for a few years, the line going rapidly to decay. It was ten years after the first introduction, or in 1858, before the Western Union Company connected this town by wire, with the trade centres. Their first office was located in the building then used as a postoffice, at 55 Main street, Judge Joel Bacon being the operator. During the removals of the Postoffice to 70 Main street, then to 3 Holden, and afterward to No. 1 Blackinton block, the telegraph office followed, and, was considered a part of the Postoffice. In 1878 it was removed to its old quarters at No. 3 Holden street, remaining there until 1881, when it was removed to its present quarters at 75 Main street. In 1879 Mr. Bacon resigned the management of the business here and William F. Orr was appointed in his stead. In 1885 Mr. Orr resigned the management and was succeeded by Miss A. F. Bates, who still continues in charge. It is said of W. H. Phillips, formerly proprietor and editor of the Transcript and Hoosac Valley News that while learning the printer’s trade in Bennington Vt., the telegraph office w1as located in the same room he was in the habit of occupying. He had acquired a very good knowledge of the art as practiced in those days, that is, reading from marks made on paper. One day there came flashing over the wire, “Taylor is dead.” Mr. Phillips caught the message by sound as; it passed through, and told his fellow-workmen, who ridiculed the idea of his taking a message by sound. He was firm in his belief, however, and proved to be right. This was the first intimation he. had of his gift, and set about perfecting himself in the art of reading by sound, and became very proficient. He is supposed to be the first man in the United States who acquired and cultivated the gift.