Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum — Attraction in Lemay

From the moment you enter the fully restored 1896 National Register of Historic Places building, located in the historic Jefferson Barracks Park----you will learn, possibly reminisce, respect, & admire this museum's contents. A "hidden gem" that I am so glad we included in our St. Louis itinerary!!! Both Carol & Craig welcomed us at the door. Another young couple with a little girl joined us for a "guided tour"---adeptly executed by Craig!!! The immaculately clean, perfectly arranged displays, many within wonderful glass enclosures, told the story of an array of phones manufactured from the late 1800's through 2012. We watched & participated when Craig showed us how to operate a Central Office Step Switch & switchboards from the 1920's, 1940's, & 1960's. We were impressed with the displays of military phones from WWI through the Gulf War; as well as, the variety of telephone-related climbing equipment, tools & memorabilia from the 1880's through the 2000s. The couple with us found "relative's names" in an old phone book!!! The little girl LOVED the huge display of novelty phones----shaped like a tennis shoe, Snoopy, a hamburger or hot dog, Garfield, Kermit the Frog, french fries----and on & on!!!!!! I remember the wooden box phone on the wall at my grandparent's farm house----as well as, the dreadfully invasive "party line"!!! I remember the land line phone in our home, with my brother "listening into my phone conversations"---using the "princess phone" in my parent's bedroom!! I remember when the land line phones became "cordless"----AN ABSOLUTE REVELATION!!!! Craig's treasure-trove of knowledge, execution & inclusion made the tour FABULOUS!!! WE LOVED THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE!!!! It will be the best $5.00 you ever spent!!! Many, many thanks to everyone involved for sharing this "unique...

If you like small intimate museums, you will love this one in historic Jefferson Barracks. You can see the whole museum in about an hour including a personal tour from a volunteer retired Southwestern Bell employee. Museum a labor of love created by phone enthusiast - retired phone Co employees. Located in old building that is part of military barracks.

It was quirky enough to be fun. And fun to see young kids who never have seen old phone booths, old pay phones, or even old dial phones. Interesting to see how the phone progressed over the decades. Old party lines. Old switchboards you see in old movies. Good collection of phones from the 70s & 80’s that seem so odd now.

The enthusiasm of the 2 elderly volunteer workers was endearing. Really enjoyed the experience. Check out the Civil War Museum that is intimate & nearby! So much history surrounds...

This is a little gem unbeknownst to me in my local neck of the woods until recently. We decided to visit on a Saturday morning. Our guide through the small, but mighty museum was so informative explaining the exhibits and demonstrating some fun facts too! This is a truly unique museum detailing our historic telephone history. There is even an old Telephone Directory from the 1960’s. Very fun to look up our family and friends’ telephone information. It included some Illinois side of the river listings as well. Also of note, there is historic significance regarding how Jefferson Barracks maintained the phone system during the war with a little bit of background of the various military members who were assigned to this division. Definitely a rewarding visit and well worth spending time at...