1929 – marked the fiftieth anniversary of the first telephone service in New Jersey . 1929 also marked the official opening of 540 Broad Street (April 4th) as the headquarters of New Jersey Bell organized in October 1927. To commemorate this important milestone, The New Jersey Bell Magazine dedicated the April 1929 issue as the “Building Issue”.

May 4th 1927 began the demolition on the site. Things progressed rapidly from there. R.T. Walker one of the partners of the architectural firm of Vorhees, Gmelin and Walker described the style of the building as “American Perpendicular”. Today the style is usually referred to as Art Deco.

I have chosen a small collection of photographic excerpts , along with their original captions. This small grouping only reflects with the broadest brushstrokes the meticulous details of the New Jersey Bell magazine. No detail was omitted from the furnishings and decoration , employee amenities , including a medical suite and restaurant, to the heating and water systems. No detail was too small to receive attention. The corporate sense of progress and accomplishment was palpable. If there may be an area of particular interest, which wasn’t included here – ask. The details of the mechanical systems may be one such area – although not the only one. Enjoy the photos!