I didn't even know such a thing as a phone co-op existed these days. Most of the independents and mom-and-pop outfits got swallowed up by the majors after the Baby Bells began to grow into giants again. There is one independent in nearby western Virginia, but I think they stay afloat courtesy of their small wireless business.
When I began working, there were still a number of 1950s- vintage #1 crossbars in operation in the D.C. area. By the time I retired in 2010, all wireline stuff was in a slow decline and the electronic switches were becoming hosts for VOIP and service provided via FIOS and various fiber-based systems.
If your outfit ever needs a good 5ESS guy, give me a shout! ( actually, I keep hoping some museum will need a 5XB tech to make their display go clickety-clack again, but that's really dreamin').
Good luck finding your stock.
Last edited by Pappy348; 08/29/14.
