Servant Call System from the Walker Residence, Detroit, Michigan, circa 1896

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Artifact Overview

Annunciators were call systems that alerted servants to the needs of a household. Each room contained a button to trigger the annunciator housed in servant's quarters. Primitive 18th-century bell systems evolved with the rise of battery power, telegraphy, and home electrification. This device was installed in Franklin Walker's Residence, son of Hiram Walker and president of the distillery.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Annunciator

Date Made

circa 1896

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1669.3

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Glass (Material)
Iron alloy
Wood (Plant material)

Dimensions

Height: 20.25 in
Width: 5.5 in
Length: 19.5 in

Servant Call System from the Walker Residence, Detroit, Michigan, circa 1896