Annie M. Johansen ~~~ First Telegraph Operator (from our archives)

 

Annie M. Johansen was one of the early telegraph operators in Mt. Pleasant. Annie was a cripple and having to do such hard work for a living Mina Ericksen took her in and gave her the necessary training for a telegraph operator. She became very efficient. Annie went out of her way many times to help both the people of Mt. Pleasant and the telegraph company. There were few phones in the small settlements and messages were carried by messengers. Oftentimes Annie would take the messages herself and, as they usually told of a death or some other tragedy, she would stay a few moments, and in her quiet, understanding way give strength to all who needed it. For many years she worked faithfully for the company and was given a certificate acknowledgting her years of service.