On December 13, 1938, Valley City, North Dakota, marked a significant milestone in communication history when resident Herman Stern received the city’s first trans-Atlantic phone call. This groundbreaking moment connected him with family members residing in Paris, France, showcasing the advancements in long-distance communication.
Stern described the experience as remarkable, noting that he encountered no difficulties in conversing with his relatives. The call, made from Paris at 11 p.m. local time, coincided with 4 p.m. in Valley City. This successful communication across the Atlantic underscored the growing capabilities of telephone technology during that era.
Historic Communication Breakthrough
The call not only represented a personal connection for Stern but also highlighted the broader implications of trans-Atlantic communication. In a time when such technology was still in its infancy, being able to speak directly with someone thousands of miles away was a novel experience that many could only dream of.
Stern’s conversation with his relatives paved the way for future developments in telecommunications, which would eventually lead to the instant global communication we experience today. The significance of this event resonated within the community, as it symbolized progress and the potential for enhanced connectivity in an increasingly interlinked world.
As Valley City celebrated this achievement, residents recognized that this was just the beginning. The successful trans-Atlantic call would inspire further advancements and innovations in communication technologies, bridging distances and fostering relationships across borders. The city took pride in Stern’s accomplishment, marking it as a pivotal moment in its history.
In conclusion, the first trans-Atlantic phone call from Valley City, received by Herman Stern on December 13, 1938, remains a noteworthy chapter in the story of telecommunications. This event not only facilitated personal connections but also heralded an era of rapid technological advancement that continues to shape the way people communicate globally.
