On March 29th, 1929, US President Herbert Hoover made history by installing the first telephone on the desk at the Oval Office in the White House. This groundbreaking event marked a major turning point in the way that presidents communicated with the rest of the world.
At the time, telephones were still a relatively new technology, and they were not yet widely used by the general public. However, Hoover recognized the potential of the telephone as a tool for quickly and efficiently communicating with people both within and outside of the government.
By installing a telephone on his desk, Hoover was able to make and receive calls directly from the Oval Office, without having to go through intermediaries or secretaries. This allowed him to stay informed about important events happening around the country and the world, and to make decisions more quickly than ever before.
The installation of the telephone also had a symbolic significance. It represented a shift in the way that the president interacted with the public, and marked the beginning of a new era of communication and connectivity.
Today, the telephone is an essential tool for any president, and every Oval Office is equipped with multiple phones and other communication devices. But it all started with Herbert Hoover and his bold decision to install the first telephone on his desk in 1929.
