A classic thriller unfolds on the Village Theatre stage this February, but the drama extends beyond the playhouse. Thanks to the Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA), visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating history of telecommunications at the historic Shell Gas Station.
Timed to complement Village Theatre’s production of Dial M for Murder, this unique exhibit delves into the evolution of the telephone—an everyday device that once revolutionized the way we connect. While audiences experience the suspenseful tale of deception and danger on stage, just a short walk away they can explore the real-world technology that made the play’s chilling plot possible.
The exhibit showcases a collection of rotary phones, party lines and switchboards, offering a hands-on journey through the past. “For the first 20 years after the introduction of the telephone, calls were made manually,” says Peter Amstein, board president of the Telecommunications History Group. “(Mostly) friendly operators sat at switchboards and plugged cords into jacks to make the connection.”
One of the exhibit’s highlights is a working Strowger switch—an invention that changed telecommunications forever. Created in the 1890s by undertaker Almon Strowger, who was frustrated with human-operated phone systems, this automatic switch paved the way for modern telecommunications. Its influence is still felt today and in Dial M for Murder it’s the telephone itself that becomes the ultimate tool of suspense.
DIA has played a key role in bringing this interactive experience to life, providing both history buffs and theatergoers with an opportunity to engage with the past in a meaningful way. “We are always looking for ways to celebrate Issaquah’s charm and create experiences that connect our community,” says Corby Casler, executive director of DIA. “This exhibit is a creative way to bring history to life while also supporting our vibrant downtown businesses.”
By showcasing how the telephone evolved from a groundbreaking invention to a household necessity—and even a dramatic device in classic storytelling—the exhibit deepens the audience’s appreciation for the role technology plays in our lives. “Our mission is to cultivate a thriving Olde Town where history, culture and commerce come together,” Casler adds. “Collaborations like this allow us to create something truly special for residents and visitors alike.”
DIA’s commitment to creating memorable experiences in this charming downtown extends to dining, learning, and entertainment. While enjoying Dial M for Murder and exploring the history of modern communication, be sure to visit the diverse local shops and eateries that make downtown Issaquah unique!
Historic Shell temporary telecom museum details:
- Dates: Through Sunday, March 9
- Address: 232 Front Street N., Issaquah, WA 98027 (at the historic Shell Gas Station)
- Hours: Before Village Theatre Main Stage shows and after matinees
- Schedule: Wednesday – Friday, noon – 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb.13, noon – 7:30 p.m.
For exhibit details, visit downtownissaquah.com and follow them on Facebook for the latest updates on events and exhibits.
Show runtime for Dial M for Murder is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. To purchase tickets for Dial M for Murder, running through Feb. 23, visit villagetheatre.org/shows/murder.
