Alexander Graham Bell filed his patent for the telephone in 1876. Six years later, telephones were considered a rare luxury and this list reveals some of the wealthier citizens of Joplin, as well the most successful businesses. Even with a population in the thousands and businesses in at least the dozens, only about 51 telephones are listed. Times have changed.
Jopin Telephone Exchange List for 1882.
Source: Joplin Daily Herald
