TELEPHONES

The Tri-State Phone Company extended the first telephone lined into Burnsville, running from Mendota along Highway 13 to what is now 12th Avenue South. In about 1905 a Doctor Fischer, from Shakopee, ran a line up through Savage and into Burnsville. Many families were on one line, and "listening in" was popular. The term "rubbering" came into existence. There were no secrets about town as to telephone conversations.

Today Central Telephone and Northwestern Bell supply the city with a combined total of 27,622 phones. Has ?rubbering" gone out of existence? NO! There are a few two and four party lines still in use.
Telephone Picture