Switchboards this size were also found in many small towns, and would often be located in the residence of the telephone operator. She was usually known personally by everyone on the lines, and vice-versa, and was, in a sense, the "heartbeat" of the close-knit community and outlying rural areas also connected with the switchboard. Fascinating stories of these bygone telephone systems abound. Even the Fibber McGee and Molly show occasionally featured such a system with "Myrt" the operator, IIRC.