I didn’t know this…

Early elevators (first patent issued in the late 1800s) were known as “vertical railways”, “ascending rooms”, and “upstairs omnibuses.”

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There used to be a man in them who opened the doors and closed them in fancy hotels.

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@PoetryNEmotion I remember those guys in department stores when I was little. In New York City.

@DrWatson Yes. In fancy stores too. It was a modern activity then. Upper class. I read a lot.

DrWatson · 70-79, M

@PoetryNEmotion My family was nowhere near upper class. Ordinary department stores had elevator operators too.