The end of an era

There was little fanfare, but Western Union quietly sent its last telegram last Friday, ending a technological era that started on May 24, 1844.

On that date, Samuel Morse wired the message "What hath God wrought" from Washington to Baltimore - the world's first telegram.

Ironically, Western Union announced last week's cessation of service using an almost-inconspicuous notice on its U.S. website:

"Effective January 27, 2006, Western Union will discontinue all Telegram and Commercial Messaging services. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, and we thank you for your loyal patronage."

Did a telegram change your life?

Do have a telegram stored in a dusty scrapbook that changed your life forever?

Good news? Bad news?

If you have a Sault Ste. Marie or Algoma-related telegram story to tell, SooToday.com is interested in publishing it.

Send your submissions to [email protected]

Scans or digital photos of the relevant telegram may be attached to your e-mail, if you wish.

All submissions must include your name and the community in which you currently reside.

Telegram memories may also be posted using the News Response forum on SooToday.com's Editorial page.