Then & Now: Jan/Feb 2026

THEN – A Modern Telecommunications Hub – On December 20, 1916, it was announced that Dakota Central Telephone will be building a new building at 15 Fourth Avenue SW to address their growing technological needs for modern telephone service, and a growing community. They installed new dial and central office equipment, according to the Brown County History book. Dakota Central Telephone’s president (and telephone pioneer) J.L. Zietlow announced a $200,000 investment in expanding telephone technology. The building itself was estimated to cost $60,000–$75,000. Upon completion of this new expansion, Zietlow said patrons will be able to talk to anyone, anywhere in the U.S. (as long as they have a phone!) By December 20, 1917, Dakota Central moved out of their Main Street building (Second and Main) and relocated to their new home, shown here. This building was built along the alley way, not on the corner of Fourth and First. The building was designed by Twin City architect Franklin Ellerbe, who was no stranger to Aberdeen (Citizens Building, 1909, Dakota Farmer, 1910).

NOW – Covering up a classic – According to the Brown County History book of 1980, Zietlow had grown his telephone exchange to one of the largest in the country, and it was all based in Aberdeen. When he passed away in 1922, there were 30,000 subscribers. After several sales of the company, it was finally purchased in 1934 by Northwestern Bell. Then, as often happens in Aberdeen, the beautiful Ellerbedesigned building was covered up with pre-fab, white concrete panels. This occurred in 1969 when Bell built the still-standing addition to the Dakota Central. The new construction masked the old building making it look like one cohesive building—from the front. Drive down the alley or around back, and you can still see the original 1917 building. This huge downtown building continues to be renamed by the jockeying of telecom companies. There was US West, Qwest, and now CenturyLink. Apologies for the bleak and unattractive nature of this photo, but winter does occur in these parts. (Thanks to Sarah Swenson of Brown County Equalization). // Photo and story by Troy McQuillen.