BEFORE cellular phones took over in the 1990s, small, wireless devices, beepers, received short messages, typically numeric (like a callback number) or brief text, by alerting the user with a beep or vibration. They were radio receivers that alerted the user to a call or message, letting them know to find a phone to call back or read the text. The devices are still employed in places like hospitals for reliable alerts.
While sulking through Midwood on Kings Highway in 2019, I found this pair of painted ads for Star Beepers, #1801 Kings Highway, with an entrance on East 18th. The space is now occupied by Buy Rite Mobile, a cellphone dealer. This ad also references fax machines, an almost quaint proposition in 2026, though I was faxing materials (resumes, time cards, etc.) as late as 2017 at Bloomingdale’s.
A look at Google Street View shows these ads were still in place as late as 2024.
Check out the ForgottenBook, take a look at the gift shop. As always, “comment…as you see fit.” I earn a small payment when you click on any ad on the site.
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