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.
1/21/26
6 comments
Looks like the Cell Phone store is indeed a descendent of Star Beepers, since the phone number ends in STAR. Also, the store is not open on Saturday. The Hebrew says Shomer Shabbat which means that they observe the Sabbath. No indication that Star Beepers was Shomer Shabbat, but it’s not beyond the realm of possibility.
The Bell Atlantic name on the sign would date it no earlier than 1984, and no later than 2000.
I’m pondering your use of the term “sulking through Midwood.” Since I assume you are a cheery person, I’m going to believe you meant “skulking through Midwood.” One can skulk and still be cheerful. After all, a group of foxes is a skulk.
Sulking and skulking aren’t mutually exclusive
Fax machines are still found in medical and real estate offices. Has something to do with legal requirements for signatures, I believe.
Really enjoyed this trip into Midwood’s quirky past — your knack for uncovering forgotten bits of NYC culture like the ‘Star Beepers’ makes local history feel alive and fascinating. I remeber the beeper days in my realtor business (glad the cell phone came about!) Thanks for another great Forgotten NY exploration!