from Hampden Diamond Jubilee Book, 1979
The Hampden Farmers Telephone Company was organized and lines were placed in 1908 and 1909. Though records are incomplete, names of operators were Sylvia Morstad, Myrtle Nelson, Helen Claus, Ethel Bordson, Mrs. Irons, Verna Werner Peters, Carol Mortenson, Avis Aanstad, Violet Werner Overbo, and Clara Lennon. There was no service after 10 p.m., and not before 7 a.m. Also, no Sunday service. Later, forenoon Sunday service was provided.
Hampden was not very old when electric service was furnished to the townspeople. The first owners of the light plant were Harpster Brothers, operated by Clarence Mitchell, uncle of Mrs. Carl Mortenson. Though this plant was a big advancement, it was not like our service today. Lights blinked at 11:30 p.m., and were turned off at midnight, to come on again at 7 a.m. The Otter Tail Power Company took over, and have given service since. The R.E.A. began electric service to the rural community in December 1949.
Hampden once boasted of silent movies in the Fisher Hall with Albert (Shorty) Cumbers operating the machine. Mrs. Harry Neidlinger played the piano to add to the entertainment. When the Community Hall was built, the sound films were shown with Linden Borg, Ray Reimer, and Carl Mortenson taking over. Some films were shown in Hampden before they came to Devils Lake.
Hampden, North Dakota 
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