Thanks to all who contributed to this- really appreciated! Since I started this lot off, thought I should make a contribution- however over-sentimental and maudlin, it does capture the turn-of-the {last} century pretty well.

Cheers!! Greg

HELLO CENTRAL, GIVE ME HEAVEN
(Charles K. Harris, 1901)

Papa, I'm so sad and lonely, sobbed a tearful, little child.
Since dear Mama's gone to heaven, Papa, darling, you've not smiled
I will speak to her and tell her that we want her to come home
Just you listen and I'll call her, through the telephone.

Chorus:
Hello, Central, give me Heaven, 'cause my mother's there
You will find her with the angels, on the Golden Stair.
She'll be glad its me who's speaking, call her won't you please?
For I want to surely tell her we're so lonely here.

When the girl received this message coming o'er the telephone
How her heart thrilled in that moment, and the wires seemed to moan
I will answer just to please her, Yes, dear heart, I'll soon come home
Kiss me , mama, kiss your darling through the telephone