What is this switch for?

[Robert Jones]

Home built in 1956. This switch is located on a bedroom wall. Old communication system?

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[AHI in AR]

Master control for old relay operated lighting system. It was tried in the 50's but never really caught on. Small gauge wire ran from wall switches to solenoids, usually in the attic.

[Robert Jones]

Thank-you sir.

[ghentjr]

They were sold as a way to turn on any light in the house from the master bedroom (or another room if you desired) by dialing the knob to the proper number. One of the sales pitches was so that you didn't have to get out of bed if you heard strange noises in the night, just dial all the lights on in the house from your bedroom. Worked great.