The Cablegraph - A Wander Board

The Cablegraph - A Wander Board

In his 1919 patent, George F. Pearson stated, “The invention has relation to devices operated or controlled by the hand or finger pressure, whereby messages are conveyed from the spirit world to the operator. Of course irrespective of the use of this instrument to aid or act as a medium in the transmission of spirit messages, it is useful as an amusement device. It is quite generally acknowledged nowadays however that communications with the spirit world are possible and not infrequent."

Pearson's device was a close relative of earlier Pease-Hare dial plate talking boards. One difference was the improvement in design. Pearson connected the touch pad to the needle dial with a lever and gears rather than the pulley and rope of the earlier models. This allowed for very smooth operation. Rather than have a heavy iron dial, he incorporated the entire affair into the attractive oak piece that you see above. Directions printed on the back told you exactly how to operate it:

DIRECTIONS for the Cablegraph or Wanderboard

To operate, lay the board on your lap or on a table. Place the tips of your fingers lightly on the disc, or sensitive key. You may then ask questions audibly or mentally, and the spirit impulse will cause the disc to move to the right or left, bringing the hand or pointer in registration with the required letter, number or phrase to spell out or convey the message.

For the majority of people, the Cablegraph will establish communications with the Great Unknown in a very few minutes, and furnish the most astonishing answers, facts and advice. Other persons require a longer sitting, but persevere and the Cablegraph will finally please, surprise and mystify you..

The Cablegraph will operate equally well when two persons place their fingers on the disc, provided the question is asked by only one of the sitters at a time, to prevent confusion.

Invented by George F. Pearson
Indicator design patented May 29, 1900, No. 32,739
Improved Cablegraph or Wanderboard Patent Pending. Serial No. 306,730
Price $2.50 Each
Sole Mfrs.
Wanderboard CO.
Lowell, Mass., U.S.A. P.O. Box 1035

Back to the Dial Plate Talking Boards.