Curator: Prof. Elena Rostova Date: 2/17/2026 Dept: Visual Arts & Sciences

HOW TELEX MESSAGES WERE SENT

The how telex messages were sent process was a fascinating method of communication that revolutionized the way businesses and individuals exchanged information before the advent of modern email and internet messaging. It was a system that allowed for the transmission of messages over telephone lines, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional mail.

Telex, short for "teletype exchange," was a network that connected businesses and government agencies, enabling them to send and receive messages in a matter of minutes. This system was particularly popular in the mid-20th century and played a crucial role in the operations of various industries.

The process began with a teletype machine, which was a device that could type out messages using a special code. These machines were connected to a central exchange, which acted as a hub for all the incoming and outgoing messages. When a user wanted to send a message, they would type it onto the teletype machine, which would then transmit the text as a series of dots and dashes over the telephone lines.

The key benefit of this system was its speed. Messages could be sent and received almost instantly, allowing for real-time communication between different locations. This was especially useful for businesses that needed to exchange critical information quickly, such as stock market updates or financial transactions.

In summary, the method of sending telex messages was a groundbreaking innovation in communication, offering a rapid and efficient way to transmit information. It laid the foundation for modern messaging systems and played a significant role in shaping the way we communicate today.

Supplementary Figures

Fig 1. D-Day veteran tells of moment he received telex saying World War Two ...

A bustling telex room, operators typing furiously. The room is filled with the sound of clacking keys and the whirring of machines. A sense of urgency and importance permeates the scene, perfect for a story on the fast-paced nature of telex operations.

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Fig 2. Original telex message from Major-General Sir Jeremy Moore to London ...

A close-up of a telex machine's keyboard, with fingers poised over the keys. The operator's focus is intense, and the image conveys the skill and speed required for efficient telex messaging. A great visual for a tutorial or how-to guide.

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Fig 3. Year End Message Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images

A telex machine in a futuristic, neon-lit office. The contrast between the old technology and the modern setting creates a unique atmosphere. This image could be used to explore the evolution of communication technology.

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Fig 4. Developing a Smarter Planet - P1 (Computer Systems) timeline ...

An operator's hands, fingers flying across the telex keys, with a message appearing on the screen. The image captures the human element, emphasizing the operator's role in the process, suitable for a personal narrative or a human-interest story.

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Fig 5. Telex 1950s High Resolution Stock Photography and Images - Alamy

A telex machine in a quiet, dimly lit room. The stillness and solitude of the scene contrast with the bustling nature of the telex operations, creating a sense of isolation and focus.

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Fig 6. A brief overview of Telegraphs, Telex, Data and other services in the ...

A group of operators in a busy telex room, their hands and fingers a blur as they type. The image conveys the collaborative effort and teamwork involved in telex messaging, ideal for a team-building or office culture article.

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Fig 7. A Few Words About the Telex - vulcanhammer.info

A vintage telex machine with a message being sent, the paper tape feeding through. The machine's mechanical nature is on full display, highlighting the physical process of telex communication.

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Fig 8. How to Understand The Telegraph and Telex in the History of Supply ...

A telex machine in a futuristic, high-tech office. The modern setting and advanced technology contrast with the traditional telex machine, creating a sense of innovation and evolution.

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Fig 9. The History of Texting: from Telegraphs to Enterprise SMS - TextMagic

A close-up of a telex machine's screen, with a message being received. The image focuses on the recipient's anticipation and the importance of the incoming message, perfect for a suspenseful or dramatic scene.

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Fig 10. Network Telex

A telex machine in a military setting, with operators in uniform. The image conveys a sense of urgency and importance, suitable for a story on military communication or historical events.

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Fig 11. History Of Telegram Messenger at Gretchen Shaw blog

A telex machine in a corporate office, with a message being sent during a busy workday. The scene captures the efficiency and precision of telex communication in a professional setting.

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Fig 12. GMDSS(Global Maritime Distress and Safety System): Transmitting TELEX ...

A telex machine in a remote, isolated location, with a lone operator. The image evokes a sense of loneliness and the importance of communication in remote areas.

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Fig 13. The History of Texting: from Telegraphs to Enterprise SMS - TextMagic

A telex machine in a classroom, with students learning to operate it. The image can be used to educate and teach the history and process of telex messaging.

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Fig 14. Telex for Kids

A telex machine in a museum, on display with an informative sign. The image can be used to educate visitors about the history of telex communication and its impact on society.

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Fig 15. Final intelligence report from the last day of WW2 up for auction ...

A telex machine in a historical reenactment, with actors dressed in period costumes. The image can be used for educational purposes or historical dramas.

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Fig 16. National Historical Commission of the Philippines - A copy of the telex ...

A telex machine in a vintage-themed cafe, with a message being sent over a cup of coffee. The image adds a touch of nostalgia and a unique setting to the telex experience.

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Fig 17. PPT - INMARSAT-FLEET 77 PowerPoint Presentation - ID:1450446

A telex machine in a library, with books and papers nearby. The image can be used to represent the importance of communication in academic settings.

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Fig 18. Image

A telex machine in a hospital, with medical staff using it to communicate. The image can be used to highlight the critical role of telex in healthcare.

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Fig 19. Telex Release - Everything You Wanted to Know

A telex machine in a government office, with officials using it for official communications. The image can be used to represent the importance of secure and efficient communication in government operations.

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Fig 20. Network Telex

A telex machine in a space station, with astronauts using it for communication. The image can be used to explore the use of telex in space exploration and the challenges of communication in space.

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Fig 21. How to Understand The Telegraph and Telex in the History of Supply ...

A telex machine in a submarine, with sailors using it for communication. The image can be used to depict the importance of telex in underwater communication and the challenges of operating in confined spaces.

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Fig 22. Radio Communication: Printing (un)coded telex messages with the ...

A telex machine in a mountain rescue operation, with rescue workers using it to coordinate. The image can be used to showcase the critical role of telex in emergency response and rescue operations.

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Fig 23. Image

A telex machine in a remote research station, with scientists using it to share findings. The image can be used to highlight the importance of communication in scientific research and exploration.

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Fig 24. What's a Telex? - YouTube

A telex machine in a prison, with inmates and guards using it for communication. The image can be used to explore the use of telex in secure environments and the challenges of communication within institutions.

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Fig 25. What is telex communication? How does it works? - XSoftSkills

A telex machine in a historical battle scene, with soldiers using it for tactical communication. The image can be used to depict the strategic use of telex in military operations and the impact of communication on warfare.

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Fig 26. How to Understand The Telegraph and Telex in the History of Supply ...

A telex machine in a vintage aircraft, with pilots using it for navigation and communication. The image can be used to explore the use of telex in aviation and the challenges of communication in the skies.

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Fig 27. Telegraphy - Wikipedia

A telex machine in a vintage radio studio, with DJs using it for on-air communication. The image can be used to depict the integration of telex with radio broadcasting and the evolution of communication media.

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Fig 28. S.A Standard Telex Message | PDF

A telex machine in a vintage television studio, with news anchors using it for live broadcasts. The image can be used to showcase the use of telex in early television and the transition from radio to television communication.

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Fig 29. How to Understand The Telegraph and Telex in the History of Supply ...

A telex machine in a vintage telephone booth, with a person using it to send a message. The image can be used to add a touch of nostalgia and a unique setting to the telex experience.

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Fig 30. Telex in the UK and teleprinters I remember

A telex machine in a vintage post office, with a postal worker using it to send a message. The image can be used to depict the historical use of telex in postal services and the evolution of communication methods.

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Fig 31. Throw-Back-Thursday to a time before email, when we used to communicate ...

A telex machine in a vintage train station, with travelers using it to send messages. The image can be used to explore the use of telex in transportation and the importance of communication during travel.

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Fig 32. GMDSS(Global Maritime Distress and Safety System): Transmitting TELEX ...

A telex machine in a vintage hotel lobby, with guests using it to communicate. The image can be used to showcase the use of telex in hospitality and the convenience of communication in public spaces.

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Fig 33. Electronic communication - digital tools.pptx

A telex machine in a vintage library, with a librarian using it to send a message. The image can be used to highlight the historical use of telex in libraries and the importance of communication in academic settings.

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Fig 34. Shipboard Communication - Telex Messages | PDF

A telex machine in a vintage restaurant, with waitstaff using it to communicate with the kitchen. The image can be used to depict the use of telex in the hospitality industry and the efficiency of communication in food service.

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