| Name | Sentry L-31a (sardine cans) bath tubs |
| Date | c. 1980 |
| Manufacturer | Clark Specialty enclosures |
| Usage | US Phone Booth |
Clark Specialty enclosures
| Clark Specialty Company, founded in 1946 in Bath, New York, is a long-standing manufacturer of sheet-metal and aluminum enclosures, best known in the telephone world for producing durable non-wood booths and housings. Among its most recognized designs is the Sentry booth, specifically the Sentry L-31a, a rugged outdoor enclosure often used in drive-up or handicap-accessible installations. Built to be weather-resistant and highly functional, the Sentry served as a compact alternative to full phone kiosks, protecting users while fitting into tight spaces like parking areas, institutional grounds, or roadside locations. The design reflects Clark’s broader role in the industry: supplying specialized, purpose-built enclosures that met the needs of telephone companies and public infrastructure projects across the United States. Unit on the left I believe was made by Enclosures Inc, it is known as a bath tub. This style of enclosure was used by Bell companies but not that brand. The Bell enclosures were a very heavy gauge of aluminum. Many were made by Clark Specialies or Adco. The enclosure on the right were only used by COCOT companies and were made by a company in Texas called Mernydine I think, may not be the correct spelling. |
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