The Pine Family Story

Welcome to the Pine Family of Communications. The pride that is part of our heritage is reflected in how we serve our customers, and dedication to contribute in the growth of our hometown communities.

We invite you to share in this short company history that exemplifies our family’s long term commitment.

Let me introduce you to… Mr. Jewel B. Callaham.

My name is Jewel B. Callaham a native of Broken Bow. Both my mother and father moved to Broken Bow at the time Statehood of Oklahoma was formed.

The original telephone exchange was started by my father and mother. S.B. Callaham and Florence Callaham, both were employees of what is now called Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Their jobs called for S.B. and Florence to work in the Idabel area.

They began their jobs in Idabel about 1908 and in 1911 at the birth of Broken Bow, my parents borrowed $500 from their families combined with money saved, to start the local telephone system.

After the passing of my mother and father, I began what is now called Pine Telephone, in an effort to modernize the Telephone Operations.

In 1959, Esta Callaham, who would become my wife, began working as a punch board operator. Jewel, Esta, and the Callaham Family worked on common goals to build Pine Telephone and Pine Cellular.

I Jewel Callaham passed, Leaving to my wife Esta, daughter Angela, and son John, the Pine Family of Communication Services. Esta still believes hard work and unselfish attitude to work as a team, is what I hoped the future would always bring to my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

As a TEAM, the company can continue my greatest achievements.

At Pine, it is our strong history that supports our local commitment and desire to improve the communities we live, work, and play.

Today, the Pine Family of Companies services numerous customers with TV, Telephone, Cellular, Internet, both DSL and Broadband, and Long Distance, at 5 business locations across South Eastern Oklahoma.