This geocache is named after the Blondie song “Hanging on the Telephone.” Telephone numbers used in pop culture started long before there were standard 10-digit number formats (###) ###-####. In smaller towns a four digit number was often enough, while the growth of telephone service in urban areas used the 2L-5N format, with two letters identifying an exchange within a larger urban area where the other 5 digits could identify specific people or businesses. Glenn Miller had a famous song with “Pennsylvania 6-5000” that was based on the first two letters of the name and the other digits (P=7 and E= 3 using the letters associated with the numbers on a telephone dial or keypad) – the phone number was for the Pennsylvania hotel in New York where Glenn Miller’s band would frequently perform. Notably, that phone number has been promoted as the phone number in the longest continuous use until the Pennsylvania hotel closed in 2020 during covid. The developer putting up a high-rise building on that location has said it is keeping that phone number and will put it back in service.
For this geocache, there are clues below for you to identify the phone numbers that have been used in movies, TV shows and songs. The clues show you which numbers and what positions give you the coordinates for this geocache location.
The solution is North AB CD.EFG West UU VW.XYZ
Simpson’s auto “boot” (#V#) 555-W###
A-Team, Hannibal 555-#D##
GB (WYGC?) 555-#YGZ
Kramer Movie Information 555-F#C#
T2T ##U-E###
Etta James (6th Album) B##-A###
Glenn Miller X##-####
This geocache has been placed with permission from the Fairfax County Park Authority. No night caching!