Routers' desks usually came in sets of four. Each pair sitting at facing desks could decide the exact order of the maps in the rack that they shared (since the racks allowed both to pull maps from opposite sides). The most frequently used maps went in the big holes in the center, while the less frequently used maps were in the smaller compartments above and to the sides. A facing pair of routers would then work out the exact details.
On the bottom of each map rack (on both sides) there was a long strip of clips that held the 20 or so most frequently used rubber stamps (including that router's initial stamp). We'd take our cards and letters (or phone/mail requests) to our desks, stamp our initials on each request, and then start routing. Ten an hour was considered par. The average request required three maps. Thus, it was 3 maps per route times 10 routes per hour times 10 hours a day times 6 days a week times 10 weeks a year (for me) times 10 years. Do I know how to fold a map???
When the route was complete, the router would wrap a rubber band around the request and toss it into the basket atop the map rack. Periodically, someone from the typing pool would make the rounds with a genuine grocery store shopping cart, emptying the baskets. These would then be taken back to the typists' area and on to the mailroom.
The desk was your personal space, but the needs of a router took precedence over some aspects of personalization (like photos). On the other hand, a cup of coffee or tea on the desk was the norm.
