North Electric Payphones

North Electric Payphones

North Electric Company, based in Galion, Ohio, was a major supplier of telephones and switchboards to independent U.S. telephone companies in the early 20th century. Founded in the late 1800s, it produced wall telephones, coin-operated pay stations, and exchange equipment, serving non-Bell networks across rural and small-town America.

Name	North Electric Payphones
Date	c. 1960
Manufacturer	North Electric Company, based in Galion, Ohio (not to be confused with Northern Electric)

Development of the North Electric Payphones

North Electric Company, based in Galion, Ohio, was founded in the late 19th century and became a significant supplier of telephones and switching equipment to independent (non-Bell) telephone companies across the United States.

Unlike Western Electric (Bell’s manufacturing arm), North Electric primarily served the rapidly growing independent telephone sector in the early 1900s. They produced wall telephones, magneto sets, switchboards, and coin-operated public telephones.

North Electric Model N-103 Coin Telephone (above images)

The North Electric Model N-103 was an early coin-operated wall telephone produced for independent telephone companies in the mid 20th century era.

Link- Installation manual

One Slot / Fortress, USA, Wall Mounted

February 22, 2026

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