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Hi Pholks:
This is your site. I would appreciate any help I can have from you in the way of stories, information, and documents, which will make it better and more informative for others.I was asked once why there is no information on Alexander Graham Bell available on site. That is because this site is about the history of a small company which grew to service a full province, and which then amalgamated with the other companies in Atlantic Canada to create Aliant Telecom, one of Canada's largest telecom companies. There are many sites which specialize in the history of Alexander Graham Bell and the others who pioneered the telephone. One site of this nature is David Massey's "Bell System Memorial" linked from the links page.
"The Telephone on Prince Edward Island" tells the story of technological changes, growth, people, and a determination to serve our province of Prince Edward Island and its people.
Our Museum Pages show instruments covering a 100 year period in telephone history. There, you will find images and descriptions of desk and wall telephones (both dial and magneto), switchboards, service equipment and tools, pay phones, and other items of interest! Our links page contains links to other sites dedicated to the telephone, as well as aids to collectors.
Please help "The Telephone on Prince Edward Island" to grow.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 20:45:19 (PST)
tommyz <tzampano [at] att [dot] net>
north branford, connecticut usa
Hello:
This is the kinda site I was hoping I would find. I have a late 60's 70's NE payphone that I would like to get working. The novelty for me is to require coins to make a call. Is this possible?
Regards,
Tom
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 07:28:37 (PST)
Joe <joster [at] struct [dot] com>
Rochester, NY USA
Greetings.
I have an intact Strowger, which I saved from the trash 10 years ago.
I am trying to date the beast, and see if any collector or museum would like to purchase it.
It is all there, would probably fire up with some dusting off.
I can send pictures, advice appreciated.
Joe.
Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 19:40:59 (PST)
Sebastien <iammoumou [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Halifax, NS CAN
Lovely source of information. I was just wondering if you have any info on the 315H subset. I recently found one and be restoring it. But I canèt find much info about it
Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 10:50:09 (PST)
ken langille <kenalett [at] telus [dot] net>
brooks, ab CAN
LOOKING FOR SXS PARTS
Love tour site .I got a schematic off it a year ago and fixed a 1717ah magneto phone.Recently I aquired some SXS Eqiupment .200 pt nelinfinder,1st to 4th selector , 5th selector.connector and a connector self all northern electric.I also have a automatic electric 1st to 4th selector .I am in need of 2 wiper banks and a relay coil(d) 1300 ohms .Would appricate if you could point me to a source(s).I have the shelf of the four ne switches all working.I worked for the telephone company for years thanks ken l.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 13:05:49 (PST)
Robert Wilhelm <unomewilhelm [at] gmail [dot] com>
Post Falls, Id US
I have some payphones
I have one of those green pay phones and a metal pay phone. My phones are in considerably better shape then the one you rebuilt. I need to buy some parts for mine like a lock, receiver with metal cord, frame to hold tephone prices etc... would like to send you a picture of these phones. i read your article on rebuilding the green one. Not positive if mine is the exact one. My brother in law handles large phone systems in vegas, reapiring, installling etc... he thinks he can change it over to a home phone. The other one I want to put in a bar I own. Bobby 208 691 1073
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 02:22:48 (PST)
Nancy <Windywillows2 [at] gmail [dot] com>
Ontario CAN
QUESTION RE BLACK DIAL MODEL 302 TELEPHONE
I have the opportunity to purchase a black plastic model 302 dial telephone manufactured by Western Electric. Was this model manufactured in Canada too or were all model 302's in North America made by Western Electric?
Friday, October 28, 2011 at 15:14:33 (PDT)
EdT <etow [at] teksavvy [dot] com>
Montreal, QC CAN
Manuals Newer NT Phones ?
IS there any site(s)that would have the owners manual to Nortel/Northern Telecom's phones such as the Jazz, Solo, Signature, Vista etc... from 1980-2000 ?
Are there site(s) with an archive for these newer phones ? I have several models which I cannot identify and the internet does not have much info for this period of Nortel products.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 12:48:10 (PDT)
Eileen McCausland Mehaffey <esbarnes [at] embarqmail [dot] com>
murfreesboro, north Carolina usa
My mother Elsie O'Brien and her sister Ann would have worked at the O'leary telephone
office around 1930 but I have no idea for how long.
She said that her wages would buy only one big bag of flour for her mother.
Thursday, September 08, 2011 at 20:26:59 (PDT)
Eileen McCausland Mehaffey <esbarnes [at] embarqmail [dot] com>
Murfreesboro, North Carolina usa
My mother and her sister,Ann worked in the O'leary office. I think she liked her job. Later she married my father W.E. MacCausland
from Mill River.
Monday, July 25, 2011 at 18:33:50 (PDT)
Damian <degrey1 [at] gmail [dot] com>
CAN
Do you have a photo of the Northern Telecom Solo phone? I can't find one anywhere on the internet and you list one on your phones page. Tx.
Sunday, July 03, 2011 at 13:14:04 (PDT)
Aaron deV. <lala_pr [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Winnipeg, MB CAN
I have a NORTHERN ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED PATENTED 1922-1923 F1 MADE IN CANADA
and i was just wondering if you would look at some photos and let me know if its worth selling or restoring. Everything seems to be with it and it seems to be in good shape. There are wires cut on the interior but still inside, chips on the corners of the plastic for the handset base but overall good shape, and still rings.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 12:31:31 (PDT)
Mal Astles <tmastles [at] xplornet [dot] ca>
Woodlawn, Ontario CAN
Magneto Subset N717CG
My neighbour has a Magneto Subset N717CG together with a NE Uniphone #5. He found them in a cottage he just bought on an island. Apparently most of the cottages on the island are connected by similar phones. Can you help with a diagram on how this can be connected please.
Thanks
Mal Astles (Ottawa)
Monday, April 25, 2011 at 15:42:48 (PDT)
Michelle <mjhammond [at] eastlink [dot] ca>
Nova Scotia CAN
Northern Electric Wall Phone
I have a Northern Electric Co wall mount phone in an oak case. It appears to be an N1317 model and has all of the original inner parts. I'm trying to track down information on how old this phone might be and how much it might be worth today. Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
Cheers, Michelle
Monday, March 07, 2011 at 08:35:14 (PST)
sueanne rios <sueanne_rios [at] comcast [dot] net>
new hudson, mi usa
LPB 86-10
G'Day, I was trying to look for some help re: this phone. I am looking to sell and the only info I actually have is an officer who says the phone came out of New York but it has a 919 area code. I looked up that code and it was in North Carolina.
How can I research this phone more? LPB 86-10 I am looking to sell but I would like to look up more information first.
Thank you for your time and consideration in assisting me.
Sincerely,
Sueanne Rios
[email protected]
Monday, February 21, 2011 at 15:17:50 (PST)
Mark Cuming <rosemark [at] eastlink [dot] ca>
Hubley, Nova Scotia CAN
Do you have any use for a Northern Electric Style 2 wall phone? I also have a Northern Electric Contempra Phone (circa 1974 vintage). These are free to you if you want them (except you would need to pick up the shipping charges). I have pictures of these items, if you want to see them.
Mark Cuming, Hubley, N.S. (near Halifax).
Friday, November 19, 2010 at 08:20:47 (PST)
roy Eckler <theecklers [at] comcast [dot] net>
Enola, Pa USA
My late father spent more than 40 years with the Southern New England Telephone company. Starting out as a lineman in the 30s he eventually became a district supervisor of building maintainence. I can recall the equipment he still held onto from the early days and after seeing the pictures of your fine museum I wish they were still around. I hope, God willing, that I can get to PEI someday and see it. Tignish was the home of my grandparents and I have long had a desire to be there. Thanks for the wonderful work you do
Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 14:31:18 (PST)
Jessica DeLuca <jessica [dot] deluca [at] rfcoverage [dot] com>
Los Altos Hills, CA CAN
Halo Track Light Head L1760MB
We Would like to buy all your Halo track heads, item # L1760MB out of the phone museum. EVERY LAST ONE. Please make offer & ship them out in foam so they don't get scratched. (408) 296-9000 Ext.# 218.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 07:15:21 (PST)
Hal Lowell <bamcando [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Pictou, NS CAN
317E PARTS IN CANADA?
I am looking for parts to restore a Northern Electric Model 317E. Are there any sites in Canada that would have receivers and transmitters for this telephone?
Thanks
Hal
Friday, September 17, 2010 at 09:21:09 (PDT)
Kirk Wallace <kwallace [at] wdm [dot] ca>
Saskatoon, Sk. CAN
RAILWAY TELEPHONES
Hello,
Do you know who supplied dispatcher telephones for CP & CN in the roughly 1920 to 1960 period? It was likely either Western Electric or Northern Electric.
Was there a contract for this? If so, when was it in effect - Start?, End?
Thanks
Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 19:55:19 (PDT)
Philip Dugandzic <philip [dot] dugandzic [at] bellaliant [dot] ca>
Halifax, Nova Scotia CAN
Chrome NE Payphone
Hi. Years ago, my mother won a Telephone Pioneers (my dad and I are members) painting contest. The prize was a chrome payphone. My mom gave it to me and I'd like to try to make it a useable phone in our home. The phone is in excellent condition, and I'm quite sure the 685A Network is new. I tried my best using information from a number of your pages to wire teh network and phone to a jack but have been unsuccessful. Quarters and dimes stick in the coin mechanism and despite trying, I can't seem to resolve that either. I think perhaps the quarters are a bit thicker and lighter than the old ones. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Regards...Philip
Thursday, September 02, 2010 at 08:30:39 (PDT)
Gord Lively <swastgv [at] ntl [dot] sympatico [dot] ca>
New Liskeard, Ontario CAN
N1293 RA PHONE
I have a N1293RA phone by Northern Electric. It does not have a crank just a button on the front. Trying to find out how this phone would signal operatorany ideas on where i can get info on this phone.
Gord
Friday, July 16, 2010 at 12:02:16 (PDT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - http://www.telpei.com
Eastern , PEI CAN
Server Moved/New Domain Name
Hi Pholks:
(Intentional play on words). We have just completed moving this page to a new server. Please let me know if you discover any problems.
We also have a new domain name which is http://www.telpei.com
Friday, July 09, 2010 at 00:23:45 (ADT)
debbie gorman <debbie [at] gormanauctions [dot] com>
manitou spgs, co united states
Hi,
We have a Strowger Automatic Electric phone the 11 hole dial candle stick kind of, this Saturday they 10th at public auction.
Not sure if it�s something you are interested in but if you are, please take a look www.gormanauctions.com
Click on July 10 then click on Collectibles and you can see photos. And I�m happy to go over it or email you more pictures.
Thank you for your time.
Deborah Gorman
Gorman Auctions
[email protected]
719 687-2400
Monday, May 31, 2010 at 10:59:59 (ADT)
Ted W Lepp <allepp [at] mts [dot] net>
Steinbach, Manitoba CAN
Help indentifying a service phone
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have in my possession a self powered Northern Electric talk set?? Can you help identify it? The item was found in a small remote cottage in the Lake of the Woods along the Manitoba/Ontario border. The following are links to pictures of my unit. [URL=http://s439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/?action=view¤t=fieldphone3.jpg][IMG]http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/th_fieldphone3.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/?action=view¤t=fieldphone2.jpg][IMG]http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/th_fieldphone2.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/?action=view¤t=fieldphone.jpg][IMG]http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/th_fieldphone.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/?action=view¤t=fieldphone5.jpg][IMG]http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/th_fieldphone5.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://s439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/?action=view¤t=fieldphone4.jpg][IMG]http://i439.photobucket.com/albums/qq113/twlepp/th_fieldphone4.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Any assistance you could give me would be greatly appreciated as so far I have hit only dead ends
Thank You, Ted Lepp
Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 18:11:25 (ADT)
Donald C. Rioux <riodc [at] shaw [dot] ca>
Edmonton, Alberta CAN
N717APM
Good Day - I recently saved a wooden wall phone from a fire pit. It's beautiful. It's branded in front' Northern Electric - Made in Canada. On the back is N717APM.I'm trying to pinpoint date of origin, and trying to find a crank for it. Would anyone out there be able to suggest possible sites to search, or any info would be greatly appreciated.It's going on my wall. Thanks ahead of time. Feel free to email me. Regards to all. Don
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 15:37:41 (ADT)
steve sillers <linky_21666 [at] yahoo [dot] com>
odenton, md united States
211 WALL PHONE
Correct me if I am wrong I did not see it in the story of the 211 desk phone But when we ordered this phone from the Western Electric ks catalog.It was listed as the"Hanging Hand"
Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 23:31:26 (ADT)
Don Norton <dnorton [at] mountaincable [dot] net>
Hagersville, Ontario CAN
In 1956, I was 15 years old and a member of the Summerside Sea Cadet Band. I know of one picture I have, holding a tall branch that came down on Willow St just west of Duke St. I lived at 407 Avon St at the time. We had school classes after a brief holiday and there wasn't any electricity for the lights so we made do with daylight. I think our power was off for about a month. There wasn't much traffic, nothing like there is now. Ican't believe it was that long ago. Everyone looks so much older than I look. Those WERE the days
Don
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 12:54:54 (ADT)
Jack Thistle <jdistel [at] sympatico [dot] ca>
Stirling , Ontario CAN
NORTHERN ELECTRIC UNIPHONE
Lots of good information about the history of telephones,very impressive.Congratulations on your dedication to this museum.I have a northern electric uniphone #2 wall phone with an f1 handset. I will be donating this to the Stirling Rotary Club. They restored a C.N.R. railroad station and I thought this would be a great addition. I would like to know the approximate value for tax purposes. Thank you for your dedication and time. Jack Thistle.
Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 01:04:12 (AST)
BILL DONOVAN <donovan [dot] b [at] shaw [dot] ca>
CALGARY, AB CAN
THIS IS A GREAT SITE A TON OF IN FO ON IT REAL GOOD JOB. THE PHOTOS OF THE AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC PLANT ARE GREAT, LIKE YOU SAID THE GOOD OLD DAYS, MY FATHER WORKED THERE FOR OVER 30 YEARS .WE LIVED ON RICHARDS STREET AND CHISLETT STREET THE OLD MAN AND ALL THE OTHER FOLKS WALKED TO WORK.UP ON THE HILL AS WE CALLED IT THERE WERE ALOT OF KIDS AND FAMILYS WITH PARENTS WORKING THERE.ALL THE BIG TRUCKS USE TO COME UP HUBBEL STREET TO THE PLANT BEFORE CENTRAL AVE WAS EXTENDED.THEY EVEN HAD A RAIL LINE ONLY SEEN A COUPLE OF BOX CARS THERE. THE 401 PUT THE CRIMP ON THE RAIL LINE IN BACK OF THE PLANT.WE WENT TO PRINCE OF WALES SCHOOL AND TOOK SHORT CUTS THROUGH THE CP LINE TO BROCK STREET.SOME OF THE EMPLOYES EVEN CUT ACROSS THE MAIN CN LINE TO GO TO WORK, MY FATHER AND HIS FRIENDS SEEN ALOT OF CHANGES NAMES ECT. THEY RETIRED BEFORE CLOSING UP SHOP ITS AREAL SHAME.POOR OLD BROCKVILLE HAS LITTLE LEFT FOR INDUSTRY NOW LOOKS LIKE A RETIREMENT TOWN .BUT HAY ITS THE OLD HOME TOWN DROP A LINE AND AGREAT SITE BILL DONOVAN IN COWTOWN CALGAY AB
Saturday, March 06, 2010 at 20:33:41 (AST)
Fred <fredericdutil [at] videotron [dot] ca>
Quebec, Qc CAN
wiring N717CG
Hello, I already succed in wiring the N2936P to the telephone web. It's great !
Unfortunately I am still searching the way to wire the N717CG. At least, could you answer thiese questions:
-what is the voltage to make the ringer work ? it's in continuous courrent I guest? I am recording 9,8 V in alternative and about 3 V in continuous.
-Someone told me to take out the resistance on the transformer, but it's memory was as cloudy as his beer he is drinking too much. He owns a splendid antic store full of telephone in the middle of the province. Do you agree ? I think he use to know how every telephone could be wired to the modern telephone line.
Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 09:37:54 (AST)
Peg <peggoldstein [at] earthlink [dot] net>
Santa Fe, NM US
DOODLE PHONE QUERY
I recently purchased what I believe to be a rotary Doodle phone. Can you tell me what years the rotary models were made?
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 at 11:47:32 (AST)
Carol Anne Bernard
Lower Freetown, PEI CAN
This is an excellent report as far as it goes. Why did you stop at 2006 when we are in 2010 already. There must be a lot of changes in telephone technology in the last 4 years.
Monday, December 21, 2009 at 22:43:29 (AST)
Marty Alpert <alpertelectric [at] gmail [dot] com>
Antigonish, NS CAN
N717CG question
I'm correcting my last entry.
It should read: Where does the Battery connect on the N717CG, "Batt" terminal and ??.
Thanks,
Marty
Monday, December 21, 2009 at 13:02:25 (AST)
Marty Alpert <alpertelectric [at] gmail [dot] com>
ANTIGONISH, NS CAN
N717CG question
I cannot get the mouthpiece on this phone to talk to a N317G earpiece (but the mouthpiece on the N317G is received by the N717CG)
Where does the battery connect on the N317CG; Bat & ??
Thanks,
Marty
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 03:03:10 (AST)
Joe Herdler <amourdutigre [at] kc [dot] rr [dot] com>
Kansas City, MO U.S.
MR.
Hi,
I am very interested in building my own Strowger demo setup, but have very little information how to go about doing this. Do you know of any references or websites with this sort of information. I occasionally come across Strowger (step by step) relays and what not on e-bay, but I do not know what to get or where to start.
Any information would be most welcome!
I am presently completing my 1A2 three line dial set up, and hopefully, someday be able to connect that into a demo strowger switch.
Thank you very much for your time!
Best,
Joe Herdler
[email protected]
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 00:19:08 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - hhttps://www.islandregister.com/phones/museum.html
Eastern, PE CAN
Cable Display?
Hi All:
I have had an idea for another display for the museum.
Over the years, telephone companies have used a number of types of wire to distribute telephone service. First of all, there was open wire line - single conductors, each serving one phone. Then, when the open wire became obsolete, these wires were replaced by multi-pair lines, both above ground, and buried. Marine cable was used to span open water. In time, the number of pairs in each type were increased to match demand. Finally, these cables are gradually being replaced by single-mode fibre optic cables. If I can locate 6 inch lengths of each type of cable, I plan to make a timeline-type display of these cables, to be located beneath the open wire cross-arm in the museum.
Many visitors to these pages work in the telecommunications industry, or are collectors of telephone artifacts. If any of you have access to samples of any of the types of cables mentioned above, I would be very interested in acquiring a short (6") length of each, if possible.
I will be happy to pay reasonable cost to get such samples here, if possible.
Thanks,
Dave
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 13:50:08 (ADT)
judy <misty_j_60 [at] yahoo [dot] com>
arkansas CAN
I have a telephone pioneer of america belt buckle with the old pay phone on it and three old coins and a bell on it
Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 21:40:45 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/booth1.jpg
Eastern, PE CAN
FREE PHONE BOOTH
I have a spare Northern Electric MD9021 full phone booth in good shape similar to the one I have on display at the museum for the first person to come down with enough help to put it in a truck. It has no door and two of the four top Island Tel signs are missing, but the signs are easily replaced with a couple of blank signs made of white lucite. They were often used in service with no doors as this one was. You will have to provide your own phone. Perhaps we could trade it for a small item to go in the museum? Contact me first to make sure it hasn't been promised to someone else. Click on the URL link to this message to see a photo of it when it was still in service.
Dave
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at 16:42:41 (ADT)
Vicki Bryanton <vicki [at] vickibryanton [dot] com>
CAN
Phone books
Are you still looking for phone books? My dad kept them for years and I do have one with the lupins on the cover.Hi Vicki: Thank you for filling in a large number of missing ones from your father's estate. I just wish that I could also thank him. It was an incredible help, leaving now only a few of the recent 40 years books missing.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 23:16:54 (ADT)
Ray <rayfridjr [at] aol [dot] com>
Vero Beach, FL US
MAGNETO DESK SETS
Not all magneto phones were wall mounted. At the same time, magneto desk sets were also in use. Most consisted of a candlestick desk set(a/k/a pedetal,speak-easy,and upright)connected to a magneto sub-set either on the wall near the desk or on the desk itself. Batter box was also another sub-set. In the 1930's Stromberg-Carlson and Leich introduced modern-type magneto sets both either desk or wall, having a handset instead of a seperate transmitter/receiver.Hi Ray:
A number of these types are represented in the museum.
Dave
Monday, July 06, 2009 at 23:11:20 (ADT)
John <lumlumhw [at] hotmail [dot] com>
CAN
ROTARY PAYPHONE DIAGRAM NEEDED
hi,
looking forward to visiting your musuem someday !! looks very cool.
i'm looking for a wiring diagram for a Northern Telecom Centurion "Rotary" Payphone but mainly where to connect the incoming phone wire to this phone for use at home.hope someone can help me out. thanks !
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 14:13:42 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/phones.html
Eastern, PE CAN
Book Updated!
Hi All:
Jeffery and I have made some modifications to this page to increase its security. When replying to queries, please pay attention to the address shown. You must restore each address to its original configuration before sending your message to the person who left the query. Changes you need to make should be self explainatory. All other features you have come to know remain the same. Thank you, Jeffery.
Dave
Friday, June 26, 2009 at 17:20:00 (ADT)
merilee trudel <mtrudel [at] roadrunner [dot] com>
palmdale, ca usa
OLD SWITCH BOARD
we have a westren electric old up right switch boad 555 about 1940 or earlier. it's in good condition and what do you think it's worth. we are intrersted in selling it.
thank you,
merilee trudel
Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 12:39:24 (ADT)
Wendy Aucoin <weda [at] eastlink [dot] ca>
Halifax, NS CAN
I HAVE A 1911 NORTHERN ELECTRIC CRANK WALL TELEPHONE SOLID OAK THAT I AM INTERESTED IN SELLING. IT IS IN MINT CONDITION. PHONE: 902-252-6672.
Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 19:27:58 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/museum.html
Eastern , PE CAN
New 2009 BellAliant PEI phone books came out this week. Did anyone receive an extra one we could have for the telephone museum?Update: Thanks to June Morrison, we now have a copy of the 2009 book in the museum. Thank you!
Dave
Friday, March 06, 2009 at 10:10:08 (AST)
goran <goran [at] quiet [dot] ch>
zurich, ch
70s pay phones
hallo
first i have to tell you that you made a great and informative website. thank you for this.
now the question:
i need to now what kind of pay phones have been used 1972 - 1979
i one of this citys: chicago, new york, san francisco.
the most important thing to for me to know is.... do they had a dial plate
or buttoms?
do you have some pictures or a link where i can see such a model?
i'm sorry for my bad englsh and i hope you can help me....
thank you and all the best
goran
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 14:14:53 (AST)
S Vance <Sharon1994 [at] verizon [dot] net>
Duncansville, Pa CAN
Automatic Electric Wood Phone Booth
I have a wood phone booth in excellent condition. It was made by automatic Electric Co. NorthLake Ill the model # or code # is EPA9255MA. I am trying to find out about how old this booth is and what it may be worth. It was in the ols Williamsburg High sch. Pa. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Your site is great but I couldn't find this booth amoung it. It is wood with a glass door, light, fan and vented on the front. Thanks. S. Vance
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 06:52:17 (AST)
Alfredo <alfredobarquin [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Logroño, La Rioja Spain
AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC AE JUKEBOX 50
Hi. I need a piece for this phone (Automatic Electric AE Jukebox 50). The piece is: Close-up of the cradle area. Hope to hear from you. Thank you very much for your attention. Sincerely.
Sunday, February 15, 2009 at 22:01:13 (AST)
Marilyn Lois Bryan Allen <oldwoman78 [at] gmail [dot] com>
Borger, Texas United States
I need a phone book
I need to have a PEI phone book. I cannot find my relatives by surname list. Have the Bryan families all disappeared from the Island?? If I had a phone book, I could find some of them I am sure of that. I have been trying to locate 411 white pages from the Internet but have had no luck with that
Uncle Bill Bryan/Zelma Lockhart? both expired but they had 8 children that I had met when we were all kids during the WW2. They lived a few miles outside of the Train station, on the O'Leary Rd. Uncle Rathburn Bryan worked at the cheese factory, he had a bunch of kids. A few of these Bryan's must still be in Prince County.
Many of the Gard's were at the Re-Union==Lot 11 Mill River several years ago. Can I not get a phone number from someone, I would like to have my own phone book. How can I get one:: I still have a couple of bucks, I could pay for this. email me please...
See http://www.canada411.ca/search/si/1/%3F+Bryan/PE?src=c411 - your email address as you first left it was wrong - it included an "h" after the old wonam and before the 78, and the email answering your question was bounced from the AOL server. I am hoping the variant of the address above will get the answer to you - if not, hopefully, you will see it here!
Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 23:16:43 (AST)
Tom OLeary
Missisauga, Ontario CAN
50 AL
I have had a Northern Electric Black Model 50 Al in my possession for quite some time but I dont know how to hook it up. Anybody familar with this phone who can suggest the best way to get it working? Thanks Tom O
Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 17:06:31 (AST)
plm <dervish.pm [at] gmail [dot] com>
toronto, ON CAN
GTE Linear
I picked up a GTE Linear a few years ago, have used it ever since, but I need to sell off all things vintage. Any ideas how to find a value on this? The only ones I can find online is the one on this site and the one on mine. I bought it for $10 from a "vintage expert" but I'm sure it's worth more.
any links/help appreciated.
P
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at 19:55:29 (AST)
Fred Walker <fredwalker09 [at] yahoo [dot] ca>
Halifax, Nova Scotia CAN
WIRING
Just bought n717cg phone, can anyone tell me how I can hook it up to the phone line so I can answer the phone and talk on it.
Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 15:25:11 (AST)
Pete Unwin <punwin9179 [at] comcast [dot] net>
Vancouver, WA USA
AE SPACE SAVER MODEL 183
Where would I be able to purchase the ringer for this model and secondly a wirring diagram of how to hook it up. Thanks
Pete
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 13:45:10 (AST)
Bill Ryan <bisanat [at] eastlink [dot] ca>
CAN
If you are going to have a "Telephone" museum, then you are required to display all the history of telephone service on Prince Edward Island; including the service and contributions made by providers other than Aliant/bell otherwise, you will have to change the name to specify that only Aliant/bell history is being represented. Eastlink for example has invested many millions of dollars providing land line service and would probably be glad to provide a sample board of their equipment and an explanation of how it works.> Dave: Not so fast.... The museum only covers history up to the late 1980's. where then Island Tel lost its exclusive reign on the Telecom industry and the use of Northern Electric and Automatic Electric phones ceased. I am not excluding Eastlink (a cable company offering phone service) - it simply doesn't fall into that time period.
Monday, November 10, 2008 at 17:47:04 (AST)
Norm & Shellagh (Mac Isaac) Reynolds <shenme3960 [at] q [dot] com>
Colorado Springs, Colorado US
SMALL WORLD!
Hello from Colorado springs, Colorado. What a small world. I was surfing the internet looking for restoration parts for an old 1918 wooden phone I found in my Dad's garage in Los Angeles and I found your site from PEI. My wonderful wife is the daughter of Hubert and Kathlene Mac Isaac and she was raised right there on PEI.
Is there such a thing as restoration parts for this old phone I found?
Norm Reynolds
Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 20:00:55 (ADT)
John Stancliff <jas61 [at] netzero [dot] net>
Garden City, Idaho USA
SEEKING AE 187 PHONES
HI ALL! I have been trying to find the newer AE 187 3 line phones for some time. I have a ton of old AE87 phones that I converted using parts from some of my AE 86 phones. they now have 3 neon and 3 incandecent lamps and the buzzers for the ICM line. (swithing out the light bar and wiring up the extra 4 unused leads makes the upgrade. Refer to the newer AE87A scematic for info) But now, I want to get my hands on the newer models.... Does anyone out in the canadian telephone land have any AE 187 wall or desk phones for sale in AS-IS condition?? I've been looking for this phone for some time and want to add it to my system. If anyone can help me out write me at my e-mail address or call me at 208-377-2097. the last price I paid for the #87 phones was $4.95 each...... (they were on clearence!) My top price for the newer ones would be between $25.00 and $50.00 each.... I'm loohing for 3 wall and 3 desksets. Black will work fine, but will take any color available.... I also have several #86 desksets available in as-is condition if anyone is looking for them...
Sunday, October 05, 2008 at 22:16:03 (ADT)
James H Comer Jr <osiekcomer [at] yahoo [dot] com>
gulfport, mississippi USA
RING & TIP
hooked up a QSD-3A to a 685A today when connected to the line you can make and receive calls without coin but switch the tip and ring and it wont make outgoing calls but it will receive calls and requires a coin to talk. what have i don wrong? would be fun to need a coin for a phone call THANKS JIM
Sunday, October 05, 2008 at 18:28:59 (ADT)
Bruce Dembling <dembling [at] virgnia [dot] edu>
Charlottesville, VA USA
AE 87A NEW IN BOX
For any collector interested in a 1966 Automatic Electric Type 87A phone, I have one available, gleaming black new-old-stock still in original double box with instructions. This is a 3 line phone with rotary dial from the Northlake Illinois factory. Pics can be seen at:
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/atcaclub/photos/browse/41ea?c=
Friday, October 03, 2008 at 15:01:48 (ADT)
Donald Alderman <ald49 [at] windstream [dot] net>
High Springs, Fl USA
WE 233G DIAL PROBLEM
I have a partially gutted Western Electric 233G 3 slot pay phone that I purchased online for my wife over a year ago and she would like to use it as a functioning phone.
Unfortunately the relay components have been removed but the coin mechanism is intact and allows the coins to pass through with all the dings, dongs and bongs. The wiring was unattached and not functioning so through online research (many, many bookmarks now), I have slowly been making progress by attempting to add a 425E network. With this I am able to answer, talk and hang up but not dial out.
The network schematics show a four (4) wire dial and the 233G has a Type 6 five (5) wire. I am able to rotate the dial and hear the pulses but the dial tone does not end and the pulses go unread. Obviously I am missing something but have been unable through online help and trial and error to remedy this.
Any information you can provide that may push me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.
Additional info: I also have a modern network manufactured by NETVOX from a touch tone phone made by Cortelco but have not attempted to use it yet and the pay phone has a capacitor (I believe), mounted internally labeled 452B CAP I63 with two green wires protruding from it. I do not have it in the current circuit.
Thank you,
Donald
Monday, September 15, 2008 at 21:12:37 (ADT)
Rod <rodsplacetoo [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Renton, WA US
Appraisal?
I have a 317 AH Telephone Set that I purchased many years ago. My phone is in excellent condition. It has all of the original parts and the wiring diagram posted on the inside cover. I also have the orignal "Warranty Card". I am interested in selling the phone but I can't seem to find out what they are worth. Can any one shed some light for me? I have pictures if anyone is interested.
Saturday, September 06, 2008 at 18:30:03 (ADT)
Lawrence Lewis <lawrencl [at] alternativeenergynow.org>
Sedro Wolley, Washington 98284 USA
NORTHERN ELECTRIC N293GP WIRING DIAGRAM
Hi:
I really enjoyed looking at your site!
Do you have a wiring diagram for the Northern Electric N293GP that you could post or send to me?
Thanks,
Lawrence
Saturday, August 30, 2008 at 17:25:08 (ADT)
Chad <cceretti [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Calgary, Ab CAN
Earpiece
Hello Folks! I have a antique northern electric company wall phne and i'm in need of a replacement earpiece and cord for it! Any help would be appreciated. Originally from Borden, PEI. Now reside in Calgary AB. Thanks in advance.
Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 14:10:55 (ADT)
James H Comer Jr <osiekcomer [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Gulfport, mississippi USA
QSD3A 685A HOOK UP
I am in need of a drawing showing the compleat wireing from phone line to coin phone can you help please? JIM
Thursday, July 03, 2008 at 14:42:41 (ADT)
Mark Wilson <mtwphl [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Ridley Park, PA usa
company seals
I have found an old "bell System 4" lead seal in the yard of the house we rent. The building is a victorian. and is well over 100 years old. Just curious about it's date of installation! I can send a picture to any interested party!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 19:58:40 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/
Eastern, PEI CAN
Walter C. Auld 1917-May 20 2008
Obituary: Peacefully at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Tuesday May 20, 2008 of Walter C. Auld of Charlottetown and Stanhope, age 90 years. Beloved husband of Marion (nee Thompson). Father of Gerry (predeceased) (Audrey), Joan Auld (Keith Pigot), James (Donna Read) Auld. Grandfather of Jodi Lynn (John Cheeseman), Tami Jo (Patrick MacFadyen), Meghan (Jason) Osborne, Ryan Auld, Pamela Ferguson (Dan) Kane, and Glen (Gina) Ferguson. Great grandfather of Bracken, Laird, Simon and Rachel. Brother of the late Dr. Benson Auld (Alice).
Walter was a valued employee of the Island Telephone Company from 1936 till 1980. Through the years, he advanced through the company hierarchy to executive vice-president, and retired January 1, 1980
He wrote two books, "Voices of the Island" - a history of Island Tel, and "For Auld Times Sake", a book of his life memoirs, much of which covers his time at Island Tel.
He will be missed by all who had occasion to meet him.
Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Friday from Trinity United Church at 11 a.m. Interment in West Covehead United Church Cemetery. If so desired memorials to Trinity Church Restoration Fund or The Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. Visiting hours Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com
Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 16:25:55 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/
Eastern, PE CAN
Web site on new Server!
I have just moved the web site over to a new server. Please let me know if you notice anything not working...
Dave
Thursday, March 06, 2008 at 02:31:08 (AST)
Ken <spieltenor [at] hotmail [dot] com>
vancouver , bc CAN
STARTLITE 182A
Hi there! I just bought a used starlight desk telephone for the cord (I was going to pirate it for another telephone), but when I plugged it in it works perfectly with better audio than my newer telephones.
So, I am now actually using this old rotary telephone with its old bell ringer and all, and finding myself not wanting to go back to my modern telephone.
My question is, it has a black recessed three position button. It also has a sticker on the back that says not to open the phone unless 110 volts is disconnected. Does thos telephone have an illuminated dial that runs on 110? Is that what the black slider button is for? There is no other cord coming out of the telephone.
The telephone has a long number BL820190CLSA5698 and says Automatic Electric Canada Limited, and type 182A. It also has BCTEL inscribed in the case.
Thanks!
Monday, February 18, 2008 at 17:50:24 (AST)
Laura Hewyood <lheywood [at] bbinet [dot] com>
Web Site - http://www.bbinet.com
San Francisco, CA USA
Hi,
My company builds museum exhibits. I am looking for period handsets from 1900-1928. I need the handset portion only and I am wondering if anyone knows of a vendor that makes replicas.
I apologize for posting to the genealogy site. Please feel free to remove my entries.
Thank you for all the information on this site. It has been very helpful.
Best regards,
Laura HeywoodLaura: As I cannot respond due to an error in your email address above, here are the comments I sent you in an email which was returned to me after you left this query.
"In the period of 1900-1928, phones did not use handsets - they used separate transmitters mounted on the phone, and a handheld receiver. You can get reproduction receivers at: http://www.houseoftelephones.com/addition.htm (P-100P Receiver Shell & cap with capsule $22.50) Dave "
Monday, February 11, 2008 at 10:31:32 (AST)
Andrew Anderson <anderson_ab [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Washington, DC USA
HELP: Japan finishes on Candlestick
I have a candlestick phone from my grandparents basement. I am pretty sure it\'s a Western Electric WE 20AL. I\'d like to restore the original \'japan\' finish. How can I do this (or get this done)? Please help!
Saturday, February 09, 2008 at 21:49:13 (AST)
Adam <F1CBR90 [at] AOL [dot] com>
Boston, ma United States
HI
I have a bell 750B panel phone. Looking at several pages I \"think\" it might be special.
Funny thing is I have no idea why or what it is worth. Any info would be helpful.
Thanks
Adam
F1CBR90 [at] AOL [dot] com
Thursday, February 07, 2008 at 06:51:30 (AST)
Tony Rosser <tonyrosser [at] blueyonder.co [dot] uk>
Glasgow, Lanarkshire UK
TOOLS
A great site to bring memories flooding back of my \'GPO\' days in London. Really good to see the \"pre 2000\" switches which I worked on in a 1932 vintage telephone exchange. A small note against the picture for \"Received January 10 2006 \" references the last three tools as \'relay contact adjusters\'....to me they look like \'relay spring benders\' for adjusting the tension on the relay springs.
Keep up the good work.
Kind Regards
TonyR
Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 12:18:36 (AST)
murray chudyk <thebigmoo [at] shaw [dot] ca>
thunder bay, on CAN
NE233G
Got from the wife for Christmas this phone. I want to put in my shop to use.It also came with the 685A subset.I\'m an elevator mechanic not a phone guy but am in need of the wiring diagrams to make this work.Can you help me out?
Monday, December 31, 2007 at 15:07:30 (AST)
Bill <VR52 [at] optonline [dot] net>
Valley Stream, NY USA
211C-3F
I HAVE A 211 G1 WITH AN F1 HANDSET STILL IN THE ORIGINAL WESTERN ELECTRIC BOX. THIS UNIT HAS NEVER BEEN USED. ON THE BOX IT STATES 211C-3F AS THE PART NUMBER. DO YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION AS TO THE DATE ETC. THANKS
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 at 19:09:49 (AST)
Gary Ball <garypinball [at] sbcglobal [dot] net>
Saint Charles, MO USA
I have a 1940\'s phone booth I just finished refurbishing and I need some help in wiring it for home use. The phone was replaced in the 70\'s and is an Automatic Electric LPB 89-25 with what I believe is a Western Electric subset. I rewired it the way I found it and it gets a busy tone and message to hang up and dial again. Please help.
Friday, October 19, 2007 at 00:25:39 (ADT)
Doug Vandegrift <weitexne [at] sbcglobal [dot] net>
Paradise, CA USA
Switchboards
I am looking for switchboard parts. Jacks, lights, cords and switches. I am building a switchboard for fire fighting. this will be all custom.
Thank you.
Sunday, September 02, 2007 at 21:50:38 (ADT)
Christina R. Green <mrsgreen1 [at] cox [dot] net>
Tulsa, Oklahoma USA
AE 90
I have a AE90 and it has a little silver button on the front of it can you tell me what that was originally used for?
Thanks for your time,
Christina
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 06:31:48 (ADT)
Steve Burns <metroburns [at] hotmail [dot] com>
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire UK
QUESTION REGARDING 233? 3 SLOT PAYPHONE
Hi there, I have just purchased what I think is a 233 type Western Electric payphone. They are very rare here in the UK. I have no key but would like to open up the phone get it working and mount it properly on a wall. Please could you point me in the right direction? Kind Regards Steve Burns
Wednesday, August 29, 2007 at 00:23:19 (ADT)
Bob Hayes <bobhayes46 [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Milwaukie, Or. USA
AGE OF AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC CO.PAY PHONE
Hi.I found a old payphone at a estate sale.Marked Automatic Electric Co.Metal tag on top marked Code No. LPB-86-55,Northlake Ill.D-78077-A.It is a really neat looking old phone(and weighs a ton).Just wondered if you could give me the app.age?Thank you Bob
Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 17:35:57 (ADT)
Bob Clarke <rvclarke54 [at] yahoo [dot] ca>
Inverary, Ontario CAN
NORTHERN ELECTRIC N417CG
Perhaps someone can assist me with my inability to find/research any info on this particular Northern Electric oak wall phone model. I\'m seeing info on Type 217, 317, 517, 617, 717, etc..., but nothing specifically to a 417. I\'ve been told that perhaps it is really a 317 or 1317 type. Although they seem to look identical, why then would mine have the number N417 CG in addition to the following immediately above the this number \"II - 48\". Can anyone clarify this info for me or perhaps point to some material that might explain this? Perhaps there really isn\'t a type 417 model, but why is this indicated on my phone. Appreciate any info you can provide.
Bob Clarke
Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 10:56:19 (ADT)
ed mason <eddmason [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Melbourne, FL USA
Thanks for the valuable information on \"Converting an A/E 3 Slot Payphone for home Use\" and the associated schematics. I\'m working on a project to build a working phone from various A/E LPB-82-55 payphone sub-assemblies I�ve acquired. I\'ve gotten the phone fully assembled and re-wired. The phone works great for ringing and answering incoming calls, but I am unable to dial out. I\'ve performed the re-wiring suggested to eliminate dial shorting, but I�m still unable to dial out. I get a dial tone, but every time I dial a number, there is a click at the end of the dial and the dial tone returns. Is this what you refer to as dial shorting or is this caused by something else? I have a spare dial which I tried with the same results. Do you have any suggestions that might help me resolve this problem? Any and all recommendations will be appreciated.
Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 14:29:08 (ADT)
Fred MacDonald <macdonalddf [at] eastlink [dot] ca>
Charlottetown, PEI CAN
Just wondering when is usually the best time to drop by and see your phone collection. I have relatives on the Island for the next few weeks and we discussed dropping by. Is one day better than another and also time of day?
Regards,
Fred MacDonald
Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 15:43:28 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/millenium.html
Eastern, PE CAN
MILLENIUM PAYPHONE
Recently a surplus Northern Telecom (1994) Millenium was obtained in NOS condition from a seller liquidating Nevada Bell overstock.
I have rebranded this phone using a bezel and instruction card obtained from a contact at Aliant, left over from the rebranding a few years ago of Island Tel to Aliant.
If you would like to see this phone, and learn about it, you can view it by clicking on the link above.
This is the newest design of Payphone displayed in the Museum - still used across North America. It complements the displays of 3 slot payphones, single slot Centurions, and the Ernest Telecom based COCOT.
Dave
Thursday, July 12, 2007 at 09:48:44 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/museum.html
Eastern, PE CAN
Phone Drop-off!
Yesterday, when letting the dog out, I found a plastic bag on a chair on the porch. Inside it were a Northern Telecom dark brown 2500 set in nice condition, and a phone I had never seen before - I thought I was familiar with just about all NT sets, labelled on the back NTD-9833 - LN10. It is a more recent NT phone, with multiple memories, a digital call time, and many other features. Despite it being branded Northern Telecom, it was not made in Canada, instead having "Made in Taiwan" on the back.Part of the puzzle solved! A friend found a mention of the phone being a "Debut" phone, marketed by NT in 1989 under the NTD9833 product code. Obviously these never really caught on, as none of us have seen one before.
At any rate, I want to thank whoever dropped it off! It was a great surprise!
Dave
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 at 09:04:37 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/museum.html
Eastern, PE CAN
Comment Book Back in Operation!
After a short hiatus caused by the loss of our former anti-spam provider, it should again be possible to post to this book. Thank you for your patience!
Dave
Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 10:00:50 (ADT)
Dave Ballenger <balenger [at] aub [dot] com>
Auburn, California US
101A
I am trying to find a 101A or a 105A terminal in any condition. I have built a span of open wire for our museum and need this terminal to make the transition from open wire to drop.
Do you know where I might find one? One 105A is located on the bottom cross arm in the attachment.
Dave Ballenger
13343 Peninsula Drive
Auburn, CA 95602
(530) 269-1403
balenger [at] aub [dot] com
Friday, June 29, 2007 at 22:57:37 (ADT)
Jim O'Brien <jim.obrien [at] sympatico [dot] ca>
Haliburton, Ontario CAN
Hi,
I am looking for a user/instruction manual for a Northern Telecom Nomad 6500
(NT2N38AA22)I do not know what year this phone was produced.Any help or infor mation as to the year or manual would be of great help.This might be the wrong place to ask for this information if so maybe you can direct to the right place.
Yours truly,
Jim O'Brien
Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 23:40:08 (ADT)
Ron Wallace <ronjw17 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net>
Bakersfield, Ca USA
DAIL LESS PHONE
I just purchsed a Western Electric dail-less phone. I never seen one before.
From your info it is a 211 space saver with a F1 handset. You did not mention
the top. My phone has a button with a white light on top of it and a braided
black 4 wire cord to the handset.
Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 07:51:52 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/museum.html
Eastern, PE CAN
Where can one find a Dummy?
I know, the title doesn't look good - what I am looking for is a full mannequin for a linesman display :-)This is a little bit off topic, but it does have to do with preserving historical artifacts, so....
Does anyone have any ideas where one might find a used dummy? I have tons of linesman's tools and equipment in the museum. As a display, it does nothing
for me having them displayed on a shelf - far better to display them on a mannequin dressed up as a telephone linesman (either male or female in these days of equal opportunity)
It would have to be a full body mannequin so it can wear such items as the climbing spikes, belt, etc.
Of course, cost will be a big consideration, as I fund the museum myself, so I am wondering if any of you might have any suggestions of the best places to look for one? Now, if only I could find a closing out sale for a clothing store in the local paper, but haven't seen one lately.
Finally, what would be the best way to ship a dummy? I can just imagine if a dummy going to my address came into my workplace (I work at Canada Post) the ribbing about mail order brides I would get :-) Hopefully what I need could be found on the Island.
Any suggestions?
Dave
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 at 17:15:12 (ADT)
Richard <richardpincombe [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Strathroy, ON CAN
Centurion conversion
I was given a centurion pay phone with a push button dial. I want to convert this to home use. Any suggestions or hints?
I have not tried it in a regular jack thinking it would have to at least think it was getting coins before working. I managed to take the casing off and the telephone wire has three wires. Orange/white goes to terminal R 1st screw, white/red goes to terminal T 1st screw, blue/white to terminal G 2nd screw.
The terminal block has R , then T below, then G below.
Thanks for any help or tips.
Richard
Saturday, March 03, 2007 at 16:12:44 (AST)
greg <gregdominick8093 [at] peoplepc [dot] com>
gallipolis, ohio usa
BELL TELEPHONE
I want to get a price on a 1951 #11 Bell Telephone toy truck. It is made of metal and has Mubley printed in the bed. Iwas told only 200 of them was made. If anyone could help please let me know.
Monday, February 12, 2007 at 01:41:38 (AST)
John Arnold <jarnold3 [at] tampabay.rr [dot] com>
Tampa, FL USA
GTE CORD BOARD (2nd GENERATION)
Hello: I have a 100 station 3 trunk line switch board that was never placed in service. I live in Tampa, FL and I am seeking someone that can bring the board to life. It will not be used for any type of commerical use. It is for a conversation piece in my home. Please feel free to contact me via email. Thank you in advance. John
Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 19:57:10 (AST)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/museum.html
Eastern, PEI CAN
Telecommunications Pins for Museum Display?
Hi Everyone:
Some time back, a lady gave me several pins from Island Tel, but fearing losing them if I put them on display in the museum, I hadn't displayed them there until now. This week, I finally found a good display frame for them which will allow them to be properly showcased and displayed them hung on the wall. Since then, I have also found an AGT pin, BC Tel 911 pin and will also be displaying them in the frame... Does anyone else have any interesting telecomunications pins for the display? It can hold a dozen or more depending upon how densely they are placed, and I would love to add almost any pertaining to the telephone! If you have any of interest, please email me and we can discuss it!
In addition to phones, pins, etc. I am always looking for various types of ephemera pertaining to the telephone.
Thanks,
Dave
Friday, October 27, 2006 at 01:16:55 (ADT)
DON CAPEHART
Corsicana, TX USA
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Don Capehart, I live in Corsicana,Texas and I own a Telephone and Telecommunications Collection that occupies about 10,000 square feet.
We have a history of communications that dates back to the 1880s. There are approximately 2,000 items on display and another 200,000 in storage that has been inventoried. We also have several thousand parts not included in the inventory.
I am trying to find out the best way to sell and relocate this collection, due to the health of both my wife and myself. We realize that this collection may not fit with the type of investments and collections that you deal with, but we are hoping you may be able to direct us to someone that can help.
The collection needs to be housed somewhere where it can be appreciated. Due to the extent of the collection it could be divided into smaller collections.
You may view the website at http://www.telephonemusem.info/
If you can offer us any advice on how to sell our collection, please let me know.
My family and I would appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Don and Rita Capehart
Friday, September 22, 2006 at 20:57:34 (ADT)
bethany buckingham <bethany_buckingham [at] ci [dot] juneau [dot] ak [dot] us>
Juneau, AK US
NEED HELP WITH PHONE
Hello,
I am an intern at the Juneau Douglas City Museum in Juneau Alaska. We have a wooden wall mount phone in fairly good condition in our education collection. We were interested in finding out if there was a way to rig up the phone so that we could hang it on the wall, kids could turn the crank and the bells would ring? Is this possible and if so, how could we get it to work?
As you can tell, I don't know anything about this style of phone, but am interested in learning. If you have any information or ideas, please contact me at bethany_buckingham [at] ci [dot] juneau [dot] ak [dot] us or call 907.586.3572
Friday, September 22, 2006 at 13:37:29 (ADT)
Diane Barnes <housekeeper [at] schoolstreethouse [dot] com>
Web Site - http://www.schoolstreethouse.com
Charlottetown, PE CAN
WOODEN PHONE BOOTH
I have an old wooden Island Tel phone booth. Does anyone know anything about these booths?; such as age and where it might've been used? (I'm thinking maybe in the interior of a public building given the good shape of the wood.) Thanks!
Monday, August 21, 2006 at 22:28:08 (ADT)
bono guy
weed , ca CAN
thanx
Thank you so mucjh for edukating to me the importince of yer fones. I really like would love to became one of yer fans and donatie all de fone i can steal .My skeels as a thiif would cum into play and benifit us bot.Thank youNo thanks, I won't be needing your help. All the phones in the collection are legally obtained. A copy of your attempt to spam the book has been sent to the abuse address at Teletech, your message came from: pasqual.teletech.com, IP: 170.65.128.6 Browser: Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows NT 5.0; .NET CLR 1.1.4322) and the appropriate authorities have been notified.
Dave
Friday, July 28, 2006 at 05:16:04 (ADT)
davina <davinah [at] dodo [dot] com [dot] au>
logan, qld australia
WE HAVE A MAGETO WALL PHONE. MODEL NO -n75199-2. we are wondering if it is the same model as N1517cg? the reciever is facing towards the wall. can you please help us. thankyou. davina
Tuesday, July 18, 2006 at 10:57:48 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/phones.html
Eastern, PE CAN
Clarification
On a number of occasions, there has been confusion between myself and another Dave Hunter who is retired Island Tel, and who lives in Kensington, PEI. We are not one and the same, but due to a large cooincidence, we both have the same name, and share an interest in telephones! I have never worked for Island Tel/Aliant, but have collected phones for many years.
Dave
Wednesday, July 05, 2006 at 08:56:59 (ADT)
Karen at Antique Telephones <admin [at] abdyantiques.co [dot] uk>
Web Site - http://www.antiquetelephones.abdyantiques.co.uk/
Barnsley, S Yorks UK
CLEANING BAKELITE PHONES
Tips for cleaning British GPO Bakelite Phones! First clean the bakelite with a good quality non abraisive chrome cleaner such as autochrome. Then use paste polishing number 5 from greygate chemical products designed for cleaning bakelite telephones, and lots of elbow grease. Finish with a small amount of good quality carnauda car wax (containing no silicones). Hope this help. Please let me know if you find a better way of cleaning Bakelite phones or have any other tips.
Monday, March 27, 2006 at 23:28:04 (AST)
RHIANNA <the_billabong_baby_21 [at] yahoo [dot] com [dot] au>
aus
BAKERLITE PHONES
I have info on bakerlite phones for EKERL2 [at] EQ [dot] edu [dot] auWell, tell her in person. You are all coming from the same I.P. address: 203.10.121.81. If you are not serious about finding information, please do not leave messages on this book, Rianna, Ebony, Jade or whatever your true name is. Further messages will be blocked from the book, unless they are genuinely telephone related. Two of your messages have been deleted. I emailed you offering help, and you did not reply to my email. - Dave
Sunday, March 26, 2006 at 20:08:13 (AST)
Ebony <ekerl2 [at] eq [dot] edu [dot] au>
Imbil, Queensland, Australia
Help wanted
Hi. I have two bakerlite phones from 1945. I dont know much about them.I need information for a project I am doing for a museum.so if any one is a expert or just someone how knows a bit about phones i would love to here from you. One phone has a handle in the front of it and when you turn it used to be able to talk to the operator.
Thanks a lot this means a lot to me so please write me a email (even if it isn't about phones!!!!) See you later.
Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 00:19:30 (AST)
Bonnie
St Peters, PEI CAN
St Peters Telephone
Pauline O'Hanley was the operator for the St Peters Telephones. They went to the new system in 1973. Pauline and her husband BJ still reside in St Peters Bay
Friday, March 17, 2006 at 14:41:59 (AST)
Kyle Marchek <kyle.marchek [at] afltele [dot] com>
CAN
Value of Tyne Valley Switchboard
I own a Tyne Valley Switchboard that is very similar to the one that's posted on the web site. Do you know what the value of this unit is?
Thursday, February 16, 2006 at 16:37:34 (AST)
Rob Potter <rgpotter [at] sbclgobal [dot] net>
Altadena, CA USA
Microphone help
Followed the instructions associated with the converting of the AE 3 slot payphone for home use and it WORKS GREAT, almost. Can dial out, and can receive calls. I can hear the other person talking, but they can not hear me when I am on the payphone. I did open the mic area of the receiver and wiggled things around but still not working. I checked the cord, looks good and all the connections appear to be solid and original looking. Please suggest a next course of action to allow for 100% operation. THANK YOU in advance.
Saturday, February 11, 2006 at 21:04:29 (AST)
Dillon <dillonturpin [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Moncton, NB CAN
HELP, KEY SETS NEEDED.
Hey, I love your site. I wish I could see them personnaly.
Im desperately in need of Key system telephones. I currently use these phones in my house and I only have two (it's a dash to get to the phone when its ringing)I desperatly need more! I need three 2565, 564 and one 2554 or 554 wall set with a 6041QAA key box. If Anyone has an extra one kicking around they don't need that I could have or buy or could tell me anyplace close to me where I could find any of these it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Dillon.
Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 17:10:43 (AST)
Julie McBrayer <oceanslady2000 [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Lenox, GA USA
Could you tell me anything about the date of the 801 wall phone made by Western Electric? I have one and I would like to date it and maybe get a ballpark value. Thanks You very much.
Thursday, January 12, 2006 at 02:13:32 (AST)
tim stack <t [at] staxtech [dot] com>
pacifica, ca usa
HELP PLEASE
i have in my possesion an early 60's 233 3 coin slot pay phone. my dad had purchased it in ny approx 25 yrs ago through an ad in the sunday paper. i also recently purchased a western electric phone booth built in june of 1960. the pay phone needs some help. it has a 4010 b network installed. the wiring needs work. the phone did work at one time but do to neglect and vandalism the wiring got messed up. i am having a great deal of difficulty in getting the phone tp work again. any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance and your site is great.
tim stack
Monday, January 09, 2006 at 18:40:55 (AST)
Betty Donovan <oldmounty [at] comcast [dot] net>
Natick, MA USA
CALL FROM THE GRAVE?
I grew up in Cambridege Massachusetts near The Mount Auburn Cemetary.
Among the famous people buried there is Mary Baker Eddy. I was told that she had a telephone installed in her grave so that she could notify everyone if she returned to life. The operators at the main switchboard would get very nervous on stormy nights because it would cause the line to crackle. Old wives tale? I don't know. I heard it from the sister of one of the operators.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006 at 05:57:35 (AST)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/demo.html
Eastern, pe CANSWITCHING DEMO UPDATE:
Please note: I have moved all information on the construction of the Island Register's Strowger Switching Demo to its own page. To view it, please follow the following link: Switching Demo - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/demo.html
That page will carry all notes regarding the demo as it is in the stages of parts acquisition and construction.
Sunday, December 04, 2005 at 04:29:53 (AST)
VIC BIGLANG-AWA <vicb888 [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Bellfower, CA US
OLD PHONES
Great website! I used to work as PABX Tech back home in the Philippines during the early 80's to the 90's. Most systems then were Strowger PABX made by Automatic Electric thus I learned to install and repair phones such as T-80, T-90, T187, etc. These phones are real tough and they are easy to repair. I guess it is nostalgia but your web site is very useful not only to phone collectors but for Telecom students who haven't used or seen a working rotary phone. - VIC
Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 05:51:16 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/museum.html
Eastern, PE CAN
LOOKING FOR SWITCHING EQUIPMENT
Hi Pholks:
[I must mention this as I was asked about it the other day - the way I spell folks above is intentional, a amalgamation of Phone and folks to produce Pholks]
Now to the topic de jour. I am sure most of our users are aware that we have a physical telephone museum in addition to the online version. If not, click on the link above, and you can view some of the displays.
Now, in setting up the museum, I have tried to make it as interactive as possible. The 1240 magneto switchboard is wired to a number of magneto phones, and may actually be used; the 555 switchboard is also wired to a number of phones, and can be demonstrated and used; and the KSU is also operational with a number of Key System phones.
A lot of the museum's visitors are too young to remember dialing a telephone, and would have no idea how to go about it. Didn't they always have touch-tone? Aren't all phones cordless?
For them, I would like to be able to set up a switching demonstration, so that they can actually dial another phone in the museum and watch mechanical switches as they connect the call.
Originally when I left this message, I had hopes we would be able to find a complete PAX or PABX unit to use for the demonstration. With a few exceptions which are located across the continent and would cost a fortune to ship due to their size and weight, none have been found. Therefore, the decision has been made to "roll our own", building a demonstration switch from used parts. This is quite a complex project and doesn't carry the convenience of being able to simply hook up a factory made unit, but it will save cost of shipping, since only the individual components will have to be shipped, and the heaviest part, the frame can be purchased locally.It will take longer, but parts are beginning to be found, and if you read the updates on the demo page, you will see the limited progress to date. Hopefully all parts needed will be found in time to have at least a basic demo operating by spring, and work will continue till it is a fully operational switch. To view the new demo page, please follow the following link: Switching Demo - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/demo.html
Thanks,
Dave
Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 13:01:27 (ADT)
Rich Epich <mar1mama [at] mc [dot] net>
Genoa, Illinois USA
GTE Automatic Electric The End
I am glad to see the history of GTE AE Canada published. I was with GTE AE in Northlake and later Genoa Illinois under the AG Communications ATT and Lucent joint ventures. Lucent closed the plant in December 2004 and sold the assets and buildings to Connor-Winfield. My wife who formerly worked at AE had told me I would be the last man standing at AE and sure enough I landed at Connor-Winfield. I am now collecting historical artifacts on Genoa's telephony history. The Eureka Telephone Company was the first in Genoa. It was aquired by Cracraft, then Leich, GTE Automatic Electric and finally becoming AG Communication Systems under ATT and Lucent. In between it was known as GTE Network Systems and the GTE Communication Systems. The building is vacant now and will soon be listed. C-W had hoped to retain some of AG's former customers but Lucent ...
Sunday, October 16, 2005 at 11:42:01 (ADT)
Hilary
Nr.Southampton, Hants England
So many telephones
Hi there,
I dont own any of the wonderful old phones I have been looking at, and although I live in England, my roots are well and truly in PEI`s rich red earth.
So why write? just to say keep up the good work!, as it is good that not all telephones got destroyed as their modern counterparts took over!.
Next time while on the Island I must visit the museum, looks so very interesting...
Friday, September 30, 2005 at 10:32:17 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/phones.html
Eastern, PE CAN
Typical Phone Problem Database
Hi Pholks:
Just as cars do, many phones have problems common to the model.
A good example is the Harmony telephone by Northern Electic/Telecom. Its most common problem is dirty switchhook contacts which will make the phone unuseable. If you are aware of any other similar problems typical to a phone model, let me know - I am going to develop a database including the problems and their solution.
The problem with Harmony phones as mentioned above, has an easy solution. Open the phone, and clean the switchhook contacts with contact cleaner and kraft paper strips soaked in it. Run the soaked kraft paper strips between the contacts so they wipe both of the contacts with the hookswitch contacts closed and open, and voila - in most cases, the phone will return to normal...
I feel if we could develop a database such as this, it should help people to keep their favorite phones operational. It will contain only simple repairs such as this, and such as the polarity note in the following message.
Dave
Friday, September 30, 2005 at 08:17:55 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/phones.html
Eastern, PE CAN
WATCH THAT POLARITY
Hi Pholks:
Just a note to mention something a lot aren't aware of. Most recent phones will operate perfectly well even with reversed ring and tip leads (i.e. red and green conductors in the cord.)
Some older touch tone phones are sensitive to polarity, and will only operate properly without the leads rolled. Recently, I came across a Sculptura phone which couldn't dial. It worked just fine on my RS telephone test set, but wouldn't dial on the line. I eventually discovered that this phone is polarity sensitive. By reversing the ring and tip, the TT dial worked just fine.
Some modular cords roll the two leads, and will reverse the connections. In checking a number of pre-made modular cords on a network tester, I found a lot of cords roll the two leads. Older cords are more likely to pay attention to ring/tip polarity. If your cord will not allow the phone to dial, try another which doesn't roll the two leads, or make up a cord which doesn't. Plug it in, and the phone will likely work...
Just a word for the wise. It is seldom you will come across such a situation, but you may come across it on older touch tone phones.
Dave
Thursday, August 25, 2005 at 17:50:57 (ADT)
Susan Harvey <susanh [at] island [dot] net>
Sointula, BC CAN
Great Canadian website! Do you know if it is possible to use my Western Electric Candlestick phone(no dialer) once I obtain a cord from Texas? Would I be able to connect to modern wiring in any way? I currently have one wallphone and portables with jacks throughout the house. That sounded very grand; I have two other jacks!
I'd just love to be able to actually use it and to confound the grandkids! They think the dialphone is weird!!
Tnaks for any suggestions you can give me. Susan Harvey
Sunday, August 07, 2005 at 18:04:08 (ADT)
... <andre.imbeault [at] gmail [dot] com>
USA
Does anyone know the average price for an unrefurbished northern electric N717CG and an automatic electric 183?
Monday, July 25, 2005 at 11:13:59 (ADT)
Tomoki Nishikawa <kame-kichi [at] syd.odn.ne.jp>
JAPAN
Finger Wheel Removal
Hi !
I was interested in your site and I always refer.
I have the old telephone that AE80 of Automatic Electric,it has #NC802 00 0 C SA and 6 70 13 on the bottom.
Trouble seems to be in a dial of this telephone, but I do not appreciate the ways to remove the finger wheel from daial unit.
Unless you are trouble, please teach it.
Thank you.
Tomoki
Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 20:44:28 (ADT)
Gregory Oakes <gregory.oakes [at] unisys [dot] com>
Whitby, Ontario CAN
HOW TO WIRE AN NT-E1A-49 RINGER
I have an NT-E1A-49 external ringer.
Can you tell me how to wire it so I can get it working?
What voltage/amperage is required?
Any other info would be appreciated?
I am planning to use it for a sound effect in a theatrical production, if I can get it working.
thanks
Greg
Wednesday, June 22, 2005 at 17:40:10 (ADT)
Dave Nelson <wehican [at] yahoo [dot] com>
New Orleans, LA USA
Incoming call clairvoyance
I ran across this site doing some research on older phones, and am thrilled to see someone take the time to put a site like this together. Thank you.
The first 30 years of my life were spent as a telephone man. I worked the frame, spliced cable, installed and maintained central offices and PBX's. Recently it occurred to me why some people use to be able to say a call was coming in before the phone rang. You probably remember someone that could do that. I don't think it is so prevalent any more.
The old electromechanical switching systems used a ring generator that had cam operated contacts to supply the ringing cycles. Usually one second out of five seconds. This generator would supply most offices with the ringtone, which was 90v AC superimposed on the 48v DC phone line itself. That meant any calls connected would have to wait for the contacts to close before the ring voltage was sent out. In the meantime relay contacts in the connector switch were closed to the outgoing line, setting up for the ring voltage to go out, and also waiting for a loop closure on the distant end that would operate the battery reversal relay. The connector was where the calling and called parties were interfaced through a coil/transformer. The "tip" side of this line was grounded to earth at the central office. So was one side of the ring generator. Normally the distant end was connected to another relay waiting for a loop closure until a call was waitng to be completed in the connector.
During this wait time the voltage on the line changed due to the grounding and the 48v supply changing a bit, and a slight 20 cycle per second AC component being connected to the distant line. 2o cps is at the very bottom of human hearing. Not enough to ring the line, but because some people were sensitive enough to EM variations, they would pick up some sort of non-audible change in the circuit going into their homes. Which made them feel clairvoyant. Not properly conditioned lines was the big reason.
Amazing how sensitive some people are. We all are, some just pay more attention to the differences.
Today's electronic systems don't use that ring generator, they just connect to a ring voltage bus that is hot all of the time and timed by solid state. No more wait state. That is why I don't think that phenomenon is so common any more.
Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 21:21:34 (ADT)
ron <ron222 [at] earthlink [dot] net>
sparta, nj usa
Unique AE Payphone
I have a GTE automatic electric company wall payphone from 1980 which has a blue mural of a sail ship and scenery covering the outside.Any thing you would know about this?See Pic.Any help would be great!email me for pic.Thanks Ron
Friday, June 17, 2005 at 18:17:21 (ADT)
Norma Smalley <reelee [at] charter [dot] net>
Norco, California USA
Hi Dave,
I am one of your newsletter subscribers and I love your telephone museum. When I look at the pictures it almost seems like I have been there for a visit. My grandmother was one of the original telelphone operators in a small town in central California when she was about 16. I think it would be great if you had some pictures of some of the old time operators and switchboards on your walls. I believe I have one of her at work, but I would have to see if I can find it. I also worked on an ooold switchboard in 1949-52. It was in a Tidewater Associated Oil Pipeline Office in Coalinga, CA. It was so old that I used to say it must have come over on the Mayflower. It had little metal flaps that would fall down to show which line was calling, and for the pipeline stations, which were up and down California, there were about eight bells high up on the wall. Each bell had a different sound and each station had a different number of rings. Talk about a stressful job when I first started, just trying to recognize the bells and memorize the rings. Your museum brought back some old memories. I wish we lived closer so I could come and see it in person, but I do enjoy reading about your acquisitions and seeing the pictures. My father's family was from PEI and that is how I stumbled upon your newsletter. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you are putting into the museum and the newsletter.
Saturday, June 11, 2005 at 16:16:05 (ADT)
BILL DONOVAN <donovan.b [at] shaw [dot] ca>
CALGARY, ALBERTA CAN
VERY GOOD PAGES ON THE AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC PHONES.I WAS BORN IN BROCKVILLE AND MY FATHER WORKED THERE FOR 37 YEARS START IN 1957 AND RETIRED.I WENT TO PRINCE OF WALES SCHOOL AND TISS.I LEFT IN 1973 FOR THE ARMY,BUT WAS HOME ON VACTIONS AND SEEN SOME OF THE CHANGES.THE COMPANY MADE A FILM IN THE 60S SHOWING WHAT THEY DO .THAT WAS PLAYED AT THE OLD REGENT THEATER DOWNTOWN.THE OLD MAN DID NOT HAVE TO GO TO FAR TO WORK, WE LIVED ON THE HILL ACROSS FROM THE PLANT 5 MIN AT THE MOST THROUGH THE PARK.THE PLACE IS CLOSED DOWN NOW ALONG WITH PHILLIPS CABLE. SOME PEOPLE TRANSFERED TO THE NEW PLANT FROM PILLIPS IN THE 50S. ONCE AGAIN GOOD STUFF MISS THE OLD HOME TOWN. BILL DONOVAN
Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 18:34:51 (ADT)
john gillis <fhg1746 [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Kingston, ON CAN
I have a Northern electric n515h in very good shape. how do you sell and what would be the value.
Friday, April 22, 2005 at 16:31:13 (ADT)
Ben Salem <bbsalem [at] 295 [dot] ca>
Brampton, Ont CAN
New Brunswick Telephone Company
Hello; Anyone can provide me with information about New Brunswick Telephone Co Ltd products and their collaboration with Kellogg in US. I appreciate your help.
:)Ben
Monday, March 14, 2005 at 00:57:45 (AST)
DAVID <lowrider2342003 [at] yahoo [dot] com>
guysville , ohio US
N717CG Northern Electric wall phone
I got a N717AH Northern Electric wall phone is it the same as the N717CG phone,
and I would like to know how much they are worth?
Sunday, January 16, 2005 at 21:34:10 (AST)
James Simpson <jamessimpson0 [at] wmconnect [dot] com>
Corbin, Kentucky USA
NE-233 Payphone:
I read your article about converting a Northern Electric 233 payphone for home use. I have a NE233 payphone and would like to know where I can find detailed instructions and wiring diagrams to convert my phone. any help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Jim Simpson
Friday, January 14, 2005 at 16:27:18 (AST)
Todd Larson <larsont [at] un [dot] org>
CAN
Western Electric 356
I have a 1954 Western Electric 356 wall phone (which I understand is the equivalent of the 302). Most everything works fine and the ringer appears to be hooked up, but I can't get the ringer to work. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that the phone may have been configured for a party line? Any suggestions on how I can get the ringer to work? Thanks much and best regards.
Friday, January 14, 2005 at 07:16:02 (AST)
Webmaster <businessphonesdirect [at] fewgoodsites [dot] com>
Web Site - http://www.businessphonesdirect.com
CAN
Phone Systems
BPD is the industries largest supplier of small business phone equipment including Norstar, Avaya, Tie Communications, and Plantronics Brands. BBB Approved, 20 years of service.
Thursday, January 13, 2005 at 11:36:13 (AST)
Mark <1jetdoctor [at] bellsouth [dot] net>
Arlington, tn usa
A/E 3 slot
Thanks for your info on hooking up the A/E 3 slot to a residential line. I bought one at an auction and it works perfect!
Thanks
Mark
Friday, January 07, 2005 at 23:50:48 (AST)
Morgan Roberts <fairchild [at] nl.rogers [dot] com>
Paradise, Newfoundland CAN
Broken Reciever on AE 50 Wall Phone
first off it was great to stumble upon your site,it's very well laid out and informative and it's nice to come across sites relatively close to home.I have recently acquired an AE 50 wall phone (that's the "jukebox" wall phone pictured on your site) only to realize that there was a small crack in the receiver to late, as it was dropped and now currently resides in 3 pieces. I brought the phone to several phone repair stores locally and have been told that there is no way to fix this phone short of replacing the receiver. this phone has a great deal of history to my fianc�e's family and we home to keep it in our home. I'm wondering if anyone could possibly help us by directing us to a place where we could purchase a new receiver for our telephone. our model is without the chromed accessories on the finger wheel , mouth piece and ear piece, and has side vents according to its sticker it was a 1953 limited. any information anyone could provide me with would be greatly appreciated as this is an important piece of our new family. I can be reached at fairchild [at] nl.rogers [dot] com. thank-you in advance
cheers
Morgan Roberts
Monday, August 16, 2004 at 14:41:58 (ADT)
Roger Giesbrecht <randns [at] telus [dot] net>
kamloops, BC CAN
N717CG NORTHERN ELEC
I have two N717CG Northern Electric phones and can't get them to work. The wiring tie down is grd L1 L2 C1 C2 BK and Batt. These phones were working a few years ago and now can't get them to work. Where do I tie the battery down? I am using a 9 volt and experimented but can't them to work. Any advice would be appreciated.
Roger & Norene Giesbrecht
Friday, July 16, 2004 at 05:52:50 (ADT)
Bob Wolstenholme <wolsten [at] telusplanet [dot] net>
Medicine Hat, Ab CAN
1950-60 3 SLOT PAYPHONE WIRING
I have a 1950-60 3 slot payphone that was converted for todays use, but since we moved I have not been able to get it to work. Apparently some of the wires were jarred loose and now I am having some problem locating where to connect the inline and also where the rec/trans wires go. I would appreciate any help. Thanks, Bob
Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 11:46:42 (ADT)
Brian Holmes <bholmes [at] ibigroup [dot] com>
Toronto, Ontario CAN
685-A SUBSET
Very nice images and a great story. I have an older 211 set which is complete except for the 685-A subset. Does anyone have any leads on where I can fine one of these?
Best Regards,
Brian Holmes
Sunday, June 27, 2004 at 20:38:21 (ADT)
Jean-Francois Carriere <ntjeffy [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Laval, Quebec CAN
CONNECT 2 PHONES LIKE INTERCOM?
Hi! I have a Northern Electric N1317 and a N717CG. I would like to use them as an intercom at home. Is it possible to do that? How? What is the voltage supply?
It's a great web site! Interesting!
Thursday, April 29, 2004 at 21:00:55 (ADT)
Gordon Knox <gordon .knox [at] sympatico [dot] ca>
Williamstown, Ontario CAN
Great site!!! As a phone collector I was very pleased to run across it. If you are looking for a metal battery box, I have a surplus unit ( Northern). I'm looking for 2 cranks for 717 sets + 1 short writing shelf + 1 long, regards...
Sunday, April 18, 2004 at 19:29:19 (ADT)
Warren MacKnight <mackwf [at] nbnet.nb [dot] ca>
Moncton, NB CAN
I just found this site and find it very interesting and informative. I'm retired from NBTel, started work there in 1951. There were still many private systems operating in those days in New Brunswick. I'm researching a private system that operated in Burnt Church. I wish I could find a site like this for NB. If anyone has any information I would really appreciate hearing from them, perhaps there has been something published on the subject, but I havn't heard of it. I think PEI is one up on us.
Warren MacKnight
Thursday, March 18, 2004 at 20:50:18 (AST)
jeff miller <jeffjoy [at] adelphia [dot] net>
newbury park, ca U.S.A.
I would love to know where I can get a clip that is used on the W.E. model 1011B butt set. I just need the clip used to attach to the tool belt. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Jeff Miller
Monday, December 08, 2003 at 23:10:08 (AST)
Paul <xpashkax [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Portland, OR USA
BLUE BELL DRY CELL
I found a pack of three Blue Bell Dry Cell batteries in an old building. They were manufactured by Western Electric. They are not like the ones on the site they dont have a picture on them. Just writing, there is also a date on them: MAR 28 1958. I was wondering if anyone was interested in them.
Saturday, November 29, 2003 at 18:22:00 (AST)
Geoff <catzare [at] sympatico [dot] ca>
London, ONt CAN
NORTHERN ELECTRIC N717CG
I've bought a Northern Electric N717CG phone and it works (wired with new style phone jack plug. I have noticed that it will not ring. Why would this be? We tried a circut test but have not plans to go by. Would anyone know of someone in the London Ont. area that would be able to fix or buy battery. Would anyone have Schematics for this phone? Any help would be welcomed.. Can'twait to use the phone.
Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 16:43:58 (AST)
Hal Prittie <halor [at] telus [dot] net>
Mission, BC CAN
N/A
I am seeking information on rural telephone systems and stories from those pioneers that served them to write an article about "party lines"for our local museum. Although I would like to write about the privately owned systems here in the Fraser Valley, I found your selection very interesting and a source for me to use when interviewing telephone pioneers out here. I would appreciate it very much if you could circulate my name, e-dress and story requests to your members. I will reply to every one cares to answer me. Thank You, Hal Prittie
Monday, November 03, 2003 at 17:45:03 (AST)
Dan <Daniel.a.lichtner [at] boeing [dot] com>
Aston, PA usa
234G pay phone Conversion
Hi All -- I have recently purchased (what is stamped on the back is 234G) western electric pay phone. I was trying to use the conversion instructions that you had for the A/E3 and everything (coin return etc) looked good except for the hookup to the house hold line. My phone looks remarkably like your 233G and I was hoping someone could tell me 2 things. #1 How can I hook it straight into the line like you did with the A/E3 and #2 What is the differnce between the 233 and 234 ? From you pictures they look the same, except I have a red stamp that says 234G where you have a white stamp that says 233G
Thanks for your time.
Dan
Friday, October 31, 2003 at 00:05:28 (AST)
Don <dj_gallant [at] hotmail [dot] com>
P E I USA
I would just like to say using Island Tel's pay phone at the superstore in Charlottetown making a long distance call to Alberton from Charlottetown the cost per minute is $3.90. I think thats crazy. I think its just another way for Island Tel to take advantage of their customers.
Saturday, October 25, 2003 at 13:53:29 (ADT)
Tom Zammit <tjzammit6956 [at] rogers [dot] com>
Mississauga, Ontario CAN
N500CG
I have two ringer boxs that are attached to one candle stick phone and the other to aold rairoad phone.I don't know what type they are as I have been unable to identify them from any pictures that I have seen.The candle stick phone is connected to a N500cg northern electric ringer box is it possible to get these phones to work on todays line?If so have you or can i get any info as to how to go about it?I have an electical background so that is not a problem.I was unable to open your files on you page relating to the N500--- as it says that they are corrupt.Any help would be appreciated Tom Zammit[Odd you would get the corrupt message since the file isn't directly downloadable - it has to be requested and sent in reply to an email due to its size. D.]
Monday, September 08, 2003 at 11:43:37 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - http:/www.islandregister.com/phones/phones.html
Eastern PEI, PEI CAN
YELLOW PAGES!
Early last week I was reminded of a joke that was going around previous to the Bell breakup and has a semi-obvious connection to telephones. At the time, I was still in high school. It has always been one of my favorites from the dark ages..
Did you ever hear about back in King Arthur's time....
While returning from a campaign, King Arthur and his men had occasion to cross a bridge which had a local reputation of dangerous yellow trolls that lived under it's span.
The story went that if someone was to try to cross the bridge, the yellow troll's would grab the person crossing, and he would disappear forever.
Wary of the story, and not wanting to travel hundreds of miles to another bridge, King Arthur sent his bravest knight across first. All was going well till he reached the center. There he was grabbed by the troll's yellow fingers, put up a valiant battle, but disappeared beneath the bridge.
Next, King Arthur decided a show of force might be the answer, so he sent a full platoon across. They got to the center, and were grabbed by the yellow fingers and disappeared beneath the waves.
Perturbed, and not wanting to put the rest of his best knights and his accompanying family at risk, he sent his page across. The boy walked clear across, and King Arthur and his minions crossed safely behind him.
The moral of the story is, "Let your pages do the walking through the yellow fingers"!
Friday, September 05, 2003 at 07:55:48 (ADT)
chris ricketts <crjc [at] sympatico [dot] ca>
brampton, ontario CANYes, see our "Links and Helpers" Page! I have a file which can be requested from there covering this subset.
MODEL N515H TELEPHONE
Does anyone know where I can find a schematic for this subset?
Thursday, July 24, 2003 at 23:48:00 (ADT)
Addie <addie13 [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Long Beach, CA USA
411 DA
Hi, I just wanted to say hello. I'm not really Canadian, but I work for Verizon as a 411 operator for wireless customers, and just wanted to say hello :)
Wednesday, July 23, 2003 at 12:25:46 (ADT)
Bill DiDomenico <wdidom [at] ptd [dot] net>
Bloomsburg, Pa. USAHi Bill: I suspect this board would be a 551A, 551B or 555 as it was used in a hotel, and unfortunately my manual would not help with it much as that series would be a PBX board, and mine is designed for magneto central office use. There are major differences between the two types. Dave.
I recently purchased a Northern Electric Magneto Switchboard that had been removed from the Scranton Hotel. Unfortunately, the wiring was removed and I don't know how to repair it. The magneto is in good shape, except that the crank handle is broken. I would like to try to make it work for the Bloomsburg, Pa. Children's museum. Can I purchase a copy of your manual?
Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 12:40:54 (ADT)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/misc.html
Queen's Co., PE CAN
LOOKING FOR NEP's FOR NORTHERN ELECTRIC KSU INTERCOM SYSTEM
Hi Pholks:
I recently found the QUJ9B KSU I was looking for, and am now searching for a copy of the NEP's (Northern Electric Practises, BSP's or other documentation) for the intercom system on this KSU. This consists of a QUN 1B I/C Sel, QUN 2B I/C Controller, and a QUN 17A Dig. Decoder. If anyone has a copy of these NEP's, I would sure appreciate it if you could contact me. I would like to arrange to get your copy photocopied if at all possible! There is someone looking for one, but so far, it hasn't turned up. All in this system appears to be working, other than the Intercom circuit.
Thanks,
Dave
Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 19:11:56 (ADT)
John <support [at] industrialtelecom [dot] com>
Web Site - www.industrialtelecom.com
Cave Creek, AZ USA
ANY FLASH 2 PALLETS
Anyone have a quantity of new FLASH 2 voicemail systems?
Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 13:55:30 (ADT)
Mac Duncan <m.g.duncan [at] sympatico [dot] ca>
Lennoxville, Quebec CAN
Canadian Public Booth Co.
Hello...
Enjoy your site, I have visited it on several occasions. I am a retired Bell Canada PBX repairman with a modest collection of vintage sets and equipment. One piece I'm restoring now is a payphone shelf or table circa 1950. There is a partial decal on the front that I believe says "Canadian Booth Co., Arnprior Ontario". The company dosen't seem to exhist anymore, the contacts I have spoken to say there was a company in Arnprior called the "Booth Wood Products". Hope you or one of your readers can help me with this. When the restoration is completed I will send a picture.
Many thanks.....Mac
Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 14:41:17 (ADT)
Aubrie <BrightmoonABS [at] aol [dot] com>
SC USA
I have an old telephone that I think is a Western Electric. It wasn't dialing properly, so I opened it up. I'm trying to fix it, but can't find what's wrong. Can you help?
Monday, March 03, 2003 at 18:15:07 (AST)
ewin <webmaster [at] metrolinedirect [dot] com>
Web Site - http://www.metrolinedirect.com
Troy, MI usa
MetrolineDirect-Where America Buys Phone Systems
awesome site!
For your phone systems technical questions, check out also this forum board
http://65.219.228.69/mldforum/default.asp
Monday, February 17, 2003 at 14:48:49 (AST)
Tom
Web Site - http://www.telbroker [dot] com/
Overton, Nevada US
TELEPHONE TECHNICAL HELP
There�s a Tec Talk BB where telephone technicians hang around and answer question...It might be helpful for these old phones.
Sunday, February 16, 2003 at 16:37:45 (AST)
Armand
Westwood, MA US
PAY PHONE CONVERSION
Well done there is nothing anywhere online I could find on converting these 3 slot pay phones! Excellent instructions!!! I need to find something on hooking up a ringer and opening the coin box on this AE ( perhaps to put the ringer in the coin box)
Thanks Again
Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at 21:46:10 (AST)
Kathy Sheppard <kathy.sheppard [at] aliant [dot] ca>
Charlottetown, PE CAN
PICTURE OF CURRENT PAYPHONES
Dave: If you would like a picture of the current payphones used in the telephone industry today just email me & let me know. I didn't know this site was here just happend upon it. It is very good and certainly will be a benefit of our youth of today - who wouldn't know what it was like to place a call through the operator. Having 29 a half years service I've been through a lot of technology in these past years. The last 10 have been rapid - especially with the Internet capabilities.
Monday, January 27, 2003 at 18:09:01 (AST)
Scott Fairbairn <scott.fairbairn [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Web Site - http://www.geocities.com/free_cell_phone_2003/index.htm
Fairfax, va USA
CELL PHONE
Free cell phone plus free shipping with activated service plan. Choose from AT&T, Cingular, Nextel, T-Mobile, Verizon, and more. - http://www.geocities.com/free_cell_phone_2003/index.htm
Sunday, January 12, 2003 at 09:54:56 (AST)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/phones.html
PEI CAN
LOOKING TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Hi Pholks:
If you work for Island Tel, or another telephone company, or if you have memories of old time telephones, and you have information or stories to share, or suggestions which might be of use for this site, I would love to hear from you.
If you notice any errors, or have information to add, likewise, I would appreciate hearing from you.
I am always looking for technical information, photos of PEI operators at their switchboards, stories about them, linesman's PEI stories, stories about party lines, etc....
Thanks to all,
Dave
Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 09:39:09 (AST)
Dave Hunter <dhunter [at] islandregister [dot] com>
Web Site - https://www.islandregister.com/phones/telephones.html
PEI CAN
Welcome!
Hi Pholks:
Welcome to the "Telephone on Prince Edward Island" Pages which have been developed in conjunction with "The Island Register", P.E.I.'s foremost Genealogy and History page. Through these pages, I hope to share information and photos about the history of the telephone on P.E.I.
Please feel free to use this book for questions and comments about the telephone and related subjects. I hope you enjoy your visit!
Dave