Pyle National

the pyle-national electric headlight company was founded in 1897 by royal c. vilas, according to a history of the company. the company was named after george c. pyle who developed turbine generators to operate railroad engine headlights. the headlights were of the arc lamp type.

pyle's headlights proved extremely beneficial. locomotives could cross the plains and prairie states without striking or killing livestock. derailments also became less common.

in 1916 the company moved to kostner avenue in chicago, my home town and the "city of broad shoulders," and shortened its name to the pyle-national company.

this old rusted electrical receptacle is on the outside of an old rail car which has long made its home at the canary station along the central oregon and pacific railroad near our home.