The Lyon Pipe

The Lyon pipe was invented by Charles Lyon (1862-1947) while working in his workshop in the Chicago area in the early 1920's. Mr. Lyon had lost an arm during a factory accident during World War I and subsequently developed his pipe as a means both to keep himself busy and provide support for his family. The pipe was originally sold locally in various shops.

What made the pipe unique was that it contained an inner bowl that screwed into an outer bowl. Smoke traveled through a hole in the bottom of the inner bowl and around the threads of the screw to the bit, which was located at the top of the outer bowl, giving the pipe a unique shape. The smoke was thus cooled before it reached the smoker's mouth. The pipe became popular with Charles Dawes, who was known as "Hell-'n-Maria" Dawes, was instrumental in supplying United States troops with provisions during World War I, and later became vice president under Calvin Coolidge. The Lyon pipe became Dawes' trademark and he and Mr. Lyon went into business to manufacture the pipe. Dawes gave away many of these pipes to his colleagues.

The Lyon, or Dawes, pipe is still occasionally found in such sources as E-bay. Much of this information was obtained many years ago from the late William Lyon, who was Charles Lyon's grandson.

Some internet sites list the place of Charles' burial as Salt Lake City, Utah. While this may be possible, as his great grandson, I am not aware that he ever lived or traveled to this area. Family members have invariably spoken of Charles as being a native Chicagoan.