I RCHS

Iowa Antique Radio Club and

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IARCHS NEWS - Summer 2005

Well we’re off on yet another season of First we have Dwight’s report from our shows, sales and the general mayhem that spring board meeting. we’ve come to call SUMMER. In this issue we have news of our board meeting in April I.A.R.C.H.S. Meeting Minutes and a few changes and new developments 4/22/2005 resulting from that, a brief report on the spring Harris auction, another fine contribution from our standing guest author, The I.A.R.C.H.S. annual meeting was held Friday, April 22 – 2005 at the home of Dave Sherry Cowden of the Oklahoma club, a Perkins. regional meeting report from our ever active eastern Iowa based members around the In attendance were: Dave Perkins, Doug Dubuque area, a comprehensive history of Spyrison, Wayne Rimathe, Ed Kamp, Edward radio station WOI by member Bill Smith, a Nelson, Kathy Nelson, and Dwight Baker. look forward to our 4 day show in July in conjunction with the Hawkeye antique The meeting was called to order at 7:20 pm by power club and several opportunities to Dwight Baker, and minutes from the previous participate in a series of sales brought to us annual meeting were reviewed and approved. by John Moore. So, without further adieu Old Business: ….. on with the show: Dave Perkins Presidents Report: Jerry Lange was unable to be present. Dave Perkins reported that Jerry would like someone to step forward and take over the position.

1 the opportunities for alignment with power Treasurers Report: Gene Dougherty was unable shows. We may be able to link with a power to be present. The treasurer’s report was show in lieu of the State Fair display. The distributed and reviewed. The balance as of April Waukee Power Show is July 15, 16, and 17th. 18, 2005 is $2,504.86. There was a question on There is a swap meet May 25 –28. Ed Kamp will the type of account the funds were kept in. A display some items and advertise IARCHS to see motion to accept the report; with Dave Perkins what the response is. Doug Spyrison will look obtaining additional account information, was into setting up a membership forum with a made, seconded, and approved. [editor’s note, possible link on the club website. see a follow up on this in my remarks later in this newsletter] A motion to reimburse Dave Perkins for the web domain name registration, and extend it for 1 Membership Report: Dave Perkins reported that year was made, seconded, and approved. we have approximately 40 paid memberships. There was discussion on mailing reminders. A A motion to close nominations and accept Dave motion was made for the treasurer and newsletter Perkins’ offer for president was made, seconded, editor to work on sending out reminders to pay and approved. by June 1st, seconded, and approved. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, Secretary Report: No additional report. seconded, and approved.

Newsletter Report: Dave Perkins reported that Meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm we need additional material for the newsletter. Dave has been working on putting together a website for the club. (http://www.iarchs.org). He has registered the domain name. He gave a demo Respectfully Submitted, and there was discussion on the possibilities of different uses, notification to members, and Dwight Baker – Secretary pictures. Dave will notify ARC and other related sites about links to the IARCHS site.

New Business:

Staffing: The club needs a president. There were concerns raised on the concentration of members in specific areas such as Dubuque and central Iowa, that it might cause divisions of groups (East/Central), and how to resolve it. Dave Perkins offered to fill the president role, but indicated that activity would be limited. [editor’s note: by that I mean to say that I will keep up my current level of participation in the club including putting out the newsletter as well as keeping up the web site, but that I don’t expect to have the time to promote the club in the general community as much as we would ideally like to have done] Attending members hard at work during the board meeting; …….so, where were YOU? Activities: Regional meetings are continuing and are working well for the specific local areas. IARCHS will not have a display at the State Fair this year due to a less than enthusiastic response from the Fair, and difficulty in staffing the display. Looking for ways for the club as a whole to be involved. There was discussion on possibility of a training session, and exploring

2 The day after the board meeting, the Spring art deco bakelite and wood sets and radio auction was held at Harris auctions in tombstone style sets of the 1930’s Marshalltown. While it wasn’t the “buyers market” that your newsletter editor had heard A number of Philco cathedral style sets went was the case during the auction last Fall for bids well below book price; you never can (which was, of course, the only auction in tell what will be “hot” and what won’t be. recent memory I had decided to not attend), Not shown are the many flats of tubes, parts there were many fine pieces offered and at and manuals that were stacked under the least a few bargains for those who took time to tables. This was a fast moving all day affair, search and that were quick with their bidder’s and if you should ever decide to attend a cards. Here, in the next couple photos, is a Harris auction, I recommend that you bring sample of what was up for sale: some light snacks, a water bottle and an empty bladder if you want to stay for all of the action.

Dave

Next we have a really informative article on the history of one of Iowa’s and the nation’s, pioneer radio stations WOI, written and provided to us by IARCHS member Bill Smith:

Spark Meets There were relatively few horn speakers this year but many nice consoles including some Agriculture… high end Zeniths and a Midwest or two

… The Story of WOI Radio

The year was 1911. An Iowa State College physics professor fondly known as "Dad" Hoffman became interested in the new medium "wireless." Hoffman thought radio might have a future and that the college should begin experimentation.

Professor Hoffman approached college administrators requesting money to build a "wireless station" on campus. The rotary spark-gap transmitter and receiving And, as usual a nice assortment of table sets equipment was assembled in 1912, mostly ranging from miniature sets from the 50’s to of hand made and the then few available

3 commercial parts. Most likely the station was this presented a hazard. The water tower operated during the forepart of 1912 to a was the only metal structure on campus and limited extent, unlicensed, as was common lightning vulnerable. To minimize danger to practice of the era. the transmitter and staff the station went off- air during storms. The aerial was connected On August 13, 1912, Iowa State College directly to earth ground. At least one received a United States Department of engineer refused to return to work during Commerce Land Station License bearing inclement weather following a lightning bolt assigned call letters "9YI, " The station mishap. operated as an amateur, or ham radio station, through personalized two-way In early 1921 50 watts was considered a communication with other similar stations as "super-power outfit," but by October, the far as several hundred miles distance. transmitter design was changed to an even more powerful 100 watts as the constructors Through 1913 station 9YI remained on-air. learned by doing. The "Big Outfit" was The highly recognizable 240-cycle tone note completed and tested the evening of of 9YI’s synchronous spark gap transmitter November 21, 1921, on a wavelength of 375 became well known to ham radio operators meters. Andy Woolfries, using a carbon throughout the Midwest. The frequency was element microphone, spoke the first words near 375 meters. over 9YI thus becoming "chief announcer." The first program was one hour of concert In 1914 the station came under control of music. We shall visit Woolfries' distinguished the college Electrical Engineering history at WOI later. Department directed by Professor F. A. Fish. He maintained 9YI as a highly efficient That first evening on-air 9YI with Woolfries station, an educational tool for a half-dozen had two-way voice communication with years transmitting weather, farm products stations in Pennsylvania, Fort Worth, Texas and market reports as well as amateur radio and Denver, Colorado’s Fort Simmons communications. In the fall of 1915 Iowa General Hospital. State College demonstrated their wireless expertise at the Iowa State Fair in Des The 100-watt radiotelephone transmitter, Moines. technically described by the engineering staff as "a constant current system of Soon after KDKA*, generally accredited as modulation of alternating current filament Americas first "broadcast" station, went on- lighting and 1500 volt plate potential," was air November 2, 1920, in Pittsburgh, constructed at a cost of $1396. Pennsylvania broadcasting in voice Harding- Cox presidential election returns. Professor Station 9YI initially broadcast only a few Fish first heard a voice radio transmission hours a week. Each broadcast began with and Iowa State College began seriously playing Bacchanal from the Tales of investigating broadcast radio. Hoffmann. This was done so that listeners could locate the signal of 9YI amongst the Iowa State College was paying due heed to clamor of other stations. After an appropriate KDKA developments which were proving the length of time, either Woolfries or Fritschel possibilities of and the future for "broadcast" would read weather reports and a few radio. Determined to construct a broadcast market figures, then sign 9YI off the air. station, the college’s Electrical Engineering Chancy Hoover, a young Iowa State Department chose Massachusetts Institution electrical engineering student and amateur of Technology graduate Harmon B. Deal to radio operator, recalled later when he joined supervise the project. Construction of the the WOI radio staff, "You had to search transmitter, designed for 50 watts power, around for 9YI because of interference from began in early 1921 by engineering students other stations, most ham, but Ames always Andrew G. (Andy) Woolfries and Eugene played the Bacchanal so you knew you had Fritschel, both radio amateurs, at the the right station." Engineering Annex. 9YI’s broadcast operation was not nearly as A multiple-wire aerial was strung between smooth as it may seem. Government rules the building and the college water tower, but of the time required all news and

4 entertainment content to be transmitted The 100-watt transmitter soon proved upon 833.3 kilocycles (360 meters) and all inadequate to cover the whole of the government reports, e.g., weather intended fledgling Iowa radio audience. A information, to be transmitted at 618 500-watt transmitter was built and placed kilocycles (485 meters). This regulation, into operation during December 1923. This imposed upon all American broadcast new transmitter, too, was considered the stations, forced both the radio station and "last word" in equipment and power. The the listener to change frequencies from 360 500 watts gave ‘fair’ coverage of central to 475 meters and back to 360 meters Iowa and under favorable conditions, the during the course of single broadcast. state. Fortunately this regulation was short-lived. Expansion within WOI brought 1924 In May 1922 Iowa State College hosted and demand for additional physical space. It was the Campus Radio Club 9YI sponsored the commandeered from adjacent users in the first statewide radio convention and short same building. Improvements included new course. Over 500 radio operators from wooden furniture and the hanging of large, across the Iowa attended. The annual heavy velvet drapes to deaden unwanted conventions continued through at least studio sound. The drapes remained until the 1925. studios were moved in 1939 although reportedly tattered. In late 1924 another 500-watt transmitter, having the capability of 750 watts with government approval was built by WOI engineering staff. Permission was granted in August 1925.

The new 750-watt transmitter was built at a cost of $3402. General Electric had asked $18,000 for a similar transmitter they would build. Inasmuch as Iowa State’s president received a $10,000 salary in 1924, it seemed imprudent to spend nearly double for a commercially built transmitter.

In January 1925 WOI was reassigned to an operating frequency of 1110 kilocycles by Station 9YI circa 1920 the Department of Commerce. Shared with 13 other stations and therefore interference A month earlier, on April 28, 1922, Iowa laden, 1110 proved detrimental to the State College received its official broadcast station's geographical coverage. station license with the call sign WOI and assigned an 800-kilocycle frequency To offset the lost of coverage area, ISC assignment. WOI began immediate graduate student Ralph Knouf, who had broadcasting. As true in many discussions of been employed by General Electric, was early broadcasting, there is conjecture of contracted to build a 5,000 watt transmitter. how the call sign became WOI, but it It went into operation in January 1927. Once appears it was a random selection by the again WOI boasted one of the most powerful United States Department of Commerce. and technically advanced transmitters in the The original license has not been seen for United States. The new transmitter featured many years, presumably forever lost. automatic crystal-controlled frequency in use by only eight other broadcast stations. While the WOI engineering staff performed marvelous feats constructing superior June 1927 brought yet another frequency equipment and coverage area, the purpose assignment, 1130 kilocycles, which proved of WOI was its broadcast program content. interference plagued by stations on nearby The station had outgrown its original frequencies. Similar problems were function as an engineering school developing throughout the country as more experiment. broadcast stations came on the air.

5 A general nationwide US Government change of broadcast frequency assignments Andy Woolfries began his popular program came in 1928 implementing directives of the "The Music Shop" which is still aired today Radio Act of 1927. This was most welcomed on WOI-FM. The program remains as one of at WOI. Ames was assigned a shared the longest running radio programs in the frequency of 560 kilocycles with KFEQ, St. United States. In 1925 the program aired Joseph, Missouri for daylight broadcasting. between 7:30 and 8:50 AM and included WOI had to reduce power to 3,500 watts, Woolfries’ comments about the composers but that power level at 560 proved vastly and their works. Woolfries retired in 1941 superior coverage to any previous after a distinguished engineering and frequency. WOI and KFEQ operated without broadcast career at Iowa State. difficulty on 560 kilocycles, although out of KFEQ's commercial necessity and their 1926 was a banner year for WOI. Station need of a full-time license, WOI moved organization was simplified and placed frequency once again. under Professor Griffith’s supervision, a position he held for two decades. Griffith is In November 1929, WOI was licensed for credited with fostering positive notoriety for daylight hours at 5,000 watts on present day WOI’s broadcast product. The United States 640 kilocycles. The frequency was also used Department of Agriculture installed its long- full-time by commercial stations KFI, Los sought current crop and market news wire Angeles, and WAIU, Columbus, Ohio, but service in July ending the hand copied code caused no problem with WOI’s daytime reports from NAJ. This valuable information broadcast schedule. source coupled with expanded services from the college’s educational, music and athletic The Iowa State College administration programs found much favor with the mandated that "WOI exists for the primary station’s growing audience. purpose of making available to the state of Iowa (by radio) services of the College. Therefore, the station should stand for education, information and such entertainment as will be recognized as Iowa State programs." In July 1922 scheduled daily weather reports were broadcast, one of the first American stations to do so on the exclusive 485-meter wavelength. Market reports were hand copied in code over-the- air from NAJ, a government station near Chicago, and rebroadcast. Come fall 1922 WOI broadcast its first ever college football game with the announcer sitting upon a high wood fence, holding his microphone. Coe College (of Cedar Rapids, Iowa) beat Iowa An early version of the WOI studio State 24 - 0. WOI broadcast 1,228 hours in 1927 WOI was reorganized in 1925 funded from including the beginnings of four book club the college’s agricultural extension service, programs which were popular due to lack of engineering extension service and the rural libraries. WOI began a by-mail general college fund. Professor D. B. Faber, circulating library in 1930. The library director of the engineering extension operated as a nonprofit organization and service, was put in charge of WOI. Professor was granted a special postal rate by the W. I. Griffith was named program director government. This service has highly used by and Professor Fish was charged with rural Iowans. In 1931, WOI was selected technical operations. During 1925, WOI Iowa’s most popular radio station in a broadcast a total of 425 hours. The program national magazine poll. schedule included short course lectures, weather forecasts, market reports, WOI remains today at 640 kiloHertz with educational talks, chapel and music played 5,000 watts and a full-time license. WOI is from the famous Iowa State Campanile affiliated with National Public Radio, a

6 consortium of cooperating educational broadcast stations in the United States. WOI-FM began broadcasting July 1, 1949, Opportunities to get with 100 kilowatts on 90.1 megacycles as an early Iowa FM station. WOI-FM remains as involved, to help and to such today.

WOI-TV became Iowa’s second broadcast contribute. licensed television station February 21, 1950 when it signed on channel 4. It was the As I mentioned in the kick off to this country's first educationally owned television newsletter we have a number of station that also broadcast commercial opportunities to get out into the public programming. WOI-TV exists today as a this year as a part of IARCHS and, if fully commercial station on channel 5 you so choose, maybe to even profit although no longer owned by now Iowa State University. from the effort.

The first of these opportunities is our Dwight W. Smith, Amateur Radio K0CER third annual show in conjunction with the Jefferson, Iowa Central Hawkeye Antique Power club at their grounds just off of I-80 at the *KDKA had its beginnings as land station, 8XK, Waukee exit. This year the show runs built by Westinghouse engineer Frank Conrad. Westinghouse and Dr. Conrad were interested in July 15,16 and 17 with the grounds radio as a means of marketing newly developed open for us to set up on Thursday July products, none other than $10 radio receiving 14. This will be my third year helping to sets selling in a Pittsburgh department store. coordinate this show and I am genuinely looking forward to it. While I cannot guarantee the fantastic weather we had last year that brought out a record Author's Statement: crowd, I can tell you that we will see an appreciative, friendly and steady crowd I gratefully acknowledge the permission regardless of the weather. We will be of Donald T. Wirth allowing me to set up in one of their permanent research WOI archives for information buildings again this year and I’ll have contained in this article. Mr. Wirth is the display case we purchased for these WOI’s Associate General Manager, shows available for any smaller, high Finance and Operations. The value items you may want to display. information was gleaned from Last year I was a solo act at this show newspaper clippings, albums, station and even so I had a great time memos, thesis papers and my previous interacting with the attendees at this knowledge of the subject matter. Any show; they are simply a great fit for the factual error in this article is my sole spirit and intent of what IARCHS is all responsibility. This article is not about. If you have some items in your copywrited and may be republished as collection that you’d like to display and if useful. you can spare a few hours on any of the --- DWS. September 2003. days of the show, please contact me at the phone number or email listed in Editor’s Note: the pictures in this article the IARCHS contacts list shown later in were my doing and are as presented on WOI’s web site the newsletter. Dave Perkins ======

7 The next opportunity comes to us from Des Moines based member John Moore. John has been our principle contact and coordinator for the Iowa State Fair shows the last two years. We won’t be at the fair this year, instead John has proposed that we participate in the series of Valley Junction Antique Jamborees that take place on Sundays in the historic valley junction area Jim Coohey’s Consoles southwest of downtown Des Moines. At these shows you can set up items for Business: Jerry Lange reminded everyone of sale as well as getting the IARCHS the upcoming annual IARCHS meeting in name in front of another segment of the April 22nd at Dave Perkins place in general public. Jamborees are Marshalltown. Through contact with Jerry scheduled for Sunday August 14th and Lange, IARCHS member Robert Muhs, who Sunday September 11th ( there is none has stopped doing electrical repairs, had scheduled for July). Contact John donated some vacuum Moore at 515-288-5027 to make tubes for others to use and arrangements to participate. these were distributed.

FINALLY we have a request for Jim gave us a tour of his assistance from one of our fellow fine radio collection which members. Last year Rudy Monk always features some of appealed to anyone in the club who the finest consoles from could provide him with an 8-track to the golden era. His cassette tape adapter, and, sure meticulous cabinet enough, someone had one in a box of resorations always show “good stuff” and got it to Rudy. Well, well. He demonstrated the Rudy has written to me again and would “color tuning” on a fine like to find another 8-track to cassette Midwest console. adapter. So if you have one and were a bit slow to call Rudy last year, now is Color tuning on the Midwest your chance. Please contact Rudy Monk at 319-465-6270 if you can help him out. Show and Tell: I’m going on memory here I am sure he’d appreciate it. folk’s. Jim Moran had found an early ======combination crystal and tube style home brew set. Jack Sweeney brought the MEET YOUR FELLOW MEMBERS Majestic ship radio which he had recently Next we have a regional members meeting restored including replacing the sail rigging. report from our active group in northeast Radio restorers must be multi- talented. Iowa who met last March Dave Perkins brought a 1919 Western Electric “Wave Meter Set” Type SCR 61. It is a military field calibrator for spark gap IARCHS NE IA Regional Meeting transmitters and receivers of the era. Report March 19, 2005 Next Meeting: Jack Sweeney May 20th Several area IARCHS members gathered at 7PM, 321 Olympic the home of Jim Coohey 3/19/2005. Heights, Dubuque, IA Attending were: Jim Coohey , Dave Perkins, 52001 563-588-1831 Walt Schlictmann, , Jack Sweeney, Jim [email protected] Moran, Jerry Lange, Doug Spyrison, Tom Klinkhammer, and Jerry Ehlers. Jim Moran’s Crystal/ Tube Radio 8

IARCHS Contacts & Commitment

President Dave Perkins, 2608 C Reed Ave Marshalltown, Ia 50158 [email protected] 641-752-3417

Treasurer Gene E. Dougherty 230 SE 16th Street Ste 101 PO Box 426 Ames, Iowa 50010-0426 [email protected] 515-232-8066

Jack Sweeny’s Majestic Ship Radio Secretary Dwight Baker 2626 NW 17th st. Doug Spyrison reporting. Ankeny, Ia 50021 [email protected] 515-965-0999

UPCOMMING REGIONAL Newsletter Dave Perkins, 2608 C Reed Ave Marshalltown, Ia 50158 MEETING SCHEDULE [email protected] 641-752-3417

IARCHS is a not for profit club whose purpose July 15, 2005 @7:00 statement (as given in the club by-laws) is:

Jerry Lange 1) To provide an organization for collectors and 790 Kane Street historians of wireless, radio, television and other Dubuque, Iowa 52001 similar items. Email [email protected] 2) To promote acquisition and preservation of biographical, technical and historical data, through the collecting of radios, stories, September 16, 2005 @7:00 photographs, literature and other related items, Doug Sprison particularly with respect to the inventors and 1295 Grove Terrace early radio pioneers of Iowa. Dubuque, Iowa 52001 3) To educate and enrich the public knowledge about the historical and cultural significance of Phone 563-588-2713 radio by means of lectures, discussions, Email [email protected] publications, workshops, displays and presentations. AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE: A 4) To encourage and assist individuals in their PHOTOCOPY OF THE SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS preservation and restoration of radio and FOR YOUR ANTIQUE RADIO FROM THE OLD television related items to a condition consistent RIDER AND SAMS MANUALS, AVAILABLE TO with the original intent of their manufacturer. IARCHS MEMBERS COURTESY OF JACK 5) To create and foster an interest in radio history. SWEENEY, 321 OLYMPIC HEIGHTS, DUBUQUE IA 52001 . ENCLOSE MAKE AND MODEL The IARCHS News newsletter is published and NUMBER AND A 4X10 SELF ADDRESSED distributed (more or less) quarterly to all members STAMPED ENVELOPE of record and to similar clubs and organizations at their request.

Ad Policy: Ads up to 100 words in length may be submitted by IARCHS Members and are free of charge. You may re- quest your ad run up to 3 issues, if you don't specify it will run one issue, you may resubmit your ad. Submit your ads by mail or e-mail to the editor. Issue Deadlines: March 1, June CHECK OUT THE NEW CLUB 1, September 1, and December 1 WEB SITE AT WWW.IARCHS.ORG

9 And now…something I imagine many of daily newspaper column, heard Autry sing, you have been looking for: we have another and encouraged him to pursue a career in in what is becoming a series of contributions radio. Autry teamed up with another singing from Sherry Cowden of the Oklahoma railroader, Jimmy Long, and the two would Vintage Radio Club. In this issue we’re sing and play at town functions. They also continuing with the cowboy theme started in collaborated as songwriters, and Autry’s the last issue; we have part one of what will first hit record (1931), “That Silver Haired be a two part article on the singing cowboy, Daddy of Mine,” was written with Long. It was awarded the very first gold record for selling a million copies.

Remembering Broadcast by In 1929 Autry used his railroad pass to go to Sherry Cowden of OKVRC New York to audition for the Victor Recording Company, but they sent him back After reading last issues’ article on home, and he got a job singing for KVOO Hopalong Cassidy, Art Hoch sent me an radio in Tulsa. He was billed as email reminding me that in the 40’s and 50’s Oklahoma’s Yodeling Cowboy. He returned there was a popular trio of cowboys in the to New York for another audition, this time movies, on radio, and on television. In successfully, at Columbia Recording addition to “Hoppy,” there were Company. A Columbia executive sent him and Gene Autry. All three cowpokes had to try out at WLS radio in Chicago. He was strong connections to Oklahoma. Bill Boyd there four years, singing on the Farm and (Hopalong Cassidy) lived here during his Home hour, the Sears Roebuck program, teen years. In 1947 Roy Rogers married and the National Barn dance. During this at the Flying L Ranch in Davis, period Autry met a transplanted Oklahoma Oklahoma. Gene Autry lived in Oklahoma girl, Ina Mae Spivey. She was the niece of during his youth and married a girl from Autry’s song writing partner, Jimmy Long, Oklahoma. He worked as a railroad who, along with Ina’s family, had moved to telegrapher for the Frisco line in Oklahoma. Springfield, Missouri. When Autry stopped After he became a cowboy star, he wintered off in Springfield to visit Jimmy and met the his rodeo livestock on a ranch near an beautiful young woman, it was love at first Oklahoma town that changed its name to sight. The couple was married on April “Gene Autry” in his honor. I’ll have to owe Fool’s Day, 1932, a happy marriage that you an article on Roy Rogers, because in lasted until Ina’s death in 1980. They never this issue I’m focusing on Oklahoma’s had children. Ina encouraged Gene’s career, adopted son and Art Hoch’s favorite, Gene and was responsible for his recording Autry. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Gene thought the song was silly, but Ina was Orvon Gene Autry was born on September reminded of the Ugly Duckling story, 29, 1907 in the small Texas town of Tioga. thought children would love it, and He learned to ride a horse as a toddler, and encouraged him to record it. when he was 12 he bought his first guitar. His family moved to Achille, Oklahoma, The movies came calling in 1934. Republic when he was an infant and to Ravia, Studios was looking for a singing cowboy Oklahoma, when he was a teenager. During and Autry filled the bill. His first movie was high school he worked at the local railroad as a singing cowboy at a dude ranch in the station in exchange for telegraphy lessons Ken Maynard film “Old Santa Fe.” His first from the stationmaster. After graduation, he starring role was in 1935’s science- went to work full-time as a telegrapher, and fiction/western serial, “The Phantom when things were slow he would play his Empire,” followed by the feature length guitar and sing. The great Will Rogers came film, “Tumblin’ Tumbleweeds.” He became through town, visited the office to wire his a top box office draw and the number one film cowboy until Roy Rogers came along

10 and they began trading that title. Autry’s The show had a hiatus during World War II movie sidekick was Smiley Burnett whose when Autry joined the Army Air Corps. He gravelly voice suggested his character’s was sworn in as a Technical Sergeant during name of Frog Millhouse. Gene Autry’s a live broadcast of his show on July 16, movie career spanned 93 feature films. He 1942. Because he already had his private was even more prolific as a recording star. pilot’s license, he was trained to become a He made 635 recordings, writing or co- flight officer in the Army Air Transport writing 300 of the songs. During his Special Command and flew transport planes musical career, he sold over 100 million carrying supplies to the China-India-Burma copies of his records with more than a dozen theater. Gene Autry was the only World going gold or platinum. Someone once War II officer allowed to wear cowboy figured out that if all those records were boots with his uniform. At the end of the piled atop one another they would reach 57 war he was reassigned to Special Services, miles. Three of his holiday songs are still the branch that provided USO shows. He heard at Christmas and Easter – Here Comes toured with the USO troupe in the South Santa Claus (1947), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Pacific, then returned to the U.S. in 1946 to Reindeer (1949), and Peter Cottontail resume his movie and radio career. (1950). “Rudolph” sold more than 30 In 1950 Autry began producing The Gene million copies and remains the second best Autry Show for television, also sponsored selling single (White Christmas is first). by Wrigley gum. He insisted on quality production for the 91 half-hour episodes and Given his popularity, it seems inevitable that filmed on 35 mm movie film. He realized Autry would be offered a radio show. The that the new medium was more intimate half-hour Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch than the movies, and utilized more close ups debuted on CBS January 7, 1940. It ran on and other techniques suited to the small Saturdays or Sundays for 16 years with the screen. His show was so successful that he same sponsor, Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum. branched out into producing other popular Because they couldn’t bring Autry’s horse TV series -- Annie Oakley, The Range Champion into the studio, much less rely on Rider, Buffalo Bill, Jr., the Adventures of him to respond on cue, a sound effects man Champion, and the first 39 episodes of imitated horses’ hooves with a coconut Death Valley Days. In 1987, Autry and his shell. Gene Autry would come out before old sidekick hosted the 90- the show to explain this to the audience, so minute Melody Ranch Theater on Nashville they wouldn’t react with laughter. Then the Network. The two reminisced about making announcer would say, “Now, here’s the boss their old Republic and Columbia films that man himself, America’s favorite cowboy, were shown on the program. Gene Autry.” The show’s imaginary setting was Autry’s Melody Ranch in the San Fernando Mountains. It showcased lots of western music, provided by Autry and, variously, the Cass County Boys, the King Sisters, Alvino Rey, the Gene Autry Blue Jeans, Johnny Bond, the Pinafores and Carl Cotner’s Melody Ranch Six. Autry’s sidekick was the creaky-voiced Pat Buttram who called his boss “Mr. Artery.” Besides the music and banter between Buttram and Autry, the highlight was a 10-15 minute dramatized action story. The show ended with Autry singing his signature theme song, “.”

11 in 1988 he realized a long held dream when Gene Autry didn’t smoke or drink. He once his Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum turned down a sizable sum to endorse a opened in Los Angeles. Just one year ago, cigarette brand. He embodied high ideals, in January 2004, the museum merged with and to encourage the kids who idolized him, the Southwest Museum to become the Autry he wrote Gene Autry’s Cowboy’s Code: National Center. Three divisions were created – the Southwest Museum of the 1. The Cowboy must never shoot American Indian, the Museum of the first, hit a smaller man, or take American West, and the Institute for the unfair advantage Study of the American West. Over his long 2. He must never go back on his life, Autry received many honors and word, or a trust confided in him. awards for his 60+ years in show business, 3. He must always tell the truth. including being inducted into the Cowboy 4. He must be gentle with children, Hall of Fame (now the National Cowboy the elderly, and animals. and Western Heritage Museum) in 5. He must not advocate or possess Oklahoma City. He is the only person to racially or religiously intolerant have five stars on Hollywood’s Walk of ideas. Fame, one each for movies, radio, television, 6. He must help people in distress. records, and personal appearances 7. He must be a good worker. (including rodeo). 8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action, and Gene Autry remarried in 1981. His second personal habits. wife, Jacqueline, was an executive in the 9. He must respect women, parents, bank that handled his financial holdings. and his nation’s laws. She remains active in running his business 10. The Cowboy is a patriot. enterprises and working for the Autry National Center. Gene Autry, age 91, died At one time Gene Autry was the recipient of at his home in Studio City, California, on 80,000 fan letters a month. He made October 2, 1998, of complications from numerous public appearances, going on 65- cancer. The plaque on his grave reads: to 85-day tours of two shows a day, seven America’s Favorite Cowboy, American days a week. The Autry phenomenon Hero, Philanthropist, Patriot and Veteran, created the usual array of products. Chief Movie Star, Singer, Composer, Baseball Fan among these was the Gene Autry repeating and Owner, 33rd Degree Mason, Media cap pistol. The pistol was manufactured in Entrepreneur, Loving Husband, Gentleman, the town of Kenton, Ohio, and revived the A Believer in Our Western Heritage. We in town’s economy which had failed when the Oklahoma are lucky. We can visit the town only factory shut down. Converted to of Gene Autry in southern Oklahoma and at manufacture the toy gun, the factory helped their Gene Autry museum (Monday- the small town of 7,000 flourish from 1937 Saturday, 10:00AM-4:00PM) relive the into the 1950’s. Autry was an astute golden days when cowboys ranged the businessman who became a airwaves. This year you can attend the fun- multimillionaire. He owned a music filled 15th Gene Autry Oklahoma Film and publishing company, a flying school, Music Festival in his namesake town from ranches, oil wells and radio and television September 28 through October 2, 2005. See stations across the U.S. He loved baseball you there, pardner! and in 1961 he purchased the American League California Angels (later to become Resources: Katz, E., The Film Encyclopedia, the Anaheim Angels). He was an American 2001; Dunning, J., Tune In Yesterday, 1976; League vice-president until his death. Maltin, L., The Great American Broadcast, 1997; Buxton, F. & Owen, B., The Big Broadcast, 1972; websites – www.autry.com; Autry was grateful to the community that www.museumoftheamericanwest.org, had helped him become such a success, and www.cowboypal.com, www.cow-boy.com.

12 devote the time it really warrants to the task of +++++++++++++++++++++++++ promotion of this club and Editors’ Column: Dave Perkins what it stands for. I really enjoy this hobby and Before anything else, I want “spreading the gospel” as it to finish up one bit of were, so my intent is not the business that was mentioned limit – it’s that darned 24 in the board meeting minutes. hour day that keep tripping Gene’s financial report at me up! I pledge to do the that time showed that all of best that I can within the our holdings were in a time constraints that I have checking account. I followed and, in the same breath, ask up with him and verified that each and every one of you to when he transferred the help me “talk up” IARCHS and account to a bank in Ames get the club name and it’s upon assuming the treasurer’s mission out before the job, they did not establish a public. CD account as we had, had before. He suggested that we Finally, it’s been mentioned remedy that by shifting some in a couple places earlier in funds to a CD. I conferred the newsletter, but I want to with Dwight and he agreed be sure that everyone knows that we should do that; since that the club now has both a the three of us cover the web site and an online forum four officer roles for the that you can access with your club and there are no other PC. On the web site you can board meetings scheduled for get information on upcoming some time, I decided to club events and even download proceed on the basis of that copies of the news letter conversation rather than wait (including this one) to view another 6 to 12 months to in full color. You need an correct this. So I want to Adobe reader to view these, inform all of our members which is available for free that we have now moved $1500 http://www.adobe.com/products of the IARCHS funds to a CD /acrobat/readstep2.html You where it can earn at least can also join an online forum some interest. Gene sent me a that Doug Spryson has set up copy of the paperwork and if for us to exchange requests anyone has any questions or and information with each concerns about this, please other as well as anyone on contact me. I’ll be glad to the web who might wish to discuss it and/or send anyone join in (and hopefully join a copy of the paperwork if the club). You can check all you should so desire. of this out by pointing your browser at WWW.IARCHS.ORG . On to another couple items in Well, what more could I the meeting minutes: As was possibly say about everything mentioned, I have agreed to we have going on over this take on the role of club summer? JUMP IN and I’ll president. I do so with only check back with you all this one reservation and that is fall to see what we’ve that I don’t think I can accomplished. Dave

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