The Mississippi Historical Radio and Broadcasting Society

Vol 1 #1 May 1, 1991

News Letter

Since this is our first official publication, it seems appropriate to take a few moments, and cover some very basic and important points:
  • Who we are.
    Everyday folk who have a common interest in Radio, or some part of Radio's history, memorabilia etc.
  • What we do.
    Some of us collect. Some of us collect and restore. Some catalog and preserve. Others just like talking about those "Golden Days of Radio": the equipment; the people.
  • What do we collect, preserve, catalog and talk about?
    Radios, radio memorabilia and old radio performances. Some of us work on Radios, some are content just to look at them. There are dozens of "specialties" in Radio collecting: Old books, magazines, advertising materials, tubes and other unique parts, and so on. We also try to introduce people to the fantastic world of Short Wave listening. Television news does a fair job of bringing us a capsule of world headlines everyday, but shortwave radio listening offers boundless opportunities to really get in depth information about places literally around the world.
  • What are our goals.
    We hope to preserve the history and heritage of Radio and Radio Broadcasting as it influenced the lives of Mississippians from the mid 1920's right up to this day. Educating the public is a large goal, and to that end, we are planning a Radio and Broadcasting Museum here.
  • What can we do for You.
    Because our membership is made up of many people with many different interests and resources, you can benefit in many ways. For instance, among our members are people who can help you find:
      Information, identify that old radio that has been sitting for ?? years.
      Service data and appraisals (what's this thing worth, anyway?!)
      Parts, tubes, troubleshooting help, refinishing help and advice.
    Some of our members have been involved with radio for better than 50 or 60 years or more. They aren't all from the technical side, either. Some of our members have many years experience in Broadcast Radio, working for the likes of NBC and ABC New York. These people have great knowledge to contribute to us all.
  • What You can do for and with us.
    Just get yourself involved: come and enjoy Radio's History with us!
    • And now the News:
    The EMMY nominated five-part PBS series entitled RADIO COLLECTOR is now available on home video. This 128 minute documentary takes you through several collections, several antique radio swap meets and covers buying, restoring and collecting radios in good depth. It is available for $32.95 including S&H from the following:

    ARC Video Offer
    The Perham Foundation
    101 First Street, Suite 394
    Los Altos, CA 94022

    Meetings. We still haven't decided on a meeting place, or for that matter, when to meet. The VOCAL ones at present seem to favor a meeting on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M. The second Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. has also been suggested. How about giving us some feedback on this.

    Membership. Growing like crazy. A membership form is included on the other side, so photocopy and pass around. By the way, inquiries have come from all over the state, and from as far as Texas... This being the first news letter, we've mailed one to many non-members who may be interested as a form of introduction and invitation to join. From now on, however, the only way to get a newsletter is to become a member. So quit foolin' around and send in that application!

    The Alabama Historical Radio Society (ALHRS) is having a Show/Swap Meet at the Birmingham Civic Center (a joint show / swap meet with the Birmingham Amateur Radio Club) on May 18 (9AM to 5PM) and May 19 (9AM to 4PM). Flea Market and Swap Meet, Forums on Radio History, Old-time Radio Exhibit, sets dating from 1918 to 1960. For more specific information (forum times, dinners, special room rates, table rental fees, etc.) contact us here (601) 693-5958, or Don at (205) 595-2856. Let your HAM friends know about this too!

    I talked to Don Kresge (President of the ALHRS) a couple of days ago, and he sure was excited. He told me that they had people coming in from Florida, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi (Sherry and Randy Guttery, and Randy Corbin are known to be going), Louisiana, and Tennessee. They have located, procured and restored a 1926 Simplex Radio that was manufactured in Birmingham that they are dying to display. Oughta be a blast!

    The Mississippi Historical Radio and Broadcasting Society Newsletter is published monthly by:
    The Mississippi Historical Radio and Broadcasting Society
    2412 C Street
    Meridian, MS 39301
    601 693-5958

    President: Randy Guttery
    Vice President: Ken Rainey
    Secretary: Sherry Guttery
    Treasurer: Randy Corbin

    All time and materials are donated.

    © 1991, The Mississippi Historical Radio and Broadcasting Society.

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