History of WOBU/WCHS Radio, Charleston

This history was provided by the station.

WCHS-AM Radio went on the air Sept. 15, 1927 at 580 khz. The station was the third station in West Virginia to go on the air. Its first call letters were actually WOBU, with the first location being in the Ruffner Hotel on Kanawha Boulevard. It was founded by Walter Fredericks who had an electric shop, but couldn't sell radios with no local stations. So he built one, later calling it WCHS (acronym for Charleston). Fredericks was a contractor who built homes in the Charleston area for many years. The station moved into Middleburg Auditorium, then named it 'WCHS Auditorium'. Offices were on a U-shaped balcony. The auditorium was used for various events. On Friday nights, the "Old Farm Hour", pulling as many as 2,000 people with its hill talent was broadcast successfully. It was also the location for dances, rented out for such big bands as Bunny Berrigan, Artie Shaw and Stan Kenton. One of the early shows broadcast was the "Miss 580 Club", and from 1938 to 1948 it was hosted by Mrs. Melva Chernoff, wife of Howard Chernoff, one of the earliest managers of station.

It was a 'phone in' show, with Melva giving advice to the lovelorn, recipes, other information and was highly successful. Once a year there was an annual party for all club members, held in the auditorium, broadcast, naturally and this was a big event.

The founder and first president of the West Virginia Broadcasters Association was at the time general manager of WCHS. Howard Chernoff sent letters to all West Virginia stations, getting about twelve members of the informal group together in 1946. In a recent conversation with Executive Director Fletcher, Chernoff recalled some stories from those early years. He said that WCHS had the first full-time news director named Harold Miller, who was drafted into the marines in 1940, then became News Director at WCHS after World War II. An outstanding reporter, Miller is now a Washington, DC lobbyist with his company, Miller Associates. When Senator Harley Kilgore was campaigning in 1946, Miller was hired as Kilgore's Administrative Assistant. Following Miller in the news slot was Ross Edwards. According to Harry Brawley, Edwards was a brilliant newsman who ended his career at WCHS by committing suicide.

Other air personalities included Sam Poland and Tom Murphy, who made up the popular early morning team of "Sam 'N Denzil." Murphy was also active directing local theater and musical groups. With a real love of opera and knowledge of foreign languages, Murphy was a total opposite with his 'hillbilly' character on the air at WCHS. Murphy died in 1986. He had left the radio business some years prior to that, working with the WV Department of Natural Resources, where he did a weekly television program for cable broadcast.

Sports broadcasting attained local prominence with Ernie Saunders joining the station. His brother was program director Bert Sonis back in 1945. Ernie was sports director plus being Sales and General Manager at one time, too, for many years, with the longest continuous sportscast in the state, "The Sports Page of the Air". In retirement he continues to appear on WCHS sports program with John Dickensheets. Other personalities at the station through the years include Elton "Butch" McClung, John Kristof, Bill Richards, Ned Skaff and Joe Farris, to name but a few.

Howard Chernoff thinks that WCHS may be the only station in West Virginia to have won a Peabody Award. In 1943, Harold Miller wrote "The Home Front", with Bert Sonis narrating the program. Wives of servicemen who were having problems getting their military allotment checks were encouraged to send or phone in their problem to the station. Then the station assisted in solving those situations. That program won a Peabody Award. Chernoff went to Europe to serve as a reporter during World War II, interviewed military personnel, claiming that he was the first broadcaster from an independent network (The West Virginia Network) to be a correspondent in the war. He sought out West Virginians, interviewed and taped segments, sent them to CBS in New York, where they were put on 'platters', then broadcast. On occasion, Chernoff also broadcast live from Europe, a very expensive operation, sponsored by Cohen Drug Company. (In 1981, Chernoff gave his collection of war platters to the West Virginia Historical Society, stored at the Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.)

In 1945 Chernoff had many of those interviews published in book form, called Anybody Here From West Virginia? The introduction was written by Edward R. Murrow, then European Director for CBS. (A copy of the book is in WCHS Radio's files.) In 1981, Mr. and Mrs. Chernoff were brought back to West Virginia by then Governor Rockefeller, and were made Honorary West Virginians. Service personnel whom Howard had interviewed during World War II were also brought in from all over the country for that special occasion. (Other papers from his private collection of papers and speeches have been given to the Archives of Contemporary History, University of Wyoming.)

Chernoff tried to retire in 1948, he says, but went to work for the founder of the WV Network, John A. Kennedy in California with KFMB. He later retired from broadcasting, went to the U. S. Information Agency, became U. S. Ambassador to Expo'70 in Japan, then with the U. S. State Department on a mission to Mongolia.

John A. Kennedy, founder of the West Virginia Network in 1936 died in 1987 in California. He was 88 years old.

In 1945, Chernoff hired Harry Brawley to be Director of Public Affairs and Education at WCHS and for the West Virginia Network. In that job Harry fed programs from Charleston for coverage in the Huntington, Clarksburg and Parkersburg markets. Harry began what was the forerunner of public broadcasting's educational programs when he started in-school listening programming in many subjects. More comprehensive reviews of his broadcasting career may be found in his book, titled Twenty Years On An Oasis in the "Vast Wasteland," published in 1981.

WCHS was recognized by CBS in 1947 for having done the best job in the nation in promoting their "School of the Air." In 1954 Harry began TV Classroom in addition to the radio programs, which he continued as associate professor at Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston) until 1978. Brawley left the stations in 1965 to become Executive Secretary of the West Virginia Educational Broadcast Authority. (He is now retired.)

WBES-FM, sister station of WCHS went on the air September 16, 1969 at 96.1 mhz, 50 kw stereo. Located in the same building, 1111 Virginia St., E. in Charleston, it went on the air with a Beautiful Music format, until it was changed to "Warm 96" in 1988, with call letters changed to WVNS (West Virginia Ninety-Six). General Manager of both stations is now Jim Nesbit. At one time he worked for Rollins Communications, traveling coast-to-coast to various Rollins stations, including WCHS in Charleston.

Radio Station War Is Waged in Public

WOBU Charges Huntington Unit is Trying to “Hog” Air Channel for Self

The wavelength fight of WSAZ, Huntington radio station, and WOBU, Charleston station, came into the open with a statement issued Friday by Walter Fredericks, owner and operator of WOBU, in which it is charged that the Huntington station is endeavoring to force WOBU out of existence in order to obtain its wavelength of 580 kilocycles.

Three endeavors, Mr. Fredericks says in his statement, have been made to force him to relinquish the wavelength.

His statement follows, in part:

“...In view of the fact that we are now forced to defend the interests of Charleston radio listeners and the possible continuation of public service the following exact statement of facts are released for the information of the public.

“Early in January, 1930, the manager of station WSAZ, Huntington, W. Va., approached station WOBU asking that the facilities of WOBU be sold and conveyed to WSAZ, with the statement that they wished to acquire control of our frequency of 580 kilocycles and to operate full time, either closing down WOBU or operating it an hour or two a day at such times when they did not wish to broadcast in Huntington. In other words, any time that Huntington did not want would be given to operation of WOBU Charleston. The management of WOBU point blank refused....

“The Huntington management then came back a second time seeking to lease the station or compel us by intimidation to sell to them.

“They came back a third time, and stated that if we would not sell out nor lease the station, they were going to use ‘rough shod’ methods and leave no stone unturned to force us off the air, fair means or foul.

“...they endeavored to discredit Charleston and its radio station.

“They applied for higher power and a different wave length, all of which has been refused by the federal radio commission.

“Station WSAZ, Huntington, now seeks to force WOBU off the air and appropriate the 580 kilocycle frequency, without regard or fairness to the city of Charleston....

“Many radio receivers in Charleston are unable to even hear WSAZ on the air, others cannot hear them with any satisfaction or quality, so that particularly during the spring and summer months WOBU is the only station which can be heard and enjoyed free form disturbances and static in this region.

“The time has now come for the citizens of Charleston to protect their own interests, to assert themselves and not permit the capital city of the state to be deprived of its radio facilities, afforded morning, afternoon and evening each day. There is no reason why there cannot continue the division of time on the 580 kilocycle frequency, without either station desiring to ‘hog’ the air. With radio frequencies and facilities at a premium throughout the United States, Charleston will never again be afforded a local station if Huntington is permitted to arbitrarily force the capital city off the air.

“Station WOBU, which for nearly three years has been serving in all matters of civic, religious, educational as well as entertainment purposes, affording regular and efficient service, and which has just recently spent some thousands of dollars in modern transmission improvements, employs a force of six employees regularly and over 100 staff artists each week, with holdings of over $25,000.00 in the community, the loss of which would prove a distinct loss to the city and state.”

High-Frequency Station Sought

The Charleston Broadcasting Co. has applied to the federal communications commission for permission to construct frequency modulation broadcasting station, Howard Chernoff, managing director of the West Virginia network, said Wednesday.

Frequency modulation, a new type of broadcasting with which 15 or 20 stations in the U. S. are currently experimenting, tends to avoid static and interference. This company is believed to be the first in West Virginia to apply for such a station.

The Charleston company will apply for 50,000 watts and plans to cover all of southern West Virginia from the new station, which will be entirely separate from WCHS, Mr. Chernoff explained. Since the new broadcasting is of such a refined nature, it is doubtful that even the WCHS studios can be used. The new station will call for an investment of about $200,000.

From the FCC microfiche files, November 8, 1994.

                                     WCHS

 8/16/27  Granted a C.P. for a new station on 1120kc with 50 watts,
          unlimited, at Charleston, West Virginia.

 11/1/27  Date first licensed.  The licensee was Charleston Radio
          Broadcasting Co. (an unincorporated Assn.)  Walter Fredericks,
          Station Manager.  The first listed station location was
          Charleston, WV.  The first listed call letters were WOBU.

 4/11/28  Granted a C.P. for 1120kc, 250 watts, and change of station
          location to "On hill outside city limits, Charleston, W.VA."

 5/22/28  Granted 1120kc with 250 watts.


 11/1/28  Reallocated to 580kc with 250 watts, shared with WSAZ.

 4/19/29  Studio location changed to Hotel Huffner, Charleston, WV.

 5/29/30  Vol. assign. of lic. to WOBU Inc.

 6/26/31  Granted 580kc, 250 watts, 500 watts LS, shared with WSAZ.

 3/21/33  Granted 580kc, 250 watts, 500 watts LS, unlimited, using the
          facilities of WSAZ, Huntington, WV, eff. 4/4/33.

11/10/33  Granted Conditional Authority to operate on 580kc with an
          additional 250 watts at night, unlimited.

 2/15/34  The call letters changed to WCHS.

 4/13/34  Granted 580kc, 500 watts, unlimited.

  5/4/34  Vol. mod. of lic. to change the name of the licensee to Charleston
          Broadcasting Corp.

  6/1/34  Granted 580kc, 500 watts, 1kw LS, unlimited.

10/27/36  Vol. assign. of lic. to Charleston Broadcasting Co.

 6/20/39  Granted a C.P. for 580kc, 500 watts, 5kw LS.  License to cover the
          C.P. granted 11/6/39.

 7/16/40  Granted a C.P. for 580kc, 5kw DA-N.  License to cover the C.P.
          granted 1/30/41.

 3/24/41  Under NARBA, they remained on 580kc with 5kw DA-N.

10/13/41  Application made for change of freq. to 640kc and increase of
          power 50kw.  Dismissed 5/29/42 at the request of the attorney.
          Petition to reinstate denied 6/20/44.

11/30/49  Vol. assign. of lic. to The Tierney Co., eff. 1/16/50.

  5/1/56  Invol. transfer of cont. of lic. corp. from Lewis C.  Tierney to
          Kanawha Banking and Trust Co. and Mrs. Helen Scott
          Tierney,co-Executors of the Estate of Lewis C.  Tierney, deceased,
          eff. 3/26/56.

 5/16/56  Vol. transfer of cont. of lic. corp. to H.D. Battle, Voting
          Trustee.

 9/28/60  Vol. assign. of lic. to C-B-T, Inc., eff. 11/1/60.

 3/23/61  Vol. mod. of lic. to change the name of the licensee to WCHS-AM-TV
          Corp.

 4/27/73  Vol. assign. of lic. to Rollins Broadcasting of Delaware, Inc.,
          eff. 4/30/73.

Frank Annand

Frank Annand, 78, of Charleston died on Sept. 5, 1998 at home after a long illness.

He was retired from the state Department of Highways and was a member of St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Charleston. He was an Army veteran of World War 11, a longtime resident of Charleston and was a member of Lions Club and Kanawha Players. He was a former on-air personality for WCHS radio and television stations.

Surviving: wife, Shirley Spradlin Annand; daughters, Kati Lyon of South Charleston, Mollie Hunter of Tucson, Arziz, Megan Annand of Charleston; sons, Stephen D of Charleston, Michael of Wilmington, N.C., John of Portland, Ore, Frank "Jay" of Atlanta; sister, Julia Grier of Woodbridge, Va; 16 grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

Services will be 2pm, Wednesday at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, Charleston, with Rev. Knute Jacobson Officiating. Burial in St Matthews Columbarium. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Kanawha Hospice care or St. Matthews Episcopal Church. Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Homes, Charleston, is in charge of arrangements.

[Additional notes - After leaving WCHS for the State Highway Department, Frank did part time/fill in work at WTIP/WTIO. Frank’s wife, Shirley, was also in radio. Her career spanned over 30 years at WTIP/WTIO and is most remembered by her noontime talk show and talent. She was the female voice on most of the commercials you would hear on WTIP/WTIO in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Shirley is retired, very active with the Charleston Light Opera Guild and still will be heard on Charleston radio, from time to time. Information courtesy of Mark Aulabaugh]

S. W. (Cap) Pritchard, 68 Veteran Radio Star, Dies

This obituary appeared in the Charleston Gazette on July 8, 1957.

Samuel Warren Caplinger Pritchard, 68, well-known Charleston radio announcer of the "Cap, Andy and Flip" trio died yesterday of a heart attack. Labeled "Mr. Folk Music," Pritchard had been a figure of the Charleston radio scene for 21 years. He had organized the "Cap, Andy and Flip" team in Akron, Ohio, and his group came to Charleston in 1936. "Cap" first broadcast over station WCHS for 12 years. In 1949, he moved to WKNA where he was heard for four years as the star and proprietor of "Cap's Trading Post," and "Saturday in the Valley."

A Lover of America's folk songs, gospel music and country music,he also was with station WGKV for about two years where he continued his homespun type program. Pritchard retired from radio about a year ago.

He was born on a small farm near Parkersburg. He left the farm when he was 18 and moved to Akron, where he worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. until he organized the "Cap, Andy and Flip" trio in 1928.

Pritchard, who resided at 1314 E. Virginia St. was stricken at his home and was dead on arrival at Charleston General hospital.

He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and was active in civic and charitable promotions.

Surviving are his wife, Evelyn; four sons, Warren of Akron, Omer of Big Chimney, Kenneth of Charleston, and Raymond, with the Air Force in Arizona; three daughters, Mrs. Kay Wilson of Fairmont, Mrs. Violet Vandergrift of Parkersburg, and Beechie of Phoenix, Arizona; four sisters, Mrs. Robert Runion and Mrs. C. C. Holmes, both of Akron, Ohio, Mrs. Sam Emrick of Belpre, Ohio and Mrs. Rosa Nicholas of Parkersburg; and two brothers, Everett of Akron; and Ralph of Parkersburg; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Charleston Seventh Day Adventist Church by Rev. Ben J. Mondics. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park at St. Albans.

The body will remain at Simpson-Chandler mortuary until one hour prior to the service.

Other Notes

An April 1931 newspaper adevertisement for WOBU shows F. Beckley Smith as general manager, J. Stanley Stephens as sales manager, and Bernard B. Beane as announcer.

Heterodyning in the Hills - The WOBU Story

Prepared by
James Martin Owston
December 16, 1989
HIST 550, History of the Prohibition Era
Dr. Richard Morton
West Virginia College of Graduate Studies

PREFACE

The author expresses heartfelt appreciation to Robert H. Fredericks for providing necessary data and details, to Mrs. Walter Fredericks for her hospitality and for being receptive to the project, allowing me to peruse documents and photographs, to Jeff Miller for knowing more about West Virginia radio than anyone else, and to Richard and Deborah Fauss, of the Archives section in the Cultural Center, for being extremely helpful and interested in the truth.

Apologies are extended to the West Virginia Broadcasters Association. I believe their work was a long overdue noble gesture, but, sadly it is filled with many inaccuracies and contradictions. Journalists and broadcasters have many times (and rightfully so) been accused of misrepresenting the facts. We, of all people, need to be extra careful in the dissemination of information. For as Marshall McLuhan so appropriately stated "the medium is the message." (Head, Broadcasting in America, p. 506)

The pursuit of truth has prompted this researcher to replace tertiary and secondary sources, when available, with those that are of a primary nature.

Finally, this account is dedicated to Walter Fredericks (1894-1974), a man with a vision towards the future.

I. INTRODUCTION

History has devoted little space to Charleston, West Virginia radio station WOBU. The written account of what would eventually become WCHS-AM is often riddled with error. The 1989 publication of Broadcasting in West Virginia, A History inaccurately records the early years of this pioneer radio station. The book, which was written by the West Virginia Broadcasters Association, focuses only a portion of one paragraph to WOBU.

"WCHS-AM Radio went on the air September 15, 1927 at 580 khz. [sic] The station was the third station in West Virginia to go on the air. Its first call letters were actually WOBU, with the first location being the Ruffner Hotel on Kanawha Boulevard. It was founded by Walter Fredericks who had an electric shop, but couldn't sell radios with no local stations. [sic] So he built one, later calling it WCHS (acronym for Charleston). Fredericks was a contractor who built homes in the Charleston area for many years." (1)

WOBU was not West Virginia's third radio station. It did not sign on the air on September 15, 1927. Its initial studio location was not in the Ruffner Hotel. Walter Fredericks did not later name the facility WCHS and its first broadcast did not originate on WCHS-AM's current frequency of 580 kHz. (2)

Clearly, an accurate portrayal of this very important radio station is needed. An account that not only depicts WOBU's historical record, but describes radio's impact in the 1920s on West Virginians.

II. WEST VIRGINIA'S THIRD RADIO STATION?

History generally cites the November 2, 1920 broadcast of the Harding-Cox election returns by KDKA in Pittsburgh as the genesis of commercial broadcasting. (3) However, KDKA was not the first station on the air. KQW in San Jose, California started broadcasting in 1909 and followed a regular schedule in 1912. (4) New Rochelle, New York's amateur station 2ZK broadcast music on a regular schedule in 1916. (5) Even in KDKA's hometown of Pittsburgh, station KQV had an earlier sign on date of 1919. (6) The importance placed on KDKA (former amateur station 8XK) is that it was the first station to be licensed by the United States Commerce Department specifically for commercial broadcasting. (7) Radio was no longer a toy for the amateur broadcasters, radio would become an entertainment medium and a business that would permeate into every state of the nation, including West Virginia.

When consulting a copy of Broadcasting-Cablecasting Yearbook, it would be easy to surmise that what is now WCHS-AM was West Virginia's third radio station. Current editions of the yearbook list only 2 older radio stations: WRVC-AM (formerly WSAZ) Huntington and WWVA Wheeling. (8) However, the Broadcasting-Cablecasting Yearbook only lists stations that have continued broadcasting to the present.

Ironically, Broadcasting, which identifies WOBU as the third radio station in the state, also lists seven radio stations being licensed in West Virginia from 1922 to 1925. (9) The first, WHD in Morgantown was licensed by the Commerce Department on March 16, 1922. (10) Little is known concerning this facility except that it continued broadcasting through 1923. (11) West Virginia native and broadcast historian, Jeff Miller suggests that WHD was probably licensed to the Science Department of West Virginia University and was sporadically operated by students. (12)

WHAJ in Bluefield was started by brothers Jim and Hugh Shott, Jr. in 1922. Operating out of their father's office in the Bluefield Daily Telegraph, the Shotts infrequently broadcast live and recorded music. When battery acid spilled on a treasured rug belonging to their father, Hugh I. Shott, Sr. suspended their operations. The Shott brothers would return to broadcasting in 1929 with WHIS. (13)

Other early stations included WAAO Charleston (1922-1923), WAAR Huntington (1922-1923), WPAZ Charleston (1922 or 1923-1925), WHAK Clarksburg (1922 or 1923-1925) and WIBR Weirton (licensed to Thurman A. Owings: 1925). (14) Information is lacking concerning these stations. Even when WOBU signed on the air in 1927, Walter Fredericks, the licensee, and the Charleston newspapers may have been ignorant of the Kanawha Valley's two previous stations: WAAO and WPAZ. The Charleston Gazette recorded "Radio Station WOBU, Charleston's first radio station will go on the air. . .tonight." (15) Jeff Miller suggests that the other stations, including WAAR and WPAZ, "could have operated for only a short period of time, been on the air for a limited broadcast schedule, or an amateur's unsuccessful brief encounter with commercial broadcasting. (16) Miller also hypothesized that "these stations were licensed to individuals, call letters assigned, yet never went on the air." (17) Prior to 1925, West Virginia newspapers, the various city directories, and editions of the West Virginia Legislative Hand Book and Manual ignored the subject of local radio stations. The particulars of these outlets can only be conjecture.

On December 6, 1926, the Commerce Department granted Wheeling physics teacher John C. Stroebel permission to broadcast with fifty watts of power on 860 kHz. (18) Within ten days, WWVA Wheeling was on the air. (19) During WWVA's first year of operation, Stroebel broadcast from his home on Sunday mornings starting at 2:15 AM for a short period of time, Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 3:00 PM and Monday evenings 7:30 to 11:00 PM. (20) In April 1927, WSAZ Pomeroy, Ohio moved to Huntington. (21) Glenn E. Chase, owner of Chase Electric Company, signed the station on the air on October 16, 1923. In February 1927, Chase leased the station's equipment to Huntington's McKellar Electric Company. (22) The station's power change from 50 to 100 watts, frequency change from 1230 kHz to 1240 kHz, and change of location occurred prior to the formation of the Federal Radio Commission and were unauthorized by the government. (23) Both WWVA and WSAZ would later figure into developments at Charleston's WOBU.

When Fredericks signed on WOBU, it was at least the tenth station to be assigned a broadcast license in West Virginia. However of the facilities that remain, WCHS-AM (the former WOBU) is the state's third oldest in existence. WOBU would become the third permanent station in West Virginia.

III. WOBU: ONE MAN'S DREAM COME TRUE

Walter Fredericks, personal secretary to Charleston real estate magnate S. A. Moore, had a dream to put music across the airwaves and not just talk. Fredericks, according to his son Robert, had played in orchestras and bands throughout Kentucky and Ohio as well as having published a book of his original poetry. It was natural that he would take advantage of the new medium sweeping the country. (24) In 1926, Fredericks started the Charleston Radio Supply Company operating out of the Moore Building at 1021 Quarrier Street. (25) At the time Fredericks started his business, eleven other radio dealers existed in Charleston. (26)

Charleston Radio Supply Company sold Crosley brand radios, from the small battery sets with headphones to, as Robert Fredericks relates, "the super-duper console type with vacuum tubes and loudspeakers." (27) To give that personal, competitive edge, Walter Fredericks would travel to perspective customers residence in the afternoon, string a wire antenna, set up the battery powered receiver, and wait till nightfall to tune in distant radio stations. (28) An advertisement confirms Fredericks desire to satisfy his customer: "Our expert will call at your home. . .to test and adjust your Atwater Kent or Crosley Radio receiver, without charge. This service will be rendered to all Atwater Kent and Crosley owners regardless of where you purchased your receiver. (29)

In 1927, Walter Fredericks applied to the newly formed Federal Radio Commission for permission to start a broadcasting facility in Charleston. Former WOBU newsman Sol Padlibsky wrote in his Charleston Daily Mail column that "Charleston got its first radio station because Mr. Fredericks, then in the radio business, had to find more outlets for his merchandise. (30) On June 16, 1927, Fredericks signed an agreement with S. A. Moore to lease additional space in the Moore Building for the Charleston Radio Broadcasting Company. (31) According to his son, the elder Fredericks could not get sufficient financial backing for this new project. (32) This would lead to a termination of additional rental space. In a letter to Moore, dated August 30, 1927, Walter Fredericks apologized by saying "I am sorry to advise that due to the fact that financial arrangements have not been completed on the Charleston Radio Broadcasting matter, and due to the absence of finances, the matter cannot be carried on further until I dig this money up myself. (33) Fredericks, eventually, received a loan from Kanawha Valley Bank and his dream would soon be reality. (34)

Both Broadcasting in West Virginia, A History and the Broadcasting-Cablecasting Yearbook list September 15, 1927 as the station's sign on date. (35) WOBU, however, would not take to the air until nearly a month later. A September 20th advertisement for the Charleston Radio Supply Company states that it was the "home of Radio Station WOBU - now under construction." (36) Broadcast historian, Jeff Miller suggests that the September 15th date was "probably the date the Federal Radio Commission granted WOBU's license." (37) Of his father, Robert H. Fredericks states that "he probably put the station on the air even before he got his license." (37) No matter what date is given, WOBU would officially take to the airwaves at 7:00 PM on Columbus Day and Walter Fredericks would repay the Kanawha Valley Bank within thirty days. (38)

IV. RADIO FANS WITHIN A THOUSAND MILES

On October 12, 1927, The Charleston Daily Mail reported "Radio fans within a radius of 1,000 miles tonight will be hearing, if their dials are properly adjusted, the words: "This is WOBU at Charleston, West Virginia." (40) The Charleston Gazette announced that WOBU would "go on the air at 7 o'clock tonight, barring unforeseen accidents." (41) The originating studios were in the Moore Building with a wire strung antenna across the structure. (42) The public was invited to tune to 1120 kilocycles (now known as kiloHertz or kHz) for this first broadcast. Installation engineers urged "all Charleston radio fans whose sets are not extremely selective to disconnect the set from the antenna and then tune in on the station with the idea of hearing the station programs which come in from a distance." They also advised that "to get the station too loud will spoil the reception." (43)

Both Charleston daily newspapers listed the schedule for WOBU's initial broadcast. Lutheran minister, Rev. Harold Rose would deliver the invocation. L. E. Hoke of the City School of Music introduced Charleston Mayor W. W. Wertz. WOBU's first musical selection was "Hail West Virginia," performed by the WOBU Orchestra featuring a solo by Billy Burke. The remainder of the evening would consist of impromptu speeches by Governor Howard M. Gore and Senator Walter B. Hallanan and other musical selections.

Scheduled performers, besides Burke and the WOBU Orchestra, that night included:

Solo vocalists: Perli Barti, G. Holt Steck, Mrs. Potten, and Mrs. Jack Goldstein,

Solo violinists: Dorothy Smith and Betty Williams,

Sax and accordion Duo: Stanley Gill and Bill Schadel,

The WOBU Trio, The WOBU Happy Harmonizing Four, and Professor L. E. Hoke on Piano,

The evening's closing number of "West Virginia Hills" was promised to be used as the conclusion to every broadcast. (44) Though currently, no documentation exists concerning how far away WOBU's inaugural program would be heard, Walter Fredericks would receive confirmation of the signal from a distance of over a thousand miles.

Distant AM radio signals travel far distances during night, this is due to the hardening of the upper ionosphere when it cools. The lack of solar radiation, causes favorable conditions for slow moving AM signals to bounce off of the ionosphere. (45) WOBU would receive long distance confirmation letters even when they only broadcast with fifty watts of power. Conditions were extremely favorable on the morning of June 6, 1928. WOBU received two confirmation letters both requesting an Ekko reception stamp. The Ekko company sold a stamp album for "dxers" (long distance listeners) to obtain a reception verification from the station and thus attempt to fill up their album. (46)

C. S. Morgan of East 179th Street in New York City writes: "Were you dedicating a new station, Sunday January 6 at 1:10 AM E. S. T. with "Hail, Hail the Gangs All Here?" "Static was wicked." (47)

William Weber of Brooklyn, New York comments "On January 6, 1928 at 2:05 A. M., Eastern Standard, I heard your station. . . broadcasting. . . Orchestra playing "Turkey in the Straw." "Announcer regretted that he did not have two more hour's time, but due to batteries heating the filament of the tubes, the time was exhausted and had to sign off." (48)

Alvin Nebb of Belleville, Illinois writes concerning January 8, 1928: "I tuned in on your station tonight about 10:30 PM and your reception was good. I heard you announce your contest in which you are awarding the most distant party tuning in on your station, a dynamic speaker and therefore I am one to enter that contest." (49)

Within a year after the initial broadcast, WOBU would receive federal authorization to increase power to 250 watts. (50) The new power would generate further long distance listeners.

A. H. Fasolas of Turtle Creek, PA responded on January 7, 1929: "At 12:15 early Sunday morning I heard your station for the first time and sure did enjoy the program. I heard the oldtimer musicians play "Turkey in the Straw." The reception was clear and loud. Will tune in your station often." (51)

L. S.. Cranse of Summit, N. J. commented concerning the same morning: "Picked up your station early Sunday morning, January 6th, and heard "Kiss Me Again," at 1:32 A. M. E. S. T. (52)

Ione Hunker of Superior, Wisconsin was also listening: "I tuned your station in about midnight last night. There was some static but otherwise it came in good. The orchestra was best on the air. The chief surly knows his music. I am in hopes I will get to hear the orchestra real often." (53)

By 1930, the most westerly report would come from Chula Vista, CA, the most easterly and northern from Halifax, Nova Scotia and the most southerly confirmation was from Havana, Cuba. (54)

V. THE DREAM CONTINUES

Within several months following the initial broadcast, an early morning fire forced Walter Fredericks to move his studios and transmitter. The studio and offices relocated to the mezzanine of the Ruffner Hotel. The new studios were made soundproof with the walls covered in green burlap drapes. (55) The transmitter and antenna was moved to a building on John Moore's property on Ferry Branch Road (the present location of Oakwood Road and Corridor "G"). (56) Walter Fredericks and the musicians would dress in tuxedos to perform for an invisible audience. (57)

The studios were much like modern day radio stations with a double turntable set-up. This was used, primarily, for transcription broadcasts. (58) Since WOBU was not a network affiliate, transcription programs were scheduled. This gave Fredericks a break and provided programming when live music was not available. (59) From 11:15 to 11:25 AM, "Aunt Sammy's Housekeeper's Chat," a transcription disc, gave recipes, explained the National School Lunch Program and provided canning tips for housewives. (60)

The Meadows Manufacturing Company hosted, the weekly program, "The Sunny Meadows Show." Meadows would provide music from Ray Miller and his Orchestra with classic songs of the period as "The Royal Garden Blues," "You're the Cream in My Coffee," and "Digadigadoo." Interspersed within the show were advertisements for the Meadows Eight Speed Washing Machine. The announcer's pitch included gems as "have happiness fifty-two weeks a year" and "You can't appreciate what money can buy until you have seen the Meadows Eight Speed Washer demonstrated." "Your Meadows dealer would cheerfully demonstrate the product in your home." (61)

Other products advertised on WOBU would include local businesses as Piggly Wiggly, Krogers, and Charleston area Dodge, Chevrolet and Packard dealerships. (62) Kanawha Cash Grocery provided an innovative form of advertising. Listeners were invited to submit jingles to the radio station with the hope of winning a prize. Several examples were found among Walter Frederick's personal papers.

When I was buying on credit
We was always on the rocks
My husband couldn't save enough
To buy him a pair of socks
but now I'm buying at the Kanawha Cash
At South Charleston, it isn't far
And next year we will save enough
to buy ourselves a car."

Mrs. Wirt Runner
St. Albans (63)

When you give your boy some money,
Take a peep and you will see,
Down the street he'll swiftly hasten
to the store called K. C. G.
There you find the choicest groceries,
cheapest prices in the town.
With a courteous smile they great you
never with a snarl or frown.

July 7, 1929
D. E. Tinsley
St. Albans (64)

I'm a K. C. G. booster, I crow like a rooster
And I tell everyone, so I do.
To go to their store and you'll always go more
And if you don't deal at Orts, you ought to."

July 2, 1929
Mrs. Lizzie Johnson
East Bank, WV (65)

Besides transcription programs, live services from various churches and the Union Mission could be heard weekly on WOBU. (66) A broadcast schedule dated January 19, 1930 lists "Report: Charleston Police Department" scheduled from 11:01 to 11:05 AM. (67) Robert Fredericks explained that his father "frequently aired messages intended for Charleston city police cars equipped with AM radios." He adds that the "aerials for these early car radios were wire strung between insulators attached to the underside of the running boards. "When rain or snow hit those wires - that was it." (68) Fredericks not only provided a service to the local police department, WOBU was the only outside communication source to hundreds stranded by high water during the July 4, 1929 Elk River flood. (69)

WOBU was a haven for many talented performers in the Kanawha Valley. Always innovative, Fredericks added "Dickey," the trained canary, to the lineup of the program "Old Mountain Ballads." "Dickey" received as many fan letters as his human co-hosts, the Kessinger Brothers and Raymond Kiefer. (70) As his son recalls, Walter Fredericks was pretty proud of his station - he put all of what he had into it." (71) WOBU was a success, however, outside forces would challenge Fredericks and he would divorce himself from the broadcast industry.

VI. THE END OF A DREAM

Walter Fredericks' dream began to crumble with increased Federal Radio Commission regulations. On November 11, 1928, the Commission forced an extensive frequency reallocation plan upon American broadcasters. With the reassignment of stations, WSAZ in Huntington would share broadcast time with WOBU on 580 kHz. Within a month, WSAZ would also raise power to 250 watts. (72) This allowed WSAZ to have the 580 kHz frequency part of the day and then the remaining time belonged to WOBU. Early WOBU broadcast schedules indicate that the station was on the air during the following time periods:

Monday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 12 Noon
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Monday Wednesday and Friday
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Tuesday and Thursday
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Saturday
9:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Sunday
11:00 AM to 12 Noon
5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. (73)

During the late twenties, Fredericks considered investing in Wheeling station WWVA. However, the great distance between the two cities, compounded with the lack of a good direct travel route, were influential in his decision to turn down the offer. (76) On July 1, 1929, WWVA was sold to the West Virginia Broadcasting Corporation who was granted permission to move the station to Charleston and set up studios in the Daniel Boone Hotel. WOBU fought this proposed change and won; WWVA would remain in Wheeling. (77) Arguments for this proposed change may or may not have occurred while Fredericks owned the station. The West Virginia Broadcasting Corporation owned WWVA from July 1, 1929 to March 19, 1931. (78) With increased pressure from WSAZ (and possibly WWVA) Fredericks sold WOBU to the Long family, owners of the Huntington Publishing Company. The Long's also controlled a large interest in WSAZ. (79) An agreement was signed by Fredericks on May 12, 1930 that guaranteed three investors a return on their involvement. This granted both his former employer S. A. Moore and banker M. E. Moore, each $750.; banker A. R. Eckman would receive $500. (80) By June 1, 1930, WOBU was under the control of its new owners. (81) Robert Fredericks relates that the WSAZ conflict, compounded by the depression, gave his father the opportunity to divest his interest at the best possible time. To remain in the business, he would take the chance of "getting bigger or getting covered up completely." (82) The facility would remain as WOBU until late 1932 or early 1933 when the call letters were changed to WCHS. (83)

VII. WOBU'S IMPACT UPON THE COMMUNITY

In an early 1929 edition of Radio Digest-Illustrated, the article "WOBU Livens Up A Dead Spot" stated why a station was needed in West Virginia's capital which "boasted the distinction of being the richest city in the U. S." "None of the powerful stations could be heard before dark and their night programs seemed to have an awful struggle to reach. . .Charleston." "Besides, the moonshiners in the mountain(s) began to complain they were too busy to come out. . .to get the news and such, so there had to be a local station." (84) Robert Fredericks adds that radio was popular because it "beat story telling and looking at the moon. . .it's human interaction." (85)

The popularity of the medium is witnessed in a combined effort by Charleston area radio dealers from September 5th through the 7th, 1929. The dealers united to present a "Radio Show" at the Charleston Armory. Twenty five different radio models would be displayed and they would give away approximately a thousand dollars worth of prizes. The show was augmented by performances by "radio artists." Performers included national stars as Dancin' Eddie "Clayton" Jones of Hollywood and Vocalion recording artists The Reynolds Brothers, as well as, a host of local artists familiar to WOBU listeners. Area talent would include Gill and Schadel, Bill Cox and (at this time) "Charleston's only phonograph recording artists," The Kessinger Brothers. (86)

Walter Fredericks would encourage talent and several of WOBU's performers would achieve greater fame. The Kessinger Brothers (Clark and Luches) recorded fifty-eight songs for the Brunswick Company and Clark Kessinger released twelve solo fiddle tunes for Vocalion. (87) Pianist Bill Fogelsong, who performed as a thirteen year old on WOBU's "Children's Hour," would later be a member of the Dell Staton Trio. The trio would appear on Ed Sullivan's "Toast of the Town" and "Arthur Godfrey's Friends." (88)

The most popular Charleston area recording artist was Bill Cox. Robert Fredericks comments that "Bill was a reprobate from the word go." "To get him to perform, the first thing you would have to do, would be to sober him up." (89) It was because of his reputation for not showing up for scheduled live radio shows that Walter Fredericks suggested that he make some records that could be played in his absence. Like his mentor Jimmie Rodgers, "The Singing Brakeman," Bill Cox would also take a nickname - "The Dixie Songbird." Between 1929 and 1940, Cox would record a least 148 sides (sixty of those would be with Cliff Hobbs). (90) During the depression years, he would record under his own name on the Gennett, Perfect and Columbia labels while using the pseudonyms Luke Baldwin (for Champion) and Charley Blake (for Supertone), no doubt, to maximize his exposure and income. (91) Comedy songs like "Alimony Woman" (Champion 16254 A) and "Don't Ever Marry A Widow" (Test pressing 1/8/31) are examples of his wit and his musical talent, featuring guitar, harmonica, vocal and yodeling. (92) Cox's closest brush with national fame happened when numerous artists recorded his song "Sparklin' Brown Eyes." Tex Ritter would even sing it in a film. (93) Ritter would later display Bill Cox's beat-up guitar in the Country Music Hall of Fame. (94) Shortly before his death in 1968, Cox was living in a shack in a Charleston slum. (95)

By the end of 1928, other stations were exerting their influence in West Virginia. Fifty watt WIBR would move across the Ohio River to Steubenville and share time on 1420 kHz with Weirton's newer, sixty watt outlet, WQBJ (owned by John Raikes). J. H. Thompson was operating WQBZ in Clarksburg (sixty-five watts at 1200 kHz). On December 22, 1928, the Holt-Rowe Novelty Company of Fairmont signed on WMMN (operating with 500 watts at 890 kHz). At the beginning of 1929, Wheeling's WWVA was operating with five thousand watts of power and sharing time with WOWO in Fort Wayne, Indiana. (96) By Spring, Bluefield's WHIS would be on the air sharing time with Roanoke, Virginia's WRBX (1420 kHz). (97)

The 1930 U. S. Census lists the percentage of families that own radio sets. For the entire country, 40.3 percent of the population owned a radio. West Virginia's figures can be compared to its neighboring states as follows:

According to the Radio Digest-Illustrated, of these states, only Kentucky had less radio stations than West Virginia. (99) West Virginia's stations were younger than those found in the five other states. (100) Only Virginia and Kentucky have similar rural populations. Therefore, by comparing West Virginia to Virginia (which has more urban areas, more radio stations and older radio stations), the stations within West Virginia were more influential than those in neighboring rural states.

Eighteen West Virginia Counties exhibited a higher percentage of radio sets that the state's average (23.3%). Certain Mountain State stations would exert more influence. This can be inferred by a higher percentage of radio sets listed in neighboring counties. The following counties have a greater than average percentage of receivers:

NONE is defined as no radio station in that or an adjacent county. Because of the short air mile distance between Wheeling and Hancock County, WWVA's influence extends to this non-adjacent county. Likewise, Preston County was affected by WMMN. WTBO is a Cumberland, Maryland station (50 watts at 1420 kHz). (102)

The four counties that did not appear to be directly influenced by any radio station are border counties. While WOBU, WSAZ, WQBZ and WHIS show no influence outside of their respective counties, WWVA and WMMN affected neighboring counties. WQBJ Weirton's two county effectiveness is negligible; Weirton is in both Brooke and Hancock. Only assumptions can be made for the reasons for WWVA and WMMN's strength. Both were more powerful, existed in less mountainous terrain, and their time share relationship. WMMN did not share its frequency and WWVA only shared at night with distant WOWO. (103)

Of the state three most populous cities, Charleston had a higher percentage of receivers than Huntington.

Even with nominal power, a time share arrangement with WSAZ, and mountainous terrain of the state's largest county, WOBU would cause a significant portion of the population to buy a radio. WOBU launched the careers of several performers. The history of Walter Fredericks' dream, WOBU, is an important part of past West Virginia social culture. An influence that is felt today with the operation of WCHS and the other AM, FM and television stations located within the Kanawha Valley.

FOOTNOTES

1 Martha Jane Becker and Marilyn Fletcher, Broadcasting in West Virginia: A History (South Charleston, WV: West Virginia Broadcasters Association, 1989), p. 46.

2 Ibid., p. i. To be fair, The West Virginia Broadcasters Association stated that they could not guarantee the accuracy of their publication.

3 Sydney W. Head, Broadcasting in America, 3rd ed. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1976), p. 109.

4 Ibid., p. 112.

5 Ibid.

6 Broadcasting Publications, Broadcasting-Cablecasting Yearbook 1985. (Washington, DC: Broadcasting Publications, 1985), p. B-232.

7 Sydney W. Head, Broadcasting in America,. p. 113.

8 Broadcasting Publications Broadcasting-Cablecasting Yearbook 1985 (Washington, DC: Broadcasting Publications, 1989), pp. B-322-326.

9 Martha Jane Becker and Marilyn Fletcher, Broadcasting in West Virginia: A History. pp. 28, 42.

10 Ibid. p. 28

11 Ibid.

12 interview with Jeff Miller, Broadcast Historian, Tampa FL (by telephone) 13 November 1989.

13 Martha Jane Becker and Marilyn Fletcher, Broadcasting in West Virginia: A History. p. 42.

14 Ibid. p. 28.

15 "WOBU to Take Air Tonight," The Charleston Gazette, 12 October 1927 p. 8.

16 Interview with Jeff Miller.

17 Ibid.

18 Martha Jane Becker and Marilyn Fletcher, Broadcasting in West Virginia: A History. p. 77.

19 R. L. Polk and Company, Polk's Wheeling (West Virginia) City Directory 1928 (Pittsburgh: R. L. Polk & Company, 1927), p. iv.

20. Ibid.

21 Broadcast Pro-file, Station Profile of WGNT. (Hollywood, CA: Broadcast Pro-file, 1973), p. 1.

22 Ibid.

23 Ibid.

24 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, Son of Walter Fredericks, Charleston, WV (by telephone) 18 November 1989.

25 R. L. Polk and Company, Polk's Wheeling Greater Charleston (Pittsburgh: R. L. Polk & Company, 1926), pp. 332-336, 885.

26 Virginia Gandy, ed., Charleston Business Directory 1924-1925 (Charleston, WV: Virginia Gandy, 1924) pp. 924-925.

27 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks.

28 ibid.

29 Walter Fredericks, "Charleston Radio Supply Advertisement," Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

30 Sol Padlibsky, "Of All Things," The Charleston Daily Mail, Undated clipping (circa 1954), among Walter Fredericks Collection. Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

31 Walter Fredericks, "Letter to S. A. Moore, 30 August 1927." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

32 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks.

33 Walter Fredericks, "Letter to S. A. Moore, 30 August 1927."

34 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks.

35 Martha Jane Becker and Marilyn Fletcher, Broadcasting in West Virginia: A History. p. 46.

36 Charleston Radio Supply Advertisement," The Charleston Gazette, 20 September 1927, p. 7.

37 Interview with Jeff Miller.

38 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks.

39 Ibid.

40 "Station WOBU to Go On Air Tonight," The Charleston Daily Mail, 12 October 1927, p. 4.

41 "WOBU to Take Air Tonight," The Charleston Gazette, 12 October 1927, p. 8.

42 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks.

43 "WOBU to Take Air Tonight," The Charleston Gazette, 12 October 1927, p. 8.

44 Ibid.

45 Frederick K. Lutgens and Edward J. Tarbuck, The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology, 4th ed. (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1989), pp. 24-25.

46 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from William Weber, 7 January 1928." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

47 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from C. S. Morgan, 7 January 1928." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

48 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from William Weber, 7 January 1928." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

49 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from Alvin Nebb, 8 January 1927." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

50 "WOBU Livens a Dead Spot," Radio Digest-Illustrated. No date is given because first 17 pages are missing. This magazine is in the possession of Mrs. Walter Fredericks. This is a Winter edition - probably January 1929] p. 69.

51 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from A. H. Fasolas, 7 January 1929." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

52 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from L. S. J. Cranse, 7 January 1929." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

53 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from Ione Hunker, 6 January 1929." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

54 "Bits O' Static From WOBU," Charleston Daily Mail. 19 January 1930, p. 3.

55 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, Son of Walter Fredericks Charleston, WV (in person) 7 December 1989.

56 Ibid.

57 Ibid.

58 Ibid.

59 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, Son of Walter Fredericks Charleston, WV (by telephone) 18 November 1989.

60 Walter Fredericks, "Letters to Aunt Sammy, 1929." Archives Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

61 "The Sunny Meadows Show," National Radio Advertising Company Transcription Broadcast for the Meadows Manufacturing Company. Circa 1930. Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

62 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, 18 November 1989.

63 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from Mrs. Wirt Runner, Circa 1929." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

64 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from Mrs. D. E. Tinsley, 7 July 1929." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

65 Walter Fredericks, "Letter from Mrs. Lizzie Johnson, 2 July 1929." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

66 Walter Fredericks, "WOBU Broadcast Schedule, Week of 19 January 1930." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

67 Ibid.

68 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, 18 November 1989.

69 Sol Padlibsky, "Of All Things," The Charleston Daily Mail, Undated clipping (circa 1954).

70 "Bits O' Static From WOBU," Charleston Daily Mail.

71 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, 18 November 1989.

72 Broadcast Pro-file, Station Profile of WGNT.

73 Walter Fredericks, "WOBU Broadcast Schedule, Week of 19 January 1930."

74 Paul May, "WOBU Station May Lose Place on Air," Charleston Daily Mail, 28 March 1930, p. 3.

75 Broadcast Pro-file, Station Profile of WGNT.

76 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, 7 December 1989.

77 Martha Jane Becker and Marilyn Fletcher, Broadcasting in West Virginia: A History. pp. 77-78.

78 Interview with Terri Phillips, Assistant Promotions Director WWVA, Wheeling, WV (by telephone) 7 December 1989.

79 Sol Padlibsky, "Of All Things," The Charleston Daily Mail, Undated clipping (circa 1954).

80 Walter Fredericks, "WOBU Sale Agreement, 12 May 1930." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

81 Walter Fredericks, "Notes on WOBU, May 1930." Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

82 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, 18 November 1989.

83 Charles Lively, ed., West Virginia Legislative Hand Book and Manual and Official Register (The Blue Book), 1933 (Charleston, WV: The State of West Virginia, 1933), p. 403.

84 "WOBU Livens a Dead Spot," Radio Digest- Illustrated.

85 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, 18 November 1989.

86 "Charleston's Own Radio Show," The Charleston Gazette, 4 September 1929, p. 6.

87 Ivan M. Tribe, Mountaineer Jamboree (Lexington, KY: The University Press of Kentucky, 1984), pp. 34.

88 Sol Padlibsky, "Of All Things," The Charleston Daily Mail, Undated clipping (circa 1954).

89 Interview with Robert H. Fredericks, 18 November 1989.

90 Ivan M. Tribe, Mountaineer Jamboree, pp. 35-36.

91 Jim Comstock, ed., The West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, vol. 23: West Virginia Songbag (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), pp. 176-177.

92 Luke Baldwin [Bill Cox], "Alimony Woman." Champion 16254 A, Circa 1930.

Bill Cox, "Don't Ever Marry A Widow," Test pressing 8 January, 1931.

93 Ivan M. Tribe, Mountaineer Jamboree, p. 36.

94 Jim Comstock, ed., The West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, vol. 23: West Virginia Songbag (Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974), pp. 176-177.

95 Ivan M. Tribe, Mountaineer Jamboree, pp. 36-37.

96 Radio Digest-Illustrated. pp. 100-103.

97 Martha Jane Becker and Marilyn Fletcher, Broadcasting in West Virginia: A History. p. 42.

98 Leon E. Truesdell, ed. Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930. Population, Vol. 6, Families (Washington D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1933), p. 53.

99 Radio Digest-Illustrated, pp. 102-103.

100 Broadcasting Publications, Broadcasting-Cablecasting Yearbook 1985, pp. 105-297.

101 M. S. Hodges, ed., West Virginia Legislative Hand Book and Manual and Official Register, 1931 (Charleston, WV: The State of West Virginia, 1931), p. 798.

102 Radio Digest-Illustrated. p. 102.

103 Ibid.

104 M. S. Hodges, ed., West Virginia Legislative Hand Book and Manual and Official Register, 1931, p. 791.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Baldwin, Luke [Bill Cox]. "Alimony Woman." Champion 16254. Circa 1930.

Becker, Martha Jane and Fletcher, Marilyn. Broadcasting in West Virginia: A History. South Charleston, WV: West Virginia Broadcasters Association, 1989.

Broadcasting Publications. Broadcasting-Cablecasting Yearbook 1985. Washington, DC: Broadcasting Publications, 1985.

Broadcasting Publications. Broadcasting-Cablecasting Yearbook 1989. Washington, DC: Broadcasting Publications, 1989.

The Charleston Daily Mail. 12 October 1927-28 March 1930.

The Charleston Gazette. 20 September-28 March 1930.

Charleston, WV. Archives, Department of Art and Education, Cultural Center. Walter Fredericks Collection.

Comstock, Jim, ed. The West Virginia Heritage Encyclopedia, vol. 23: West Virginia Songbag. Richwood, WV: Jim Comstock, 1974.

Cox, Bill. "Don't Ever Marry A Widow." Test pressing. 8 January, 1931.

Fredericks, Robert H., Son of Walter Fredericks. Charleston, WV. Personal Interview. 7 December 1989.

Fredericks, Robert H. , Son of Walter Fredericks. Charleston, WV. Telephone Interview. 18 November 1989.

Gandy, Virginia, ed., Charleston Business Directory 1924-1925. Charleston, WV: Virginia Gandy, 1924.

Hammond's Family Reference World Atlas. New York, NY: C. S. Hammond and Company. 1957.

Head Sydney W. Broadcasting in America, 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1976.

Hodges, M. S., ed. West Virginia Legislative Handbook and Manual and Official Register, 1931. Charleston, WV: The State of West Virginia, 1931.

Lively, Charles, ed. West Virginia Legislative Hand Book and Manual and Official Register (The Blue Book), 1933. Charleston, WV: The State of West Virginia, 1933.

Lutgens, Frederick K. and Tarbuck, Edward J. The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology, 4th ed. Inglewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1989.

Miller, Jeff. Broadcast Historian, Tampa, FL. Telephone Interview. 13 November 1989.

Padlibsky, Sol. "Of All Things," The Charleston Daily Mail. Undated clipping (circa 1954). among Walter Fredericks Collection. Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

Phillips, Terri. Assistant Promotions Director, WWVA. Wheeling, WV. Telephone Interview. 7 December 1989.

Polk, R. L. and Company. Polk's Greater Charleston Area Directory. Pittsburgh: R. L. Polk & Company, 1926.

Polk, R. L. and Company. Polk's Wheeling (West Virginia) City Directory 1928. Pittsburgh: R. L. Polk & Company, 1927.

Radio Digest-Illustrated. [No date is given because the first 17 pages are missing. This magazine is in the possession of Mrs. Walter Fredericks. This is a Winter edition - probably January 1929].

"Station Profile of WGNT." Broadcast Pro-file. Hollywood, CA: 1973.

"The Sunny Meadows Show," National Radio Advertising Company Transcription Broadcast for the Meadows Manufacturing Company. Circa 1930. Archives, Department of Education and the Arts, Cultural Center, Charleston, WV.

Tribe, Ivan M. Mountaineer Jamboree. Lexington, KY: The University Press of Kentucky, 1984.

Truesdell, Leon E., ed. Fifteenth Census of the United States: 1930, Population, Vol. 6, Families. Washington, D. C: Government Printing Office, 1933.