VOLUME 15               SEPTEMBER 1998                NUMBER  9

EDITOR'S COMMENTS

From Antique Radio Classified for September 1998
(Copyright 1996-8 by John V. Terrey - For personal use only.)

Getting out into the wider radio world is always an exhilarating experience. In the past month, your editor traveled to the West Coast where he attended for the first time the California Historical Radio Society swap meet and auction in Los Altos. The return trip included Radiofest in Elgin, Illinois -- a good place to get in touch with what goes on in "Radio Middle America."

As always, the exchange of ideas and general radio talk was stimulating. But, what was even more so was meeting many of you subscribers and contributing writers face-to-face. Out of that comes a real sense of the radio community -- an aspect of our avocation that can't be replaced by the internet.

Still, the major topic of conversation along the way was when -- not if -- A.R.C. ads will go online. The inevitability of that move with the times is clear. We are working out the details of how to implement the process in a way that is as fair as possible to all, so stay tuned, as A.R.C. takes antique radio into the 21st century.

Meanwhile, our lead article does what we collectors like most -- thrusts us back in time to earlier radio days. New York's Cortlandt St., the center of the well-known "Radio Row," is the subject of Francis Yonker's photo essay, resulting from his unearthing of negatives stashed away in his archives since the 1950s. The whole process of developing this article has been great fun for the A.R.C. staff -- from getting the best possible prints from the negatives to laying out the information in a comprehensive way. We hope you enjoy this journey through radioland in the mid-20th century.

Bill Horn's search for a chassis for his Pooley cabinet has evolved into an even bigger search for an answer to the question, "Did the well-known cabinetmaker ever make its own radios?" Bill looks for more corroboration of his theory that Pooley bought radios from other manufacturers and marketed them under its own name. Let's hear from more Pooley collectors.

In a short article, Richard Arnold describes the Crosley Model 181, which captured his interest because of its southwest design. Richard wonders if the radio had only regional appeal.

Andy Anderson's AC/DC radio repair article encourages the novice to tackle the non-working sets in his collection. Andy supplies many basic tips, and obviously conveys his own sense of satisfaction in the work.

To continue our 15th year celebration, we include another article from A.R.C.'s first year. The November 1984 issue contained current staff member Dave Crocker's first of almost two dozen articles on Crosley. Dave remains our resident expert on Crosley and many other radio collector topics.

We're beginning to think that Ray Chase's auction reports should have a new banner -- something like, "Chase Chases Auctions!" Ray's spring trip to Texas for the Lee Auction reported last month, and the Baughman Auction reported this month, was a big plus for all of us interested in auction action. This was a professionally handled, quality auction where radios alone totalled $44,000. Several items sold for over $1,000, including a Mid-Ray radio selling at $2,500.

Paul Boyer has contributed a review of an unusual CD released by Diamond Cut Productions, the New Jersey company that processes Edison lateral disks and attempts to restore their original sound quality. According to Paul, the company has succeeded with this CD of Vaughn DeLeath, a 1920s singer. DeLeath was much involved with early radio and is an appropriate choice for listening as you work on your 1920s-1930s sets. Other Diamond Cut Productions recordings were reviewed in the March 1997 A.R.C.

Among the interesting Photo Review sets is Erwin Macho's field telegraph built in Vienna in 1910. And Phil Brunais' RCA Model 45YZ demonstrates what can happen to a Plaskon cabinet when left in the sun -- a warning to all flea market vendors.

Radio Miscellanea contains feedback on the Alan Douglas critique of the latest Cones and Bryant book on Zenith, as well as Dave Crocker's Baldwin horn speaker article. A variety of comments on the internet issue are also included.

A.R.C.'s 15th Year "Specials": In anticipation of our 15th anniversary in June 1999, A.R.C. will offer "specials" from time-to-time. This month the periodicals rate has been reduced to $39.49, as announced on the coupon in the middle of this issue. Be sure to watch for future "specials." If you recently missed this special, feel free to request a credit on your next order.

Coming Radio Events: Fall, of course, means multiple events for collectors -- nearly four dozen are listed for September. As we say every year, if you can make it to only one event, the 5-day Antique Wireless Association Conference in Rochester, New York, is the one not to miss. Collectors often plan vacation time and budgets around this event, which features the requisite flea market, seminars, banquets, museum visits, equipment contest, and four auctions. A.R.C. will be there both at the flea market and the indoor book fair, so please drop by to say, "Hi" to Bobby, Sue, and your editor.

Happy collecting!

John V. Terrey, Editor

ON THE COVER

Rand Radio Corp., a store once at No. 84 Cortlandt St., is representative of over forty such establishments that gave this New York City area its nickname -- "Radio Row." The photograph is one of many contributed by Francis Yonker with his article on this well-known radio "shoppers' paradise" in pre-World Trade Center days. Added nostalgia is provided by the 1942 Oldsmobile Sedanette -- double-parked no less!

See a large format version of this month's cover!