Broadway Composer Harry Tierney and Broadway Lyricist Joseph McCarthy, Both of Pelham

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Rodgers and Hammerstein! Kander and Ebb! Rodgers and Hart!  These are a few of the most successful musical theater partnerships of composers and lyricists of all time.  Add to that list Tierney and McCarthy of Pelham.  

Harry Tierney and Joseph McCarthy of Pelham, New York, collaborated for a string of successful Broadway musicals during the 1920s.  The most famous and most successful one was "Rio Rita" produced by Florenz Ziegfeld.  It premiered on Broadway on February 2, 1927 and ran for 494 performances, a surprisingly long run for those days.

Harry Tierney wrote the music.  Joseph McCarthy authored the lyrics.  The show subsequently hit the road and ran in Sydney, Australia and on London's West End.  According to one source:  

"Rio Rita may be said to be one of the last, great, "light musical comedies" or "Follies-based" type of musical. With the introduction of Show Boat, later in 1927—as well as the subsequent introduction of George Gershwin's musicals that year and thought the early 30's -- the American musical became much more a dramatically cohesive "musical play". This form reached its maturity in the Rodgers and Hammerstein productions, beginning with Oklahoma! and culminating with South Pacific."

Source:  "Rio Rita (Musical)" in Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia (visited Sep. 23, 2017).

With the tremendous success of "Rio Rita" on stage, the musical was taken to the silver screen in 1929 where it likewise became a tremendous hit.  Produced by William LeBaron and Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures, the film was 141 minutes long.  It cost $678,000 to make and earned $2,400,000 at the box office.  It became known as RKO Radio Pictures' "Picture of the Century."  As a consequence, the careers of Harry Tierney and Joseph McCarthy as movie songwriters took off.  Indeed, the pair repeatedly traveled cross-country to Hollywood to work on the musical scores of a number of hit Hollywood movies.  

Lobby Card for the 1929 Movie "Rio Rita."

Tierney and McCarthy had a number of notable Broadway successes as composer and lyricist, respectively.  One such success was "Kid Boots" which opened at the Earl Carroll Theatre on December 31, 1923.  It had a run of 489 performances.  It starred Eddie Cantor and Mary Eaton, and featured George Olsen and his orchestra.  

Produced by Florenz Ziegfeld, the show was advertised as "A Musical Comedy of Palm Beach and Golf."  The show was such a success that, like its later cousin "Rio Rita," it was turned into a successful Hollywood movie released in 1926.  

Poster Advertising 1923 Broadway Musical

"Kid Boots."  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Harry Tierney was a successful and famous composer when he bought a home on Boulevard at Monterey Avenue during the summer of 1923.  He was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on May 21, 1890 and died March 22, 1965.  His first major success was the Broadway musical "Irene" that was the longest-running show of its era with 620 performances.  The most active part of his career was between about 1910 and 1930.  During the 1920s, he often collaborated a composer with lyricist Joseph McCarthy.

Joseph McCarthy lived in Pelham during the 1920s.  Due to his fame, he was a friend and acquaintance of many stars of the day including John J. McGraw, Manager of the New York Giants baseball team (who lived in Pelham), Florenz Ziegfeld, and many stars of the stage and screen.  He was known as a local philanthropist and liked to tell the story of how he and his Pelham pal, Harry Tierney, once helped Florenz Ziegfeld.

It seems that Ziegfeld was producing a show in Philadelphia and needed a song for the show opening on a Monday night.  Ziegfeld contacted the pair and set them to work.  On Sunday morning, the day before the show opened, Tierney and McCarthy wrote the music and lyrics for the song and telephoned the music and words to the orchestra conductor in Philadelphia later that day.  The pair then traveled the next day to Philadelphia, attended the show, and enjoyed their own creation that later was described as follows:  "It's daintiness and musical beauty was a reflection of [McCarthy's] own courtly engaging personality."

Harry Tierney and Joseph McCarthy wrote a memorable song that virtually became a Pelham anthem mentioned in countless local newspaper articles for a decade or longer as a tune known by every Pelhamite and beloved by all.  It was entitled "Alice Blue Gown."  Indeed, in 1943, The Pelham Sun wrote that the song would "survive the centuries."  The newspaper may have been right.  To hear a recording of Joni James singing the beautiful song, click on the YouTube video below.

Joseph McCarthy died on Saturday, December 18, 1943. 

"HARRY TIERNEY AND SON HARRY JR.  Mr. Tierney who

makes his home on the Boulevard, Pelham Heights, is a well

known composer of popular music.  Mr. Tierney wrote the 

musical scores of 'Rio Rita,' 'Irene,' and many other musical

comedies and motion pictures."  Source:  HARRY TIERNEY

AND SON HARRY JR., The Pelham Sun, Apr. 24, 1936,

Vol. 27, No. 3, Second Section, p. 9, cols. 3-4.  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.

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"Famous Song Writer Comes to Pelham
-----

Harry Tierney, composer of the music of 'Irene,' 'Up She Goes,' and 'The Follies,' has purchased from David S. Crater a new house at Monterey Avenue and the Boulevard.  The property was held at $75,000 and the sale was negotiated by the local office of Fish & Marvin."

Source:  Famous Song Writer Comes to Pelham, The Pelham Sun, Jul. 6, 1923, p. 3, col. 7.  

"HARRY TIERNEY BUYS ANOTHER PLOT IN PELHAM

Fish & Marvin, through their Pelham office, have sold for the Witherbee Real Estate & Improvement Company an acre plot in the Mt. Tom section of Pelham Manor to John Smith.  The property was held at $20,000.00.

Fish & Marvin, through their Pelham office, have sold for Dr. A. C. Bechtold a plot of land on Elderwood avenue, Pelham Heights, to Mr. Harry Tierney, well known composer of Pelham.  The property was held at $14,000.00."

Source:  HARRY TIERNEY BUYS ANOTHER PLOT IN PELHAM, The Pelham Sun, Nov. 6, 1925, Vol. 16, No. 36, p. 11, col. 1.  

"McCarthy and Tierney At Work on Ziegfeld Show
-----

Melody continues to flow in Pelham Heights where the pennant winning song writing team of Joseph McCarthy and Harry Tierney are busily engaged preparing the music and lyrics for Florenz Ziegfeld's [sic] new production 'Rio Rita,' which will be the curtain raising vehicle in t he new Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City, November 1.  Tierney and McCarthy were responsible for the tuneful melodies of many New York successes including several editions of the Follies and Kid Boots."

Source:  McCarthy and Tierney At Work on Ziegfeld Show, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 27, 1926, p. 10, col. 4.  

"PELHAM SONGWRITERS SCORE WITH NEW PRODUCTION
-----

Joseph McCarthy and Harry Tierney scored again with 'Rio Rita' which opened the new Ziegfield Theatre in New York city Wednesday night.  The tuneful melodies prepared by the two Pelhamites are credited by metropolitan critics as the season's best and Rio Rita assured a long run in New York.  Ada May heads the cast."

Source:  PELHAM SONGWRITERS SCORE WITH NEW PRODUCTION, The Pelham Sun, Feb. 4, 1927, Vol. 17, No. 49, p. 1, col. 3.  

"Tierney and McCarthy To Join Pelhamites In Motion Pictures
-----
Songwriters Preparing To Leave For Hollywood To Write For Talking Pictures
-----

With a large delegation of Pelham's theatrical folk already in Hollywood doing motion picture work, two more of this famous group are preparing to embark for the coast.  They are Harry Tierney and Joseph McCarthy, songwriters extraordinary.  The success of 'Rio Rita' on the screen has assured Tierney and McCarthy a prominent position among motion picture songsters.  We can expect a new crop of theme songs from these twain in an early series of motion pictures.  

Tierney and McCarthy will be remembered for the songs and lyrics of Ziegfeld productions of 'Rio Rita' and 'Kid Boots.'

Edgar J. MacGregor, stage director, John Hunter Booth, author and Harry Ruby and Bert Kalmar, songwriters, all of Pelham, are now on the coast doing motion picture work."

Source:  Tierney and McCarthy To Join Pelhamites In Motion Pictures -- Songwriters Preparing To Leave For Hollywood To Write For Talking Pictures, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 11, 1929, p. 20, col. 4.  

"'DIXIANA' MUSIC WAS WRITTEN BY HARRY TIERNEY
-----
Pelham Composer Responsible For Tunes in Motion Picture at Proctor's.
-----

Bebe Daniels and Everett Marshall.  Music by Harry Tierney.

Never has there been a greater singing combination than this youthful, romantic pair, featured in 'Dixiana', coming to Proctor's New Rochelle Theatre tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday.

Miss Daniels surpasses even her phenomenal success in 'Rio Rita.'  Marshall certainly proves his right to the title, the 'Metropolitan Opera's most popular baritone.'

Together they sing a half dozen songs, lilting catchy love lyrics.  They sign solos.  And the songs fit perfectly into the continuity of the vitally interesting romance of that romantic place and time -- New Orleans in 1840.  Due credit for this must be given to Luther Reed, the director and adaptor [sic].

In Radio Pictures' first original music drama, William Le Baron has outdone any previous effort in point of magnificence, story, cast, setting and musical appeal.

Again the inimitable pair of comics, Bert Wheeler and Robert Woolsey, score heavily in the art of funmaking.  Others in the cast who give excellent performances are Joseph Cawthorn, Jobyna Howland, Dorothy Lee, Ralf Harolde, Edward Chandler, George Herman, and Bill Robinson.

Hall's Negro Chorus furnishes choral music throughout the film -- Negro spirituals and songs of the old South.  They score particularly in 'Mr. and Mrs. Ippi.'

To say that Harry Tierney's music and Anne Caldwell's book and lyrics are above criticism, is really superfluous.  The songs are intoxicating.  'Dixiana,' the principal song, is the kind one whistles on the way out of the theater."

Source:  "DIXIANA" MUSIC WAS WRITTEN BY HARRY TIERNEY -- Pelham Composer Responsible For Tunes in Motion Picture at Proctor's, The Pelham Sun, Sep. 26, 1930, Vol. 21, No. 26, p. 3, col. 1.  

"JOS. McCARTHY COMPOSES SONG FOR LIONS CLUB
-----
Pelham Lions Are Singing New Song Written for Them by Noted Composer; Resident of Pelham Heights.
-----

'Roar, Lions Roar,
For More, More, More'

If you hear any prominent local merchant humming those words to a catchy tune you can thank Joseph McCarthy, noted songwriter, for that's what the members of the Lions Club of the Pelhams are doing these days.  The catchy little tune was composed by Mr. McCarthy especially for the Lions Club, and the members of the club are losing no time in putting the number across.

The entire song is as follows:

'Roar, Lions roar
For More, More, More
If you've got a little business,
     you should advertise
Boost that business 'fore the darn 
     thing dies.
Roar, Lions roar
For you shop, your place, your
     store,
Show P-E-L we're up to 'L' H-A-M
And we mean all of them; 
We want More, 
So Roar, Lions Roar.

The club received a surprise on Monday when Mr. McCarthy arrived as the guest of William McNulty toward the close of the program.  The song was quickly distributed and it was but a few minutes before the melody was learned by every member.

Mr. McCarthy, who lives on the Boulevard, is well know as a songwriter, having been responsible for the songs in many Broadway successes and motion pictures.  With Harry Tierney he wrote the music for 'Rio Rita,' 'Up She Goes' and several others.  He is at the present time engaged in preparing the words and music for a new Ziegfeld production.  In this enterprise he is associated with Walter Donaldson."

Source:  JOS. McCARTHY COMPOSES SONG FOR LIONS CLUB -- Pelham Lions Are Singing New Song Written for Them by Noted Composer; Resident of Pelham Heights, The Pelham Sun, Oct. 30, 1931, p. 13, col. 3.

"ASCAP Oddities.

Note to Joseph McCarthy who is back in Pelham for a short stay:  Haven't heard 'Alice Blue Gown' for nearly a week.  That song will live as long as harmony endures.  It was, we think, the greatest hit ever written by the Pelham composer Harry Tierney and lyricist, Joseph McCarthy.  We did hear 'Where Did You Get That Hat,' which is known to all over 80.  A vague idea for a cartoon:  The verger of a church tiptoeing to the organist with an awed warning:  'We're on the air and that's ASCAP you're playing.'"

Source:  ASCAP Oddities, The Pelham Sun. Jan. 10, 1941, p. 2, col. 3.  

"They Pass Into the Night

More than twenty years ago Tom Sheehan a Pelham Heights policeman was found badly injured in New Rochelle.  He died a few days later leaving destitute a widow and a large family.  There was no police protection fund in Pelham at that time.  A letter was sent to a random list of residents of the town.  Among those who came to a meeting was one who quietly gave a check for $50 to start the fund.  Later to stage a baseball game, he used his acquaintanceship with John J. McGraw, of the New York Giants and aided in bringing about a game between the New York Giants and the New York Athletic Club.  A fine handsome man, few knew that the resident of the Boulevard was one of America's great songwriters -- Joseph McCarthy, who died on Saturday.  He was one of the most ardent supporters of his friend, Joseph McCormick when the latter won the election as Supervisor in 1931.  One weekend for Flo Zeigfeld [sic], he and his collaborator Harry Tierney wrote a song in Pelham telephoned the words and music to the orchestra conductor in Philadelphia Sunday morning and then went to the Quaker City to see the song in production on Monday night, an unusual feat.  His 'Alice Blue Gown' will survive the centuries.  It's daintiness and musical beauty was a reflection of his own courtly engaging personality."

Source:  They Pass Into the Night,  The Pelham Sun, Dec. 22, 1943, p. 2, cols. 3-4.

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Professor David A. Van Buskirk's Scandalous Musicale in North Pelham in 1897

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Pelham tongues wagged for weeks over the scandal.  Indeed, Pelhamites were made to look like fools by one of their own, Professor David A. Van Buskirk of River Avenue in the Village of North Pelham.  (River Avenue disappeared with the later construction of the Hutchinson River Parkway.)

Professor Van Buskirk announced that he would sell tickets and hold a "musicale" on the evening of Saturday, January 30, 1897.  He put up posters all over Pelham announcing that famed actress Lillian Russell, famed minstrel performer George H. Primrose, famed Broadway producers Weber & Fields, and a host of other "leaders of the stage" would attend the musicale.

Ticket sales were brisk.  On the appointed evening, the old wooden Town Hall (predecessor to today's Town Hall building at 34 Fifth Avenue) was full.  Indeed, it was "crowded."

The evening began with Professor Van Buskirk stepping in front of the audience waving a handful of supposed "telegrams" from all of the leaders of the stage, each "regretting their inability to appear" but "wishing him much success" with his musicale.

The crowd was disappointed, but settled in for an entertainment.  Little did they know that the opening performer was none other than little Sadie Van Buskirk, beloved daughter of Professor David A. Van Buskirk.  

The next performer was another youth who performed "some rather vulgar songs."  Some of the audience were offended, and left.  Then the "youth reappeared later partly dressed and began some risque stories."  The crowd turned ugly and began hissing.  Every woman in the audience stood and left.  All but a handful of the men in the audience followed.  

Professor Van Buskirk "came out smiling" and urged the crowd to wait, saying that "the floor would now be cleared for dancing."  There was, however, no one left to dance because all had left.

The scandalous show "almost ruined future really worthy entertainments given at the hall for two years."

Detail from Undated Photograph of the Original Pelham Town Hall

on Fifth Avenue on an Election Day.  This is Where the "Musicale"

Was Held on January 30, 1897.  Source: Courtesy of The Office of

The Historian of The Town of Pelham. Note: Click on Image to Enlarge.

Detail from Plate 20 of John F. Fairchild's Atlas of Mount Vernon and Pelham

Published in 1899 Showing Location of Original Meeting Hall and

Courthouse on the Fifth Avenue Lot Where Today's Pelham Town

Hall Stands.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

Below is the text of the fascinating article that forms the basis of today's Historic Pelham article.  On March 1, 1896, North Pelham resident J. Gardiner Minard founded a local newspaper named "Pelham Press."  The newspaper lasted only a couple of years until Minard left to serve in the Spanish-American War.  Few copies of any of the newspapers exist today.  Luckily, however, during the 1920s Minard submitted to The Pelham Sum summaries of the news from his copies of the Pelham Press, often styled as "Pelham 30 Years Ago" and the like.  Occasionally, he added commentary to explain references from the old newspapers.  Below is one example of "Pelham 30 Years Ago" published on January 28, 1927.  It contains information regarding David A. Buskirk's "musicale."

"PELHAM 30 YEARS AGO
(Pelham Press January 23, 1897)

Next Saturday night a musicale will be given at the town hall with a dance following.  The proceeds are for the benefit of Prof. David A. Van Buskirk of River avenue.  [Editor's Note:  The following parenthetical was not reported in the original Pelham Press on January 23, 1897.  Instead, it was a "Note" added to the reprint in 1927 by J. Gardner Minard long after the fact regarding the "musicale" that was held as announced in the Pelham Press.]  (Note -- The posters announced that Weber & Fields, George H. Primrose, Lillian Russell and a host of the leaders of the stage at that time would appear.  The hall was crowded and Van Buskirk appeared with 'telegrams' from the different stars regretting their inability to appear and wishing him much success.  The singing of Miss Sadie Van Buskirk, daughter of the professor, was good, but when a youth appeared next with some rather vulgar songs, some of the audience left.  The youth reappeared later partly dressed and began some risque stories which caused every woman and all but a handful of men to leave amid much hissing.  Van Buskirk came out smiling and said the floor would now be cleared for dancing, but there were none to dance, and all left.  This show almost ruined really worthy entertainments given at the hall for two years.)  [Editor's Note:  End of updated added by J. Gardner Minard in 1927.]

+++

Henry Iden has men engaged in cutting the ice on his pond on Wolf's lane.  The work began last Wednesday and it is expected that the ice house will be filled with this crop.

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Philip Flynn, of the oldest and best known residents of City Island died at his home there last Saturday.  The interment took place Thursday.

Two cases of pneumonia were reported this week:  Mrs. H. T. Stone of Fourth avenue and Mr. Wilson-Barker of Second avenue, North Pelham.

+++

The North Pelham board of health complains that out of town doctors practising in the village are not reporting contagious cases as required by law.

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Ethel Jones, little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Jones of Mayflower avenue, found a bottle labeled 'poison' in a vacant lot last Friday and brought it to the North Pelham school.  Principal Hill saw her about to drink some and asked her what it was.  She replied 'cough medicine.'  He took the bottle from her and brought it to Lyman's drug store where it was found to be laudanum.

+++

During the early part of the week a rumor was in circulation that the Adam's Express Co. would move its North Pelham office to Pelham Manor.  The agent states that while it is true a branch will be opened in the Manor, the Pelham office will remain.

+++

Miss Florence Archer of Chester Park was seriously injured in an accident last Monday.  She had driven Mr. Miller of Chester Park to the Pelham station and in turning around, the horse cut too short, dumping the young lady out, the carriage passing over her.  she was carried to Lyman's pharmacy in a fainting condition.  She was cut about the head and face but appeared to be all right otherwise.  The horse was caught by James Conkling.

+++

Former Justice of the Peace Gustav I. Karbach is being mentioned as a possible candidate for that office at the town election which takes place March 16.

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The Pelham Social club held a very successful masquerade ball at the town hall last night.  A large number came from Mount Vernon and New Rochelle.  The feature was an immense Japanese umbrella suspended from the center of the ceiling.  The grand march was led by Thomas Morrelly of North Pelham and Miss Anna Moore of Mount Vernon."

Source:  PELHAM 30 YEARS AGO -- (Pelham Press January 23, 1897), The Pelham Sun, Jan. 28, 1927,  p. 13, cols. 1-2.

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Early Radio in Pelham: Pelham Firefighters and Business at Pelham Picture House Installed "Radiophone" in 1922

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By the time of the Roaring Twenties, the medium of "wireless telegraphy" had evolved into the broadcast entertainment medium we know as radio.  Between about 1919 and the early 1920s, crystal radio sets were beginning to gain attention and the infant audio broadcasting industry was toddling along. Crude battery-powered radios came into use in the Town of Pelham. 

I have written of the earliest days of radio entertainment in the Town of Pelham on a couple of occasions.  See:

Thu., May 22, 2014:  The Earliest Days of Radio in the Town of Pelham.  

Wed., Jan. 22, 2014:  Pelham Becomes Enthralled with the New-Fangled Entertainment Medium of Radio.  

By early 1922, "a large part of the people of Pelham" had installed early, crude radio sets in their homes.  The Pelham Sun reported on April 7, 1922:  "Judging by the number of aerials [i.e., antennae] seen in the Pelhams, a large part of the people of this community are daily enjoying the concerts, speeches, etc., that are being broadcasted by the large number of radio phone broadcasting stations now in operation throughout the country."  (See full transcript of article below.)  It appears that as early as March 24, 1922, as many as seventy-five Pelham homes had installed radio sets with aerials.  (See below.)  

Not everyone wanted (or could afford) to install the rather complex radios of the day.  The equipment often included a range of necessities such as electric "storage batteries," a receiver, a power amplifier, an audio amplifying horn like those on old-fashioned phonographs, an aerial (antenna) typically installed on the roof of the home, and the wiring necessary to complete the system.  The more complex systems also could be difficult to operate optimally.  Consequently, local organizations and businesses began to make "radiophone" broadcasts available to their members, their customers, and their prospective customers.  

Thus, the Village of North Pelham firefighters were among the earliest adopters of the new medium of radio in the Town of Pelham.  In a meeting of the firefighters held on the evening of Monday, March 6, 1922, the firemen decided to authorize local radio dealer Scooler and Lynch to install a Magnavox "Radiophone outfit" in the firemen's hall at the North Pelham firehouse.  Scooler and Lynch was tasked with installing the radiophone and a connected aerial on the firehouse roof.

The local newspaper reported that "[w]hen the radiophone is installed, the firemen will be able to listen in on the concerts sent broadcast by the Westinghouse station at Newark.  Baseball scores will be received as the games are played.  Election returns, decisions of important sporting events, etc. will all be at the disposal of the firemen."  The planned work reportedly was expected to cost $350.00 (about $5,125 in today's dollars).

Scooler and Lynch was located at 513 Third Avenue in North Pelham in 1922.  According to its advertisements (see below), it sold and installed "Radio Apparatus and Radio Accessories of All Descriptions."  

The Magnavox Radiophone selected by the North Pelham firemen for purchase from, and installation by, Scooler and Lynch was a fascinating piece of equipment.  Its name was a combination of the concepts of radio and "wireless telephony" -- hence "Radiophone."  It consisted of a receiving set with a large amplifying horn like that of a phonograph attached to it.  Known as a "reproducer with the movable coil," there were at least two models:  (1) the R-2 with "very great amplifying power, yet requir[ing] only .6 of an ampere for the field" with an attached horn 18 inches in diameter; and (2) the smaller R-3 with slightly less amplifying power, requiring only one ampere field current from the filament batter, and sold with an attached horn 14 inches in diameter.  

Magnavox also sold the Model C "power amplifier," saying:  "The Magnavox Power Amplifiers insure getting the largest possible power input for your Magnavox Radio.  They can be used with any 'B' battery voltage the power tube may require for best amplification."

Advertisements for such Magnavox equipment even likened the technology to the well-known phonograph invented in the 19th century.  One example said:  "Attached to any commercial receiving set, the Magnavox Radio makes it possible for you to hear all that is in the air as if it were being played by your phonograph."  

1922 Magnavox Radio Advertisement from the August, 1922

Issue of Radio News, p. 293.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Detail from the Above Magnavox Radio Advertisement

Depicting a Family Listening to a Magnavox Radiophone

in 1922.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

At about the same time North Pelham Firemen were deciding to install a Magnavox Radiophone in their firehouse, the new Pelham Picture House announced that it would offer special events in connection with movie presentations where ticket holders could listen to radio broadcasts via a Magnavox Radiophone installed courtesy of Jerry's Electrical Service Company.

It appears from at least one advertisement (see below) that Jerry's Electrical Service Company had some form of office space at the Pelham Picture House in 1922.  "Jerry's" competed with Scooler and Lynch in the sale and installation of radio equipment.  Jerry's installed a Magnavox Radiophone in the Pelham Picture House theater to receive radio broadcasts on the evenings of Friday, April 7 1922 and Saturday, April 8, 1922 before showings of the silent films "The Flower of the North" with Henry B. Walthall and Pauline Stark (Friday evening) and "The Night Horseman" with Tom Mix (Saturday evening).  Jerry's also offered "Radiophone Concerts on the Hour" in its business at the Picture House.

In early 1922, Pelham clearly was in the midst of a radio "craze."  A regular column entitled "Local Radio News" began appearing in The Pelham Sun reporting on local developments concerning radio installations and radio technology.  The newspaper also began reporting on significant upcoming radio broadcasts in which its readers might be interested.  The new medium of radio was taking root in the small Town of Pelham.  

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March 10, 1922 Scooter and Lynch Advertisement.

Source:  Radiophones [Advertisement], The Pelham

Sun, Mar. 10, 1922, p. 7, col. 4.  NOTE:  Click on

Image to Enlarge.  Text Transcribed Immediately Below.

"Radiophones

Radiophone broadcasting stations are now in operation at important centers all over the country.

You can easily receive these interesting daily programs with any of the standard Radiophone Receiving Sets that we sell.  These sets will also be completely installed by us.

We specialize in Westinghouse, De Forest, Clapp Eastham, Tuska, Grebe and Radio Corporation of America Radio Apparatus.

Sets $15.00 and up

Don't take a chance on second hand radio apparatus.  Pay a few cents more and buy it new from a dealer.

SCOOLER & LYNCH

Radio Apparatus and Radio Accessories of All Descriptions

Telephones:  Pelham 4876, 1568-R
513 Third Ave. North Pelham
Go a Bit Off the Beaten Path For Better Values"

March 31, 1922 Scooler and Lynch Advertisement.

Source:  RADIO PHONES [Advertisement], The

Pelham Sun, Mar. 31, 1922, p. 3, col. 6.  NOTE:

Click on Image to Enlarge.  Text Transcribed

Immediately Below.

"RADIO PHONES
GET IN THE RADIO GAME NOW
We can supply you with Radio Phone Receiving Sets and Radio-Phone Accessories of all descriptions, including DeForest, Westinghouse, Radio Corporation, Etc.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US NOW
Radio Apparatus and Radio Accessories of All Descriptions
Complete Installations -- Aerials Rigged
SCOOLER and LYNCH
513 THIRD AVENUE, NORTH PELHAM, N. Y.
Phones:  Pelham 1568-R, 4576
We Are the Only EXPERIENCED RADIO DEALERS in The Pelhams"

May 5, 1922 Scooler & Lynch Advertisement.

Source:  RADIOPHONES [Advertisement],

The Pelham Sun, May 5, 1922, p. 6, col. 5.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.  Text

Transcribed Immediately Below.

"RADIOPHONES
RADIO STORAGE BATTERIES
RADIO SETS
RADIO APPARATUS OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS
WE RECHARGE ANY MAKE AND ANY SIZE STORAGE BATTERY.  RADIO ACCESSORIES OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS
SCOOLER & LYNCH
Pelham 1568-R, 457"

April 21, 1922 "JERRY'S" Advertisement.  Source:

WHY GO TO NEW YORK for RADIO SETS AND

APPARATUS? [Advertisement], The Pelham Sun,

Apr. 21, 1922, p. 11, cols. 4-6.  NOTE:  Click on

Image to Enlarge. Text Transcribed Immediately Below.

"WHY GO TO NEW YORK
-- for --
RADIO SETS AND APPARATUS?
Tell 'JERRY'S' Your Wants
Electric Service
Questions Answered and Sets Installed By Competent Radio Men
RADIOPHONE CONCERTS ON THE HOUR
PELHAM PICTURE HOUSE"

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"Radiophone To Be Installed In North Pelham Firehouse
-----
Scooler and Lynch Will Place a Magnavox Instrument Which Will Enable Radio Concerts to Be Heard Any Place In Concert Hall of Firehouse -- Westinghouse Concerts Will Be a Feature.
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North Pelham firemen are nothing if not up to date.  At a meeting of the members of the fire companies last Monday it was decided to install a radiophone outfit of the very latest design.  The work of installing the new wonder phone will be carried out by Scooler and Lynch, the North Pelham radio firm.  Specifications call for a magnavox [sic] instrument which will amplify the sound so that whatever is being broadcast the phone will be loud enough to be heard all over the big hall.

When the radiophone is installed, the firemen will be able to listen in on the concerts sent broadcast by the Westinghouse station at Newark.  Baseball scores will be received as the games are played.  Election returns, decisions of important sporting events, etc. will all be at the disposal of the firemen.

Scooler and Lynch will install the aerial on the roof of the firehouse.  The entire outfit will cost in the neighborhood of $350.00 and the work will be carried out at once."

Source:  Radiophone To Be Installed In North Pelham Firehouse -- Scooler and Lynch Will Place a Magnavox Instrument Which Will Enable Radio Concerts to Be Heard Any Place In Concert Hall of Firehouse -- Westinghouse Concerts Will Be a Feature, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 10, 1922, Vol. 13, No. 2, p. 7, cols. 3-4.  

"Picture House Will Have Radiophone
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Manager Clint Woodward, of the Pelham Picture House, has arranged a special treat for the patrons of the Picture House tonight and Saturday night.  A radiophone will be installed for the two performances each evening.  Through a Magnavox loud speaking attachment the program broadcasted from the various stations in this section will be heard from every seat in the theatre.  The instrument will be installed through the courtesy of Jerry's Electrical Service Company.

The picture for the evening's program will be James Oliver Curwood's thrilling story of the Canadian Northwest, 'The Flower of the North,' with Henry B. Walthall and Pauline Stark, as the leading artists.  The stories from the pen of James Oliver Curwood have interested many readers, and they will be afforded a real opportunity of seeing the stories enacted through productions such as the 'Flower of the North.'

Tomorrow's feature will be Tom Mix in 'The Night Horseman,' a thrilling western drama, and Larry Semon in 'The Show.'  An interesting program of new weeklies and comedies will make up the rest of the bill."

Source:  Picture House Will Have Radiophone, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 7, 1922, p. 8, col. 4.  

"LOCAL RADIO NEWS
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The people of Pelham are becoming more interested in the Radiophone every day.  They read the programs in the papers and are realizing what pleasure can be had from getting first hand the latest news, sport news, weather reports, correct Eastern standard time, and to hear concerts in which world famous artists take part.

It is the opinion of many that radio is not the case [sic].  Anybody can operate is not the case.  [sic]  Anybody can operate the simpler sets which many companies are now putting on the market.  There are among the residents of the Pelhams about seventy-five persons who have radio outfits.  In the comparatively short time that radio has been public this is a good showing.  The novelty of having radio shows has become quite popular.

All of those who were lucky enough to hear Ed Wynn's radio production, of 'The Perfect Fool,' are anxiously waiting for the broadcast of another such sterling production.

Don't worry, there will be another soon."

Source:  LOCAL RADIO NEWS, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 24, 1922, p. 5, col. 3.  

"LOCAL RADIO NEWS
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Judging by the number of aerials seen in the Pelhams, a large part of the people of this community are daily enjoying the concerts, speeches, etc., that are being broadcasted by the large number of radio phone broadcasting stations now in operation throughout the country.  Those who have not heard a concert over the 'wireless' are yet to have the real treat of their lives.  On Sundays, church sermons and good choir music are broadcasted by several stations.  Throughout the week fine, thoroughly enjoyable concerts are broadcasted.

Don't think that you will be unable to operate a 'set.'  Anyone can operate some of the simple sets now on the market.  If you want to be kept up to date in baseball scores, etc., radio will do it for you as soon as the season begins."

Source:  LOCAL RADIO NEWS, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 7, 1922, p. 8, col. 4.  

"LOCAL RADIO NEWS
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Through this column we wish to help and encourage the amateur in radio.  Of course, the most help that we will be able to give, will be to the beginners in radio.  First of all, a radio amateur should be careful as to what kind of a set is purchased.  Many of the so-called radiophones, just brought out, since the radio 'craze' has been so widely adopted, are not as good as they might be ,nor as good as money can buy.  Find out what set is best adapted to the conditions of your home before you make a purchase.  Any questions of general interest to radio fans will be gladly answered through this column."

Source:  LOCAL RADIO NEWS, The Pelham Sun, May 5, 2017, p. 6, col. 5.  

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