Early Radio in Pelham: Pelham Firefighters and Business at Pelham Picture House Installed "Radiophone" in 1922
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.
* * * * *
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:
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"
* * * * *
"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.
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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
-----
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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Labels: 1922, Entertainment, Jerry's Electrical Service Company, Magnavox Radiophone, Pelham Fire Department, Pelham Picture House, Radio, Radio Station, Radiophones, Scooler and Lynch
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