Jefferson City's First Radio Station

Charles North, dedicated member of RUSC sent us this picture of the studio of the first radio station in his hometown Jefferson City, Missouri. The call letters were WOS, which meant, "Watch Our State". The picture shows the studio in the dome of Missouri's state capitol, which was the highest point in Jefferson City. The studio remained in the dome for several years.

If you would like to read some interesting historical stories on the radio station the following link will lead you to some material written by Bob Priddy, a noted Missouri historian. It has clips of one of the station's early announcers, J.M. Witten introducing Harry Snodgrass, a prisoner at the time in the Missouri State Penitentiary who came to be known as "King of the Ivories". You can also listen to some of his playing taken from some old 78's. And although there is a little hissing you can certainly appreciate why he earned his title. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Thank you Charles!

The Con and the Capital Radio Station

Happy listening my friends,

P.S. If anyone saw strange advertisements appearing on the Member's Home Page of RUSC yesterday don't worry, it was nothing serious. It was just a glitch at Bravenet who provide the free mini-poll service that I use for the little polls we have in the top right of many of the pages.