NBC Transmitter (Jan-Dec 1938)

MARCH, 1938 15 NBC CHICAGO — by Rudi Neubauer — Conventioneers Oliver Morton of the Sales Department; W. W. Smith, local Sales manager; M. S. Wetzel, manager of Chicago Electrical Transcription Sales Department, and William E. Drips, Director of Agriculture, attended the special convention of the National Association of Broadcasters in Washington, D. C., last month. Maurie Wetzel attended the meeting of the Canadian Broadcasters in Ottawa. Announcer's School The Announcer’s School is again in session, sponsored by Sidney Strotz, and conducted by Chief Announcer Everett G. Mitchell assisted by Lynn Brandt. The enrollment has reached the record high of 26 boys from all departments and offices. Classes are held twice weekly and subjects include vocal exercises, diction and a thorough study and appreciation of lexicography. Interest in classes is keen and the boys report that the stunt introduced this year of having the class voice constructive criticism of fellow students who are “on the mike,” is the best yet. Eive graduates of the school have already secured announcing positions due to this training. The most recent graduate is George E. Hooper (Pinkie), who last week accepted a position as announcer and script-writer with station WBEO, Marquette, Michigan. Brochure The third WENR promotional brochure in the series being prepared by Emmons Carlson of the Sales Promotion Department is devoted to the America's Town Meeting broadcast heard over the NBCBlue Network and WENR each Thursday. Author Don Thompson, director, whose story, Last Public Appearance, appeared in the October 16, 1937, edition of Liberty magazine, has just been informed that his story was one of five selected for bonus prizes of $100. He’s elated, of course, but says he would have been ten times as happy with the first prize of $1,000, or five times as happy with the second prize of $500. Crib Crys Stork news along the NBC front heralds the arrival of two new Junior NBCites during the past few weeks. Future contestants in the Transmitter Baby Photo Contest had better look to their laurels, for it is learned via the grapevine that the newcomers are already being groomed for their debuts in the contest. Continuity writer William Meredith an nounced the arrival of John William Meredith on January 29, wailing in at eight pounds and ten ounces. It’s number one for the Merediths. Mrs. Bay presented John (Duplicating) Bay with an armful of little Bonita Marie on February 17, with Bonita balancing the indicator at an even seven and one-half pounds. The Bays will now cut their pies in five sections. Hail and Farewell For seven consecutive years anyone calling the NBC Chicago offices received their customary — “Good Morning — this is the National Broadcasting Company,” from one of five girls, but on February 1 the reign of this quintette ended when Operator Bernice Bydalek decided to chuck the Chicago slush for the California sands — and for keeps! Bernice leaves a host of friends who join with your correspondent in wishing her the best of luck in her new home. The second seven-year reign of these ‘Hello’ Hapsburgs begins with the addition of petite Margaret Catherine Dunnett, who replaces Miss Bydalek. Miss Dunnett comes to NBC with a diversified experience in PBX work, after having completed her primary work at the local ‘phone company’s main office. Tropical Trips Ken Carpenter, sales manager, is vacationing in Nassau; Esther Ludwig, Continuity, in Florida and Ken Hicks, Engineering, in Hollywood. NBC Enters Naval Race Bob Brown, announcer, has recently purchased a 28-foot cutter. He has named it the Apache. This swells the Chicago NBC navy to eight craft of assorted sizes. Skipper Brown drily commented, “this looks like a tough season for the Coast Guard.” Miscellany: Paul Millen has been added to the page staff . . . Vera Maher back at work after a prolonged absence due to an auto accident . . . Bill Ray, Press Manager, moved to the wilds of Deerfield. He has quickly learned to fall asleep on the train and ride past his station . . . Paul McCluer, assistant sales manager, is building a home in Libertyville. Send him your suggestion for a name. Medals will be awarded to the heroes who refrain from submitting “Liberty Hall”. Visitors to NBC Chicago during February were Vice Presidents O. B. Hanson and Roy C. Witmer. EXCHANGE CORNER This classified ad section is available, free of charge, to all NBC employes. Rules: forty-five word limit; no regular business or professional service may be advertised. Address ads to NBC Transmitter, Room 284, RCA Building, New York. All items must be in writing: give name and address. FOR SALE— 1931 Master Buick Sedan, 6 white-wall tires, seat covers, fancy radiator cap. Complete with crankhandle and can of white-wall tire paint. $125. See Dixie in Mail Room, New York. SALE or RENT — Modern 8-room house, restricted section lower Westchester. Thirty minutes from Grand Central Station. Large corner, trees, garden, two-car garage, hot water heat, fireplace. Near school. Reasonable rental to desirable tenants. Call or write the NBC Transmitter. FOR SALE — Ford 5-passenger convertible cabriolet, September 1936. Chromium trimmings and wheels. White-wall tires. Perfect condition throughout. Driven 10,000 miles last summer. No winter usage whatever. Great bargain $550 cash. Phone Elsie Illingworth, Ext. 433, New York. FOR SALE — Girl’s fencing equipment. Almost new. Jacket, size 12; white mask; two foils, one Spanish — one French, and a glove. All in good condition. Call Dorothy Lewis, Ext. 802. BARGAIN — 1928 Rolls-Royce roadster. Motor, paint and tires in good condition. Make an offer. Call or write the NBC Transmitter. Bowling The NBC Bowling Team lost a tough match to the Merchandise Mart Bankers on February 19, by the score of 2674 to 2592 pins. The NBC team was composed of Gale Swift, Music Library, H. Guill, TWX, L. Dutton, Engineering, Ed Davies, artist, and R. Neubauer, cashier. Guill was high man with scores of 232, 181, and 165. Mickey, the Meandering Mouse Mickey, the pride of Bloomington, was to appear on a recent singing-mouse broadcast, but true to the tradition of mousedom, Mickey escaped her trap, and sought refuge in a hollow tile wall in the Receiving Room. Service Man Herman Boettcher, true to the tradition of the theatre that the ‘show must go on’, rushed in to effect the capture, which was accomplished by poking a wire through the wall and chasing the mouse into a cage held at the other end by Mickey’s owner. Mickey was hurried into a nearby studio just in time to make the broadcast, and though a trifle nervous, acquitted himself nobly.