Radio age (Jan-Dec 1926)

RADIO AGE for February, 1926 The Magazine of the Hour 59 Chicagoan Witnesses KFI's Auditions {Continued, from page 33) dots and dashes or the messages of ships on the Pacific, passing up most of the code, however, until his acute ears detect an S. O. S. or distress signal of a ship on the rocks or in some such plight. When this happens, he immediately telephones on a direct wire to coast guards at Wilmington, and advises them as to what he has heard, and if necessary, KFI signs off until the complete identification of the ship has been made by the coast guards. The signing off, of course, being to eliminate interference of code reception. KFI has been operating for a long while, on a small set, and since Dec. 30th, 1924 on their present large set, which is the Western Electric 104 B type, 467 wavelength, with 5,000 watts possible, but only 3,000 allowed on their license. "You ought to come up tonight about 9 or 10 o'clock and hear our program," advised Mr. Lilly, as I left this interesting operating room, and come up I did. And I was surely glad I did. I had heard a lot of these famous movie folk, and never dreamed of happening right in on them, but the very minute I hopped off the elevator I heard from the suspended microphone "Folks, we are surely glad to have with us this evening Lew Cody and Norma Shearer, regular performers from this studio, and tonight they are to hold a debate as to who ate the apple, Adam, Eve, or WALLACE BEERY!" Needless to say, that wasn't what these screen stars did at all, but they did tell a few very clever stories, and chatted part of a screen scenario, brand new, to their silent listeners all over the world. As the program continued, with Glen Rice, William Ray and Leslie Adams doing alternative annouacing, it was clearly seen how the acid test applied to tryouts, mentioned previously, was a wonderful benefit to this station. In order, these artists of great ability did work of exceptional merit: Miss Louise Klos, symphonic soloist on the harp, Felipe Delgado, a Spanish baritone, known all over California on the stage first of all as a great singer to movie prologues. Then came the favorite Park Sisters, June and Frances, ukelele and vocal duet specialists, followed by another surprise. Blanche Sweet and Mickey Neilsen were discovered stepping off the elevator and were forced into a number, Blanche harmonizing and Mickey at the ivories. They did it beautifully and didn't fight a bit. They were held over until the conclusion of the program and at 11 p. m., Pacific time, friend Rice signed off after a beautiful evening's entertainment. <<QAY, you, before you go I want you ^ to meet — 'Des capa blances figare spitalny Paul ash en centre les cognitas — loook, looook, look! holy smokes!' " The man Rice wanted me to meet nearly knocked both of us over in his excitement; excitement caused by a cablegram from Spain to the effect that KFI was being heard in that country! ( Turn the page) The New WOODCRAFT Standardized Adjustable Radio Enclosures, Consoles, Tables, with Built-in Loop, Speakers Etc. (Broad Patents Pending) The Woodcraft is not a makeshift. Built of genuine dark walnut, 5 coats of Lacquer, to a satin piano finish. Two Tone corners and %" bevel encircled panels. Many striking handcarved and inlaid effects on all of the various models. These enclosures are instantly adjustable to variable panel sizes up to 30" long x 10" wide and to a tilted or upright position in all models. <_^, Radio-Enclo No cutting, screws, etc., required. Can be changed instantly to many sizes with all parts enclosed. Make Your Set Up-to-Date Write for illustrated booklet showing the new consoles, speaker and other models. Popular Priced THE DETROIT WOODCRAFT CORP. Sales and Adv. Dept. S Detroit, Michigan 4611 Woodward Ave. RADIO AGE SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Radio Age, Inc. 500 North Dearborn Street. Chicago Gentlemen: Please enter $2.50 A YEAR subscription for RADIO AGE, the Magazine of the Hour, for one year, beginning with the issue, for which I enclose $2.50. Name Street Address . Send cash, money order or draft. Tell them you read it in Radio Age