The radio dealer (Apr-Sept 1922)

54 THE RADIO DEALER June, 1922 Pittsburgh Radio Firm Expands A little over three years ago President Wilson issued a proclamation that not only brought joy to over two hundred thousand young Americans but also opened the portals of an industry which promises to be one of the very greatest in the history of this country. The very instant that newspapers all over the United States flashed the news that the " lid was lifted " amateur radioists introduced a movement that has now become epidemic. Not long after the war restrictions were lifted the radio-telephone made its first appearance in the ranks of the American amateur. Profiting by the enforced period of inaction during the war and his service in the ranks of Uncle Sam's Army, the amateur was able to startle the world with a feature hitherto unknown save in research laboratories. How startling it was a little over two years ago to pick up a newspaper and note that such and such an amateur's voice had been heard by wireless from a point five or six miles away ! How much more wonderful was the news that phonograph records had been played and heard by wireless over much greater distances ! True all these instances were crude in their initial appearance, yet the idea was there and it was indeed strange that the commercial possibilities were not realized sooner. These experiments were countrywide, yet in Pittsburgh the development of the radio-telephone made great headway. The Pittsburgh amateur was far from being behind the times, and he even entered the commercial radio field far in advance of his fellow radioists. Immediately following the proclamation of President Wilson a very small shop was opened at 4614 Henry St., Pittsburgh, under the name of the Radio Electric Co. This shop, boasting about one hundred and fifty square feet of floor space, was devoted to the retailing of amateur radio equipment. The great popularity now attained by radio was non-existent at this time and the trade of this small concern was carried on entirely with the amateur radioist. Not long after the business was fairly well established, however, the radio-telephone made its initial amateur appearance and aroused the passing interest of a few outside the ranks of the amateur. This interest, of course, led to a slight increase in the demand for radio equipment, and being practically the only radio concern of merit in the city, the business of The Radio Electric Co. naturally expanded. With the expansion came the pressing need for larger quarters and The Radio Electric Co. established itself 3807 Fifth Avenue, a location affording them a floor space many times the original. Money at this time was not plentiful, yet the efficiency and firm belief of the management in the ultimate success of the enterprise assisted materially in its development. Today the photograph of the Radio Electric Co.'s. five-story building tells its own story. On May 1st, this Pioneer Pittsburgh Radio concern established itself at 1427-29 Liberty Avenue, where it will carry on its wholesale work in quarters large enough for the purpose. In this building, the business of the distribution of radio apparatus all over the country will be carried out speedily and efficiently under the absolute control of experts. Development and engineer ing work will be in the charge of a nationally recognized radio engineer, and everything possible will be done to place radio among the foremost of Pittsburgh's industries. Service, civdity, and a square deal will be meted out to all. Philadelphia The General Radio Corporation of Philadelphia, was recently incorporated at $1,000,000, under the able direction of W. L. Eckhardt, a man well known in the business world. The company confines its activities to the distribution of the products of John Firth of Philadelphia. The General Radio Corporation are also drawing up plans for a most complete plant to manufacture high grade radio sets and parts. It is the hope of the company that they will get into full production during June. Mr. Eckhardt believes fully in the future of Philadelphia as a Radio Center. He expects to open shortly a high power broadcasting station, which will increase the value of sets to Philadelphians. BIA-CAD SPECIALTY WORKS The Bia Cad Specialty Company, of New York City, are well known jobbers, distributing for only the most reliable radio manufacturers. Their reputation for prompt attention to orders, and satisfactory deliveries, is recognized. Their slogan, " W rite and a representative will call," indicates a desire to get into close touch with the dealer in ascertaining his needs. The National Association of Electrical Contractors and Dealers will meet at Cincinnati, during the week of October 9th. ATTENTION— DEALERS We Are the Pioneers Manufacturers of All Radio Parts ASK US FOR QUOTATION We Ship to Any Part of the Coast Positively Prompt Shipments Jobbers for De Forest Radio and Equipment WIENER WIRELESS SPECIALTY CO. 21 ACADEMY STREET NEWARK, N. J. PHONE MARKET 5668