There are no restrictions.
The original verbatim transcript of the dedication of the WRVA transmitter in Varina in 1939 can be viewed, but to read text, please use photocopies. Permission must be requested in writing from WRVA/Clear Channel Communications to reproduce any sound recordings.
WRVA Radio Collection, 1925-2000. Accession 38210, Business records collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.
Gift of Clear Channel Communications, June 2001.
WRVA was officially dedicated on 2 November 1925. Owned and operated by Larus & Brother Company, manufacturers of Edgeworth Smoking Tobacco and other tobacco products, the station initially operated as a community station without commercial revenue and broadcast only two evenings a week. The Corn Cob Pipe Club was one of the many regular programs begun in 1925. It proved so popular with listeners throughout the United States and Canada that by July 1935, almost nine hundred clubs were established in the United States and foreign countries. By January 1926, the station increased its schedule to three nights a week, and by 1929, WRVA was broadcasting day and night seven days a week. Also in 1929, the station increased its power from 1,000 watts to 5,000 watts and became affiliated with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC). In May 1933, WRVA opened new broadcasting studios in the Hotel Richmond, on 9th and Grace Streets. In April 1935, the station built and began using the first all-wood self-supporting radio tower in America. On 27 June 1937, WRVA joined Columbia Broadcasting Systems (CBS) as a full time affiliate. On 17 March 1939, the 50,000 watt transmitter, located in eastern Henrico County was officially dedicated. In March 1940, Sunshine Sue and Her Rangers first broadcast on WRVA. In September 1946, WRVA leased the old Lyric Theater on 9th and Broad Street and the Old Dominion Barn Dance began airing on WRVA. On 28 January 1959, WRVA rejoined NBC. On 29 May 1968, the new WRVA studio, located in historic Church Hill and overlooking Richmond, was dedicated.
In 1968, Larus & Brother Company reorganized and became the Larus Investing Company. In July 1968, WRVA AM and FM became WRVA Radio, Inc. and WRVA-FM Radio, Inc., respectively, subsidiary corporations of the Larus Investing Company. Larus Investing Company sold its entire WRVA stock to Southern Broadcasting Company of Winston, Salem, North Carolina in November 1969. In August 1977, Harte-Hanks Newspapers, Inc., purchased Southern Broadcasting Company, including WRVA-AM and WRVQ-FM. Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc., sold the radio stations to Edens Broadcasting Company, a company formed by the senior managers of Harte- Hanks Radio, Inc., a subsidiary of Harte-Hanks Communications, Inc., in December 1984. In September 1991, WRVA was sold to Force II Communication, L. P., of San Diego. In the Spring 1992, Clear Channel Communications bought WRVA and is the current owner.
The WRVA Radio Collection spans seventy-five years and contains applause letters, minutes, anniversary booklets, program scripts, program guides, newsletters, histories, interviews, employee questionnaires, sales manuals, audience and sales promotions, rate cards, listener surveys, posters, newspaper clippings, FCC applications and reports, drawings, photographs, and sound recordings. This material documents the history of WRVA, the role the station played in Virginia and Richmond for over half-a-century, and the development of radio in Virginia and the United States. The collection is also rich in material on the Larus & Brother Company, including histories, anniversary booklets, photographs of officials, employees, and factories, and promotions.
The sound recordings date from the 1930's to the 1990's and contain news broadcasts of significant local, state, national, and world events and personalities, programs of a local and regional interest, including the Capitol Squirrel, Calling All Cooks, the Radio Scholarship Quiz, and the Quiz of Two Cities, and musical programs, such as the Corn Cob Pipe Club, the Old Dominion Barn Dance, the Sunshine Hour, and the Silver Star Quartet. Selected sound recordings are now available for use on CD. Each CD has been cataloged individually. Search The Library of Virginia Archives and Manuscripts Catalog to find WRVA sound recordings of interest.
Debbie J. Ashley, WRVA Office Manager (retired), contributed significant personal time and effort to gather and help preserve these records and audio/visual materials.
Organized into the following series:
The applause memos contain comments from listeners on the station's programming and document the strength of WRVA's signal. The geographical distribution of applause letters received reveals that WRVA had listeners from the Atlantic Provinces of Canada to California. The correspondence file includes letters, memos, and telegrams regarding matters relating to the running of the station, station policy, the hiring and promotion of employees, and listener responses to programming. Correspondence also documents the transfer of part of WRVA's archives to the University of Virginia. The public service correspondence includes letters from listeners commenting and/or expressing thanks for WRVA programming. In many cases, a response from WRVA is included.
Includes minute books from WRVA Radio, Inc. and WRVA-FM, Inc., the subsidiary companies of the Larus Investing Company, the company formed when Larus and Brother Company reorganized in 1968. Also includes miscellaneous minutes and reports of staff, managers, and stockholders from 1956-1968
Includes the files relating to the administrative functions of WRVA, including incorporation files, deeds, accounts receivable, FCC renewal applications, and employee benefits.
Organized into the following four subseries: A. Ownership Records; B. Financial Records; C. Federal Communications Commission, (FCC), 1947-1969; D. Human Resources.
Includes files relating to incorporation of WRVA after the creation of the Larus Investing Company, by-laws of WRVA Radio, Inc., the sale of WRVA to the Southern Broadcasting Company, and land deed titles to the transmitter and studio properties.
Includes accounts receivable and commissions for advertising sales.
Includes agreements, affidavits, and statements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Station Representative hearings from 1947-1949 regarding national spot sales, and FCC license renewal applications and ownerships reports from 1963-1969. These license renewal applications and ownership reports contain stockholder information, the percentage of air time devoted to entertainment, religious, news, agricultural, and educational programs, brief summaries of programs broadcasted, copies of unsolicited commendation and response letters to public service programming, and program and transmitter logs.
Arranged chronologically.
Includes material relating to employee benefits such as medical, insurance, and pension plans. Material of a sensitive nature has been removed and is restricted.
Arranged alphabetically.
Contains material used and created by the WRVA Sales Department to attract advertisers, including manuals, advertisements, advertising booklets and displays, client presentations, newsletters, rate cards, and surveys. The advertisements, booklets, and displays were created to convey the listening power of WRVA and the benefits advertisers would received from advertising on the radio. The surveys contain information on the habits and preferences of WRVA's listening audience. The rate cards span from the 1930's to the 1960's and illustrate the costs of advertising on the radio. Also includes copies of WRVAds from 1950 to 1953, the sales department newsletter, which contained information on programming.
Arranged alphabetically
WRVA Dialog was the program guide for national and local programs airing on WRVA Radio. The guides included highlights of programs, time listings, and numerous photographs. Unfortunately, several significant gaps exist.
Arranged chronologically.
Includes files relating to the planning, construction, and dedication of WRVA's new building on Church Hill, such architectural plans and surveys, construction specifications, invitations and RSVP's for the dedication, and the dedicatory remarks of then Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr. Philip Johnson, a renowned architect, designed the building, which was dedicated in 1968.
This series contains advertisements, biographies, booklets, books, brochures, editorials, employee questionnaires, histories, interviews, letters, memorandums, memoirs, newsletters, newspaper clippings, posters, press releases, program guides, programs, promotions, scrapbooks, scripts, and speeches relating to the station's history, the Larus & Brother Company, the many individuals and staff who worked for WRVA, important events and individuals of the twentieth century, and radio programs and commercials. Of note are the files relating to WRVA's many anniversaries; the station's studios and transmitters; announcers, such as Alden Aaroe, Lou Dean, Wayne Lemon, Tim Timberlake, and Big John Trimble; staff, such as Walter R. Bishop, Ted Chezik, Bertha Hewlett, Calvin T. Lucy, Bill McGowan, John Tansey, and Harry Wood; performers, such as J. Robert Beadles, Pat Binford, Homer & Jethro, the Silver Star Quartet, Sunshine Sue, and Holland R. Wilkinson; special characters such as Millard the Mallard; musical programs, such as the
Arranged alphabetically.
Inscribed with the words "WRVA 50 Years of Responsible Broadcasting A Magnificent Foundation For The Demand Of The Future".
Includes books, newspapers, and magazines. The books and magazine primarily relate to broadcasting and the history of radio, including WRVA. Of note is a copy of the
Arranged alphabetically.
This series contains photographs that document the visual history of WRVA from its opening program on November 2, 1925 to 2000. Includes photographs of WRVA's studios and transmitters; staff, announcers, and performers; staff parties; broadcasts; special events; public service and community activities; anniversaries; programs; local, state and national politicians; and Larus & Brother Company. Some of the folders for WRVA staff contain biographical and program information.
Individual folders exist for some staff, performers, and events. However, there are several broad categories the researcher should consult for photographs of staff, performers, and events. Many of the photographs of performers are grouped into Performers or Performers, Early. Staff photographs are grouped together in Staff, Individual or Staff, Group. Events are generally located under Special Events. Photographs of broadcasts can found under Broadcasts or Broadcasts, Remote.
The albums primarily contain 4 x 8 photographs of staff and staff events from 1985 to 2000.
Organized into the following subseries: A. Photographs; B. Albums; C. Negatives; D. Promotion and Events Negatives, October 1985-January 2000.
Arranged alphabetically.
These photographs are arranged according to the page on which they appear.
This subseries consists of prints and negatives of many of the photographs listed in Subseries A. Covers WRVA staff and announcers, politicians, events, celebrities, places, and buildings.
Arranged alphabetically.
This subseries includes negatives from WRVA, WRNL, and Sports Radio 910 of primarily promotions and events from October 1985-January 2000. The events include sales meetings, staff meetings and parties, client parties, Christmas parties, birthday parties, staff anniversaries, station anniversaries, sports promotions, sporting events, sales promotions, charity promotions, parades (Azalea, Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick's Day), concerts, awards presentations, festivals, remote broadvasts, dedication ceremonies, luncheons, fairs, and garden shows Also includes negatives of staff, studio shots, and facilities.
Arranged chronologically.
The plaque is inscribed with the words "In Memory of Howard Bloom 1943-1974 WRVA." It was originally located outside of WRVA Studio on Church Hill.
Includes recordings of news broadcasts, campaign, dedication and political speeches, anniversary, christening, and dedication events, political conventions, programs of a local and regional interest such as the Alden Aaroe Show, Around Bishop's Cracker Barrel, Capitol Squirrel, Calling All Cooks, Kemp's Konversations, Legislative Roundup, Radio Scholarship Quiz, Sideviews on the News, Quiz of Two Cities, Quiz of Two States, Virginia Legislators' Interview, and Virginia Weekly, and musical groups and programs such the Al Zahlout Family, Corn Cob Pipe Club, Georgia Wildcats, Happy Valley Girls, Old Dominion Barn Dance, The Sunshine Hour, and the Silver Star Quartet. These sound recordings provide a unique perspective into important events in Virginia during the 20th century, including World War II, Massive Resistance and desegregation, Civil Rights, and hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. NOTE: See Series XIII and XIV for News Tape Morgue (XIII) and Special Programs and Airchecks (XIV) recordings.
In this finding aid, the compact discs are arranged alphabetical by title of recording or last name of person delivering speech or being interviewed. These compact discs are arranged numerically in the CD cabinet.
Contains recordings of a series of news broadcasts from Jack Clements and Walter R. Bishop of WRVA radio at the 1956 Democratic National Convention. Intended for the listeners back home in Virginia, these broadcasts, direct from Chicago, primarily cover the activities of the Virginia delegation during the convention. Of note is John Battle's work on the platform committee and its adoption of a civil rights plank. Southern delegations were adamant in their refusal to support any platform that endorsed the Supreme Court decision regarding school desegregation. The news broadcasts contain news from each candidates' camp and the prospects of a floor fight over the civil rights plank of the platform. Also includes the Virginia delegation's response to Tennessee Governor Frank G. Clement's keynote speech, its feelings on the various candidates, and its decision to support John S. Battle for president.
Lon Backman and Harry Monroe, WRVA news broadcasters, recap the major news events in Virginia in 1959, including the crash of a Piedmont Air Liner near Charlottesville, the fire at the McIntyre Implement Company on East Franklin Street, Hurricane Gracie, the death of George C. Marshall, Massive Resistance and desegregation, the launching of the nuclear submarine Robert E. Lee, and Richmond merger, downtown redevelopment, and urban renewal. Also includes news of notable Virginians and crimes.
This program features news highlights from the year. The exact date of broadcast is not known. Includes segments on the opening of "free schools" in Prince Edward County and a history of why they were closed, including comments by Governor Albertis S. Harrison at a press conference, court rulings, and comments by the Richmond Chapter president of the NAACP on the schools. Other segments include the annexation of a portion of Henrico County by the City of Richmond, Richmond City Council news, Virginia General Assembly elections, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) meeting on school integration that took place in Richmond, with remarks by Martin Luther King, Jr., Governor Harrison's announcement of the calling of a special session of the General Assembly to find a substitute for the poll tax, and sports news in Richmond, including a story on the Richmond Virginians baseball team. There is also a segment on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Includes New Year's resolutions from the following WRVA broadcasters: Alden Aaroe, Lyle Bradley (1:20), Carl Stutz (2:26), Bob McHone (3:38), Lou Dean (4:45), Harry Monroe (5:56), Bob Smith (7:09), Frank Brooks (8:18), and Bill Morgan (9:30).
Includes music from the last twenty-five years, including the songs "Valencia", "Sweet Sue", and "Pagan Love Song", and music from Kate Smith, Little Helen Kane, Irving Berlin, and Frank Sinatra. Hosted by Carl Stutz and Lee Lively. Broadcast in celebration of WRVA's 25th anniversary.
Recordings of interviews conducted by Verbon Kemp, executive director of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce and host of the WRVA radio program Kemp's Konversations, on the cruise ship Victoria during a three-day trip to Moscow and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Soviet Union. Kemp interviews Clyde Luther Powers, Dr. Ariel Goldberg, Norman T. Phelps, David J. Matson, and Mrs. Ernest Tice regarding their experiences and observations in the Soviet Union. Clyde Luther Powers of Richmond discusses his experiences being interviewed by Soviet authorities about a possible relationship with captured U-2 pilot, Francis Gary Powers. Dr. Ariel Goldberg, Rabbi at Congregation Beth Ahabah in Richmond, recounts his experiences attending services at a Jewish synagogue and describes the suppression of religion in the Soviet Union. Norman T. Phelps, headmaster of The Phelps School in Malvern, Pennsylvania, discusses the University of Moscow and education in the Soviet Union. David J. Matson, a native of Roanoke, Virginia, describes his impressions of the Soviet Union including the appearances and attitudes of its people. Mrs. Ernest Tice of Richmond describes her impressions of a fashion show and department store.
Jack Clements reports from the 49th Governor's Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia from June 24-26, 1957. The recordings include commentary on the various issues addressed at the conference, speeches, and resolutions. Also includes excerpts of speeches and interviews with participants. The major issues the Governors discussed were civil rights, transportation, and school overcrowding. The recordings contain a recap of Eisenhower's speech on states' right, and an in-depth discussion of his proposal to study how more power can be returned to the states. There is also considerable discussion on various resolutions covering such topics as civil rights, states' rights, military pay structure, air pollution, and the classification of FBI files. The recordings were broadcast from Williamsburg to Richmond over the telephone lines.
This recording includes sound clips of the dedication broadcast from 17 March 1939, including the playing of the Carillon by Hilton J. Rufty. Includes several takes. Narrated by John Harding.
This is a recording of Alden Aaroe discussing a controversy that began when a listener offered him some free bamboo for his yard. Listeners immediately started contacting Aaroe, alerting him to the insidious evil of bamboo and the damage it can do to a person's yard, plants and driveway. Another listener wrote in to tell him, conversely, that the United States government was supporting bamboo as the new crop for southern farmers. Aaroe also briefly talks about Mother's Day and does a voice advertisement for Markow's Florist. The recording begins with an advertisement for the 1958 University of Richmond-WRVA Radio Scholarship Quiz.
Alden Aaroe reports on his family's vacation to Maine and New Brunswick, Canada, for WRVA's listeners. Aaroe describes the drive, camping, Acadia National Park, Anemone Cave in Acadia National Park, Eastport (Maine), St. John (New Brunswick), Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, the economics of Canada such as the price of gas, and Alma (New Brunswick).
Recording of "Tribute to Alden Aaroe" and memorial service for Alden Aaroe held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The tribute is a duplicate of the recording on WRVA - 591. Memorial service begins at 29:45. The memorial service includes readings by Tim Timberlake, WRVA broadcaster, and Anna Lou Schaberg, Alden Aaroe's daughter, the eulogy by John Harding, WRVA news director, and the Silver Star Quartet (Wesley Harvey, Clarence Valentine, Harold Bates, Eugene Beard, and Hartwell McDaniel) singing "Amazing Grace" (50:00-53:03). The program for the memorial service is available in Box 17, Folder Aaroe, Alden (I).
Interview, 27 July 1955, with Dr. Theodore F. Adams (1898-1980) of Richmond, Virginia, with Edwin Robertson, Assistant Head of Religious Broadcasting for the British Broadcasting Corporation. The interview was conducted shortly after Adams was elected president of the Baptist World Alliance, and was in London attending the organization's yearly Congress. He discusses the mission and purpose of the Alliance, its organizational makeup, beliefs, and views on church and state, the current Congress, and Reverend Billy Graham's participation. Adams also talks about his upcoming trip to the Soviet Union.
Recording of a message from Hal Boyd (Harold B. Boyd), president of the Virginia AFL-CIO, to the people of Virginia on Labor Day. Boyd discusses the creation of Labor Day and the father of Labor Day, Peter J. McGuire, a carpenter in New York City.
This documentary is a 10-part series focusing on AIDS, including an editorial of John Tansey, WRVA general manager, regarding the AIDS epidemic, and interviews with people suffering from the disease and medical personnel. Produced and reported by Margaret Branham.
Sound clips of Mayor Roy West of Richmond and Governor Gerald L. Baliles proclaiming January 31, 1986 Alden Aaroe Day in Richmond and Virginia in celebration of Alden Aaroe's fortieth anniversary of broadcasting over WRVA Radio.
Recording of the program celebrating Alden Aaroe's fortieth year of service with WRVA Radio. Includes sound clips of Alden Aaroe broadcasting over WRVA from the last forty years, and phone calls and studio visits with co-workers, former co-workers, friends and neighbors, family, and political, community and business leaders of Richmond and Virginia, including Millard the Mallard, Bertha Hewlett, John Trimble, Buster Puffenbarger, Brick Rider, John Tansey, Mac Jameson, Roy West, Bob Fleet, Larry Nachman, W. Brooks George, Son Watson, Gerald Baliles, Henry Gonner, Bob McNeil, Frank Hargrove, Tom Bliley, John P. Stokes, Steve Richardson, Lou Dean, Curley Collins, Edna Aaroe, Phil Bagley, Dick Gillis, Harvey Powers, Captain Don Faulkner, Larry Dodd, Bill Galloway, Virginia Crumpler, Irving Gurganus, and Howard Mears, among others. These guests congratulated Alden Aaroe on his forty years of service to WRVA Radio and his many good deeds for the community over the years, and reminisced about the early days of WRVA. Tim Timberlake co-hosted the program.
Includes sound clips of or relating to Alden Aaroe. The majority of these clips were included in the program, "Tribute to Alden Aaroe." Sound clips of note include: Aaroe and Millard the Mallard discussing golf (24:39-25:45); the renaming of the Shoe Fund for Aaroe; President Reagan calling Aaroe on his 70th birthday (26:08-29:14); Aaroe broadcasting from Thalhimer's Department Store; Aaroe reading the list of school closings; excerpts from Aaroe's 75th birthday celebration; and the passage of a resolution by the Virginia General Assembly in honor of Aaroe's fortieth year of service with WRVA.
Broadcast on 12 April 1957, this show includes music, talk, news headlines and weather, and commercial spots. Aaroe tells stories about taking a stray dog to a veterinarian, and gives details about his vegetable garden at home, reads promotional advertisements for Ford tractors and Fleischman's yeast, gives the weather forecast, and reads numerous agricultural interest stories and provides crop estimate outlooks.
Broadcast on 22 May 1957, this show includes music, talk, news headlines and weather, and commercial spots. Aaroe discusses the "Circle Security Plan" offered by Mutual of Omaha insurance, interviews the director of the Richmond office of the Social Security Administration concerning home visits by field representatives, mentions free chest x-rays being offered downtown, the availability of a life insurance booklet free by mail, announces an upcoming show of the Old Dominion Barn Dance, and gives an agricultural update. Musical selections include "Four Walls" by Dorothy Collins, and "I'm Sorry" by Al Martino with Les Baxter's Orchestra.
Broadcast on 23 May 1957, this show includes music, talk, news headlines and weather, and commercial spots. Musical selections include "Why Baby Why" by Pat Boone and "One Suit" by Tennessee Ernie Ford. Aaroe mentions a speaking engagement he attended in Prince George County, talks about the benefits of Flex-Alum Awnings, and discusses the herb garden he and his wife are tending at their residence.
Broadcast on 29 May 1958, from Thalhimer's department store in downtown Richmond. Includes Aaroe mentioning the going out of business sale of a local nursery, interviews with William B. Thalhimer, Jr., and the president of the Richmond chapter of the American Red Cross presenting John Tansey and WRVA a certificate of appreciation. The show also features music, weather, a retail market report, and commercial spots.
Alden Aaroe reports on a family vacation to Colorado. The first segment (track 1) contains an interview with Ferrel Atkins, former professor of mathematics at the University of Richmond, concerning the history of the area encompassing Estes Park, Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park. The second segment (track 4) contains an interview with a six year old boy named Dickie(?) about hiking Specimen Mountain, and Aaroe discussing humming birds, camp cooking, and Cortez, Colorado. The third segment (track 5) includes Aaroe discussing Mesa Verde National Park and the surrounding area. These recordings are track 1, track 4, and track 5 on WRVA - 456.
Alden Aaroe reports on a vacation to Honolulu, Hawaii, including a brief description of the trip and the time line of the flight back to Richmond, and discussions about packing for the return trip, the various curios being purchased, and Honolulu's restaurants. These recordings are track 2-3 on WRVA - 456.
This recording is track 1 on WRVA - 480. Jack Clements, WRVA news director, talks with the Attorney-General of Virginia, J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., and Congressman William M. Tuck regarding the proposed civil rights legislation. In discussing his testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, Almond talks about the potential excesses of the civil rights legislation and its violation of the constitution. Tuck discusses the movement of the civil rights bill from a subcommittee to the full House Judiciary Committee of which he is a member. He intends to make every effort to hold the bill over and believes that there is no chance to defeat the bill if it make it to the floor of the House. Track 2 includes a commercial for Kingan Meats delivered by Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman) and George Passage directing a person named Charlie how to read an aspirin commercial.
Address, 4 February 1961, by Governor J. Lindsay Almond, at ceremonies commemorating the 100th anniversary of the peace conference held in Washington, D.C. in 1861, sponsored by the Richmond Civil War Centennial Commission and the Virginia Civil War Centennial Commission. The ceremonies took place at the State Capitol, and marked the opening of the Civil War Centennial observances in Richmond. Almond discusses the history of events leading up to the peace conference, gives information about the delegates from Virginia and their positions, and offers his suggestions as to why the conference failed.
This is a recording of the broadcast by the WRVA division of special events from the Mosque Auditorium at the 74th annual convention of the Virginia Educational Association. Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., addresses grave questions about public school education concerning all Virginians and all the nation. Almond declares that he is dedicated to the cause of public education and talks in great length about his youth in rural Virginia and what education was like then. This leads to a discussion of the present school problems and the larger issues from which they stem, namely forced integration of the public schools and the transgressions of the United States Supreme Court in regard to its powers.
Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., attempts to dispel misconceptions as to the responsibility, authority, and accountability of the school superintendents and school board members in the localities affected school closings and who are defendants in cases pending in federal district court. He also speaks on the potential results of integration, specifically the destruction of the public school system. Track 2 of this recording is blank.
Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., comments on the school closing under the Massive resistance laws, discussing the potential impact of integration on Virginia's public schools. He believes the objective of the integrationists is not to improve education, but social amalgamation.
Recording of the inaugural address of Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., in which he discusses desegregation, Sputnik, states' rights, and decries the recent actions of the United States Supreme Court. The speech focuses on the importance of preserving segregation for the good of both races and to save the public school system. Almond sees no room for compromise, believing that limited integration will do irreparable harm.
Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., defiantly responds to the rulings of the Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and the federal district court in Norfolk that Virginia's school closing law is unconstitutional. He vehemently declares his refusal to yield to the integrationists.
This is a recording of a short speech recorded for radio by J. Lindsay Almond, in which he promises to work hard for Virginia for the four years of his term, with the support of all the citizens of Virginia. Almond reiterates that he is especially dedicated to public education, alluding to the threat of public school integration as mandated by the United States Supreme Court.
Speech, 28 January 1959, by Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., to a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly. Almond outlines his program to end Massive Resistance, implementing token integration to lessen the blow of imminent judicial decision that will force integration. He urges repeal of the compulsory attendance statute and calls for the appropriation of funds for tuition grants. Jack Clements, WRVA news editor, recaps the highlights of Almond's speech.
Speech, 6 April 1959, by Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., to a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly. He discusses the work of the Commission on Education (Perrow Commission) created to deal with the judicial decisions of January 18 and outlines the commission's report. The Commission's recommendations insure the freedom of choice and will not force any child to attend a racially-mixed school. He declares that the failure of massive resistance was neither his fault nor from the lack of effort, but because there is no alternative to judicial edict. See Box 18 for production notice and transcript of speech.
This is a recording of Governor J. Lindsay Almond speaking to the senate of Virginia upon the occasion of United States Senator Harry F. Byrd's decision not to seek re-election. Calling this the "hardest task of my life," Almond calls recognition to Byrd as a leader of his party, as a state senator, governor and ultimately United States senator. He showers praise on Byrd's record, character, courage, and integrity, just some among other qualities that made Byrd's decision not to run again such a terrible shock and disappointment to Almond.
This is a recording of Josephine Katherine Minter Almond's speech at the 50th anniversary convocation of the founding of Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The wife of Governor J. Lindsay Almond, she discusses the roles and powers of women and the positive impact of education on the women of Virginia.
Recordings of four shows of the Al Zahlout family. The Al Zahlout Family, consisting of Al and Berna and their four daughters, Naomi Ruth, Pauline Marie, Eileen Esther, and Catherine Jane, includes singing and messages of spiritual inspiration.
Paid political broadcast sponsored by the Richmond Citizen's Association. T. Coleman Andrews discusses the election of a new Richmond city council under the new charter and asks people to vote for the candidates of the Richmond Citizen's Association, the pro-charter candidates. The new charter established the city council-manager form of government in Richmond.
T. Coleman Andrews, presidential candidate of the Constitution Party, speaks about states' rights and the liberalism of the two major political parties. He decries oppressive taxation, uncontrolled spending, international entanglements, and integration. He tells the audience that his party offers a choice for independents alienated by both major parties. He criticizes Earl Warren, chief justice of the Supreme Court, for his role in the court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education to end school segregation. He praises Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr. and the pay-as-you-go fiscal policy. Andrews outlines ways to save money and cut spending, and condemns the income tax.
Recording of the program, "Things We Know That Are Not So" on which T. Coleman Andrews, Jr., delivers an essay entitled, "Is the Human Race Ready for Self-government." The T. Coleman Andrews, Jr., Insurance Company sponsored this program.
Recording of a documentary which aired on 1 November 1959, containing news clips and other coverage of the Piedmont Airlines crash near Crozet, Virginia on 30 October 1959. The plane, a Douglas DC-3, crashed on Bucks Elbow Mountain, near Skyline Drive, killing 26 people. There was one survivor - E. Philip Bradley of Clifton Forge, Virginia. The show includes a recounting of events prior to and following the crash. The search for the wreckage and survivors is covered extensively. There are reports by Jack Clements, Harry Monroe, and Lon Backman. Also included are interviews with Philip Bradley while he was recovering in the hospital, as well as a representative from Piedmont Airlines. Bradley later wrote a book in 1997 on his experience entitled
Recording of broadcasts of musical groups heard over WRVA the last twenty-five years. Broadcast as part of WRVA's series of anniversary broadcasts. Hosted by Don Vest. Contains transcribed performances of the following choral groups: Randolph-Macon College Singers sing "Go Not Far From Thee O' Lord"; the Virginia State College Mixed Choir sings "Ezekial Saw the Wheel"; Longwood College Girl's Choir sings "Ave Verum"; Mary Washington College Choir and VMI Glee Club sing "How Lovely is Our Dwelling Place"; Hartshorn College and Virginia Union University Glee Clubs sing "Souls of Righteousness"; Madison College Chorus sing "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes"; and Richmond Shrine Chanters, directed by Alton Howell, sing "Allah We Turn to Thee" and "Stout-Hearted Men."
Broadcast on 2 September 1955, this show hosted by Walter R. Bishop (1903-1963), features political news and stories, including information on E. Griffith Dodson's book
Hosted by Walter R. Bishop (1903-1963) and broadcast on 29 October 1955 in conjunction with WRVA's 30th anniversary. Congressman J. Vaughan Gary (1892-1973) is Bishop's guest. Gary discusses his start in politics, his first campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates, and gives an overview of his career in the state legislature.
Hosted by Walter R. Bishop (1903-1963) and broadcast on 2 October 1957. Bishop mentions the 32nd anniversary of WRVA and the upcoming elections in Virginia. Most of the program, however, is devoted to his discussion with Congressman J. Vaughan Gary (1892-1973). Gary discusses his start in politics, his first campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates in 1925, Harry F. Byrd's election as Governor, and other statewide races of the past.
Hosted by Walter R. Bishop (1903-1963) and broadcast on 4 January 1958. Bishop mentions Governor Thomas B. Stanley's upcoming farewell address and other farewell addresses by former governors. He then goes on to devote most of the show discussing the careers of past governors after their term had ended. Bishop ends the program by speculating on Stanley's future plans after he leaves office.
The recording is only a portion of the entire show, and features Godfrey congratulating the radio station on its 25th anniversary. Also included is the song "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" played by the show's organist, and a performance of "There is Nothing Like a Dame" by The Mariners male quartet, which is dedicated to WRVA.
Christmas story, broadcast on 25 December 1965, concerning baseball legend Babe Ruth and his very first Christmas tree, as told by Ray Turner of WRVA. Turner is introduced by sportscaster Wayne Lemon.
Lon Backman interviews Danny Thomas, who was visiting Richmond to attend the Virginia State Moose Convention. The recording consists of a general interview regarding the ALSAC campaign (Aiding Leukemia Stricken American Children). ALSAC, which later was changed to stand for American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, is the fund raising organization that runs St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Thomas discusses how the funds raised by various campaigns are allocated, the types of research done at St. Jude's, and his role in helping raise awareness of the organization and its work. Also included in this recording is a brief Sideviews on the News in which Thomas discusses the good works the Loyal Order of Moose do for children, as well as television programs he was developing at the time.
1 compact disc. Complete recording of John S. Battle's speech against the loyalty pledge at the 1952 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
From the Gallery of the House of Delegates, Governor John Stewart Battle speaks at the opening session of the General Assembly. E. Blackburn Moore of Berryville, Speaker of the House of Delegates, introduces the governor. Battle discusses the threats of communism to the United States, the return to war footing in regard to the war in Korea, Civil Defense in Virginia, the economy and taxes, as well as the Virginia highway system, and absentee voter status in Virginia. He also covers public assistance and school building and planning for white and black schools. An analysis of the speech is provided by WRVA's George Passage and Walter Bishop.
Address, 8 June 1957, by Samuel Merrifield Bemiss (1894-1966), on the early settlement of Virginia, given at Powhatan Hill in Richmond as part of the Richmond-Jamestown Festival Week festivities. Topics include Jamestown, the Virginia Company of London, Captain Christopher Newport, Sir Walter Raleigh, England under Elizabeth I, and the development of the Virginia colony and its English traditions.
Bible scripture reading, broadcast on 5 July 1950, by United States Senator A. Willis Robertson. Robertson reads from the Book of Job, and also explains why it is favorite scripture selection.
Recording of The Big Gig, a summer weekly outdoor musical concert series held in Richmond, Virginia. This week's show features performances by the Richmond Symphony and the Ramsey Lewis Trio. There is also an interview of Lewis by Tim Timberlake during the show's intermission.
Bill Willis, WRVA News Reporter, reports on the dress rehearsal for the refloating operation for the U.S.S. Missouri, which ran aground in the Chesapeake Bay on 17 January 1950. The ship was refloated on 1 February 1950 after unloading over 11,000 tons.
Interview, 13 November 1957, with Marjorie Simpson Bishop, a local actress, by Alden Aaroe. Bishop talks about her role in the upcoming children's theater production of "The Wizard of Oz."
Recording of a multi-part documentary series by WRVA, broadcast in June 1986. Includes comments by social workers and other professionals, police officials, school teachers, community leaders, and citizens of Richmond. There are segments on causes and solutions, life in Richmond's poorest neighborhoods and public housing projects, poverty, lack of role models, effects of the broken family, schools and crime, drugs, courts and sentencing, and welfare reform.
Consists of only commercial clips, presumably used on the show. Included are commercial spots for Cavalier cigarettes, Heidi Bread, Goodyear Tire, Equitable Insurance, Vaseline hair tonic, Budweiser, Blue detergent, Beech Nut gum, and Pall Mall cigarettes. The date of the recording is unknown.
Speech, by United States Representative Hale Boggs (1914-1972) of Louisiana, 24 February 1956, at the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Richmond, Virginia. He is introduced by United States Senator A. Willis Robertson (1887-1971). Boggs discusses the great leaders of the Democratic Party, party principles and strengths, differences between the Democrats and Republicans, the election of the current Congress, the nation's prosperity and valuable social and economic programs due to the Democrats, Vice-President Richard Nixon's recent speech on civil rights compared with one given by Adlai Stevenson, and the upcoming elections for local and state leaders and President.
Harry Monroe provides play by play for the bricklaying contest between Ken Tanner and Alden Aaroe, held at 1900 Roseneath Road in front of Southern Brick and Supply.
Parke Brinkley remembers the many years Market Reports have aired on WRVA and its hosts. He also wishes WRVA a happy 29th birthday.
Features two selections sung by the Broad Street Methodist Church choir, including "Since Jesus Came Into My Heart" and "Take the Name of Jesus With You." The date of the recording is unknown.
Recording of the dedication of new radio facilities at the Naval Construction Training Center at Camp Peary, Williamsburg, Virginia. Includes music from the Seabees Orchestra and Chorus featuring a medley of songs from Jerome Kern's Show Boat. This recording is track 1 on WRVA-11.
The recordings in this set consist of two installments of the Businessmen's Bible Class, with the lessons for both delivered by Holland R. Wilkinson; as well as a Bible lesson on the second disc that appears to be unrelated to the Businessmen's Bible Class. Wilkinson's lesson for the program of 16 August 1940 is entitled "The God-Guided Life", and the lesson for the 21 August 1940 program is entitled "Gratitude." The Bible lesson on the second disc is untitled but is dated 5 July 1941. This person delivering this lesson is also unidentified.
Broadcast of the dedication of the new terminal at Byrd Airport (now Richmond International Airport) in Richmond, Virginia. Speakers include Arthur Godfrey, master of ceremonies, and Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, for whom the airport is named. Byrd talks about the communist threat from Stalin and the Soviet Union. Byrd's speech begins on the third track of the first CD and continues on the first track of the first CD (6:12). Alden Aaroe was the WRVA reporter covering the event.
Radio announcement by Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr., thanking the people of Virginia for his reelection to the United States Senate. He declares that he "will never be a candidate for public office again."
Recording of a speech of Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr., to the Richmond Kiwanis Club on 18 February 1957. Byrd calls for fiscal responsibility, an end to wasteful spending, and the reduction of the federal budget by $1 billion. He outlines the spending increase in the federal government from 1932 to 1957 and derides the notion of federal grants. He also addresses the issue of civil rights, calling the Supreme Court decision a violation of states' rights. He laments the attacks on the South and believes that integration will destroy the public school system.
Campaign speech, 28 June 1946, of Senator Harry F. Byrd in which he criticizes the size and scope of the federal government and its control over people's daily lives and discusses the difference between the federal governments of 1935 and 1946. He calls for retrenchment now that the war is won and the easing of unnecessary government controls. He outlines a plan to restore fiscal sanity and emphasizes his activities in the United States Senate to keep the federal government fiscally responsible. He promises to continue these activities if re-elected. Broadcast paid for by the Byrd Campaign Committee Headquarters.
Recording of a paid advertisement of Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr. speaking from the radio studios of WINC in Winchester, Virginia. Byrd discusses Virginia's philosophy of government, the Taft-Hartley Act, civil rights, the 1952 Democratic National Convention, John S. Battle's actions during the convention, and outlines his stance on deficit spending. He also states that he cannot support the Stevenson-Sparkman ticket or the Democratic party platform.
Speaking directly to the laboring people of Virginia, Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr., explains his views on labor and his efforts to fight government waste and higher taxes.
Brick Rider, WRVA news broadcaster, reports from the 40th annual picnic at Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr.'s, log cabin in Berryville, Virginia. Rider interviews Byrd, who discusses his philosophy on pay-as-you-go and limited government. He believes in reducing expenditures before reducing taxes. He does not consider a tax reduction on borrowed money sound practice. When asked which President he considered fiscally responsible, Byrd replies that all the presidents showed fiscal responsibility until Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He now sees no effort to reduce the federal debt.
Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr., reconsiders his decision to retire and announces that he will run again for the United States Senate. He credits his decision to the resolution passed by the Virginia General Assembly urging him to run again, the telegram signed by former governors of the Commonwealth, and the many communications sent by others. He also reads from a statement by his wife in which she says that due to the many communications urging her husband to run again she gives him her blessing.
Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr., discusses the recent congressional session, commenting on the deterioration of fiscal sanity, reckless expenditures, and federal debt. He attacks the recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court under the leadership of Chief Justice Earl Warren as destroying states' rights, local authority, and individual rights. He criticizes the Warren Court for deciding the desegregation case on a sociological basis rather than a legal one, and promises to fight the decision by every legal means possible.
Recording of speech of Harry F. Byrd, Sr., to the 19th session of the Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. During the speech, Byrd laments the increasing power of the federal government and executive branch. He praises the free enterprise system and warns of the dangers of high taxation and over spending.
Speech, 21 January 1957, by Senator Harry F. Byrd (1887-1966) before the Ruritan Club in Richmond, Virginia. He is introduced by Lieutenant Governor Allie Edwards Stokes Stephens (1900-1973). Byrd speaks about the centralization of power by the federal government, government spending, inflation, federal deficits, foreign aid waste, the need to keep the military strong and to fight Communism, his work on the Senate Finance Committee, the loss of states' rights, federal money going to public schools, and the recent Supreme Court decision on school integration.
Speech, 20 February 1961, by Senator Harry F. Byrd before the Richmond Traffic Club at the Hotel John Marshall. Topics of the speech include the first thirty days of the Kennedy Administration, opposition to the Democratic platform by Southern senators, Senate committee chairmanships, Kennedy's appointments and legislative proposals, Byrd's relationship with past presidents, including Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower, the national debt, welfare, foreign aid, and the gold standard. Byrd also provides the audience with his definition of a conservative.
These recordings consist of the half-hour broadcasts of the Calling All Cooks quiz program and cover each weekly broadcast from 29 October 1949 to 25 March 1950, and then intermittent broadcasts from 3 March 1951 to 13 February 1954, at the WRVA Theater and John Marshall High School in Richmond. The Master of Ceremonies of the show is George Passage, and the announcer is Carl Stutz. Eight women compete on two teams of four as the Cooks and the Bakers, alternately coming on stage and answering cooking and food related questions in order to win prizes provided by the sponsors. Each prize selection is punctuated with a scripted advertisement for the product read by Carl Stutz. At the mid-point of the program, Calling All Cooks Home Economist Harriet Allen provides cooking tips in the Norge kitchen stage set, while bantering back and forth with George Passage.
This recording consists of one half hour episode of Calling All Cooks, which aired during WRVA's week-long celebration of its 25th anniversary. Broadcast live from the WRVA Theater in Richmond, the Master of Ceremonies of the show is George Passage, and the announcer is Carl Stutz. As with the regular program, eight women compete on two teams of four as the Cooks and the Bakers, alternately coming on stage and answering questions in order to win prizes provided by the sponsors. In this instance, however, the questions are all related to either WRVA's 25th anniversary or anniversaries in general. Each prize selection is punctuated with a scripted advertisement for the product read by Carl Stutz. At the mid-point of the program, Calling All Cooks Home Economist Harriett Allen discusses cooking trivia from the Norge kitchen stage set, while bantering back and forth with George Passage.
Coverage, 18-19 January 1960, of the crash of a Capitol Airlines jet thirty-five miles southeast of Richmond in Charles City County, Virginia near the small town of Holdcroft. Harry Monroe of WRVA reports from the scene shortly after the crash. Jack Clements also reports from WRVA studios. Included are eyewitness accounts. Names of some of the victims are read on air, and there is speculation by Clements and Monroe on the cause of the crash. The jet, a Vickers Viscount Turboprop, went down at night in a wooded area, enroute from Washington, D.C. to Norfolk, resulting in the deaths of 48 passengers.
These recordings are of the WRVA Radio Capitol Squirrel's "provocative thought for the day" segments, which usually were no longer than a five to ten seconds. The Capitol Squirrel made editorial comments on such topics as activities of the General Assembly, litter in the city of Richmond, the city police and bus drivers, drunk driving, and parking in downtown Richmond.
Carillon holiday programs, 1946-1947, featuring musical selections played on the bells of the Virginia War Memorial Carillon in Richmond by Hilton J. Rufty (1909-1974), to commemorate different holidays, including Easter, Washington's Birthday, Armistice Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Features various musical selections, including "Warsaw Concerto" by Liberace, "I Could Have Danced All Night" from the musical "My Fair Lady," "The Man With a Dream" from the motion picture
Consists of recordings of five Carl Stutz Shows. These shows include Carl Stutz hosting the Three Chopt Woman's Club, Bryan Park Woman's Club, Brook Run Junior Woman's Club, Westhampton Junior Woman's Club, Ginter Park Junior Woman's Club at the Alcoa Carefree Home on Westgate Drive in Bon Air, Virginia. Stutz identifies club members, discusses the community service activities in which they are involved, and asks their impression of the home. The Aluminum Company of American (Alcoa) sponsored the building of Alcoa Carefree Homes in twenty-four cities around the United States, including Richmond, Virginia. Designed by Charles M. Goodman (1906-1992) and built by local contractors, these home contained modern amenities and were intended to promote the various uses of aluminum in residential homes. Kayhoe Construction built the Alcoa Carefree Home in Richmond. The house is still standing and is located at 3318 Cedar Grove Road, at the intersection of Cedar Grove Road and Westgate Drive in Bon Air, Virginia.
Incomplete recording of a testimonial dinner for Carter Glass held at Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia, on the occasion of his 82nd birthday and the establishment of the Carter Glass professorship of government at the college. Includes speeches by Senator Harry F. Byrd and former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Russell Cornwell Leffingwell, and Carter Glass, and a performance by the Sweet Briar Glee Club. J. Stewart Bryan, publisher of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, introduces both Byrd and Leffingwell.
Larry LeSueur reports on the segregation crisis in Little Rock, Arkansas during which Governor Orval Faubus called out the Arkansas National Guard to surround a school to prevent integration. He also reports on the activities of John Casper, a rabid segregationist, in organizing White Citizens' Councils in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Broadcast includes excerpts from a speech Casper delivered. Finally, LeSueur reports on a news conference with President Eisenhower regarding his feelings on the school desegregation issue. Eisenhower comments that you ""can't change people's hearts by law."
This recording of the inauguration of Alvin Duke Chandler, 22nd president of the College of William and Mary, opens with a 16 minute performance of the William and Mary choir. Speakers include Governor John Stewart Battle, who welcomes visitors and discusses the promises Chandler's leadership will provide the college; and former Governor Colgate W. Darden, who brings greetings from the Virginia colleges. Chandler speaks on the accomplishments, events, and people of the past as they reflect the present and motivate the future of the college. Governor Battle is awarded the honorary Doctor of Laws degree, as is President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Original WRVA recording was titled "President Eisenhower at Williamsburg."
Character promotional spots, 9 January 1958, urging people to listen to WRVA. The spots are voice imitations of famous individuals or fictitious characters, including Winston Churchill, Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre, Jimmy Stewart, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Elmer Fudd, and Bugs Bunny.
Recording of the dedication and opening of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, including the invocation by Reverend William A. Brown, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia, introductory remarks by Lucious Kellam, chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel commission, an address by Governor Albertis S. Harrison, and the release of sea gulls to make the official opening of the bridge-tunnel. Ed Whitehead and Alden Aaroe, WRVA broadcasters, report from the scene, and discuss the potential number of user of the bridge-tunnel and its impact on the economy of Virginia Beach and Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Contains recordings of Christmas carols sung by the choirs of the College of William and Mary, Richmond Professional Institute, Virginia State College, and Armstrong High School, and by employees of the State Planters Bank assisted by the chancel choir of Beulah Methodist Church of Chesterfield County.
Recording of the 1 November 1948 broadcast of The Church Across the Way, an inspirational program which could be heard each weekday morning from 10-10:30 a.m. This particular program, recorded at the Hotel Richmond Studios of the Edgeworth Broadcasting Service, featured "old fashioned hymn-singing and devotion time" as presented by Sam Workman. Workman also sends on-air greetings for birthdays, anniversaries and shut-ins and promotes his book of poetry,
Opening ceremonies, 8 January 1961, of the opening of the Civil War Centennial celebrations in Virginia, which took place at Washington and Lee University Chapel in Lexington. Included are the invocation, and remarks by Congressman William M. Tuck (1896-1983) and Dr. Francis Pendleton Gaines (1892-1963), president emeritus and chancellor of Washington and Lee. Also covered during the ceremonies is the laying of wreaths by representatives from the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Civil War Centennial Commission.
Includes a CBS News report concerning the United States Supreme Court's refusal to overturn a lower court ruling against Virginia's Pupil Placement Board. The lower court will now presumably order the schools of Newport News and Norfolk to integrate. Jack Clements, WRVA news director, reports on Virginia's reaction to the United States Supreme Court's action and its impact on the current gubernatorial election between J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., a supporter of Massive resistance, and Ted Dalton, a supporter of local option.
Clips of WRVA reports from Richmond area plane crash sites, including the Piedmont Airlines crash near Crozet, Virginia on 30 October 1959, the crash of a Capitol Airlines jet thirty-five miles southeast of Richmond in Charles City County, Virginia near the small town of Holdcroft on 18 January 1960, and the crash of an Imperial Airlines jet two miles southeast of Byrd Field in Richmond on 8 November 1961.
Features an undated performance of the College of William and Mary Choir singing "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny." The performance repeats three times.
Clips of WRVA's coverage of a tornado that hit Colonial Heights, Virginia on 6 August 1993. Includes the announcement by the station that the tornado had struck the area, as well as clips of reporters on the scene describing the damage to a Wal-Mart store, and to vehicles on the Varina-Enon Bridge. A section of Petersburg was also damaged. There are eyewitness accounts, updates on the traffic situation, and segments from later broadcasts that describe the cleanup and recovery efforts, including interviews with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials. The volume is very low on the majority of the recording.
Broadcast of a joint meeting of the Virginia General Assembly from the restored Capitol in Williamsburg, Virginia. Includes speeches by Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., and Congressman Howard W. Smith. Almond discusses the development of constitutional government in Virginia and the United States. Smith praises constitutional government and decries the power of the federal judiciary. Both call the demise of constitutional government disturbing.
Recording of the commemorative session of the Virginia General Assembly held in the Hall of the House of Burgesses at Colonial Williamsburg. Includes speeches by Governor Albertis S. Harrison and Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Governor Harrison praises the principles exhibited by the early patriots of Williamsburg. Senator Byrd criticizes the centralization of power and massive spending of the federal government. He refers to the principles of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and other early Virginians.
Contains sound clips of convention events and news commentary for a documentary produced by WRVA and narrated by George Passage entitled "The Story of John Battle and the 1952 Democratic National Convention." The documentary examines John Battle's role in the fight against the loyalty pledge, which the Virginia delegates believed bound them to support the nominee before he was selected, and the platform before it was adopted. Louisiana, South Carolina, and Virginia refused to support the loyalty pledge and were almost denied participation in the convention. The recordings include excerpts of speeches of Battle, Governor Adlai Stevenson, presidential nominee from Illinois, Senator Richard Russell of Georgia, and the roll call of voting on the resolution. Battle's speech was instrumental in the resolution's defeat. The commentary of George Passage puts the speeches and roll call in context, and provides background information on the events of the convention. The sound clips of the convention events and news commentary are separate. The convention events are the first four tracks and the news commentary are the last two tracks. The news commentary recordings set up each sound clip of the convention events.
This recording of the Corn Cob Pipe Club includes music, comedy routines, and a comedic poetry recitation. Also includes information about joining the Corn Cob Pipe Club.
Coverage of miscellaneous news stories from 1961, including a fight and injuries reported in Norfolk, Virginia, a story on State Senator Mills E. Godwin (1914-1999) and organized labor, including the state AFL-CIO, and the smear campaign against his opponent, and a report on Chowning's Tavern at Colonial Williamsburg.
Coverage of a public meeting, 18 August 1961, to discuss the proposed merger of Richmond and Henrico County. John Tansey of WRVA describes the meeting, and numerous recorded clips are also included.
Coverage of a standoff at the Hotel John Marshall in Richmond, Virginia between Ralph Carattini and police on 17 October 1973. Carattini, an escapee from the federal prison in Petersburg, took refuge in a room at the hotel, and kept police at bay for four hours. Dave Miller of WRVA reports from the hotel lobby, and also conducts a phone interview with Carattini, hoping to prevent him from committing suicide. Charles Davis narrates from WRVA studios, Larry Matthews reports from outside the hotel, and Howard Bloom reports from a traffic helicopter above the scene. There is coverage of the gun battle that ensued, resulting in Carattini shooting himself, and dying later at MCV Hospital. The recording ends with a summary of events by Larry Matthews in a "Profile" segment.
Features E. Cullen Johnson (1913-2001) singing religious and inspirational hymns dedicated by him to various Virginia residents. Charlie Wakefield is featured on piano and organ. Also appearing on the program is Mrs. Henry P. Garber, who sang on WRVA's first broadcast on 2 November 1925.
Ted Dalton, Virginia's Republican candidate for governor in 1953, concedes the election to his opponent, Thomas B. Stanley, the Democratic and Byrd Organization candidate. He congratulates Stanley, and expresses hope that his campaign helped establish a two-party system in Virginia and move Virginia forward in a progressive manner. The last minute of the recording (2:53-4:00) contains a phone interview between George Passage, WRVA news broadcaster, and Harry F. Byrd, Sr., United States senator, concerning Stanley's victory. Byrd answers that he was not surprised by Stanley's victory, but no comment to Passage's other questions. The recording of Byrd is faint and barely audible. The recording also includes a few sound bytes of a radio newsroom in action during an election night.
In a statement to the people of Virginia and the members of the Virginia General Assembly, Ted Dalton (1901-1989) calls for people not to regard him as a defeated candidate for Governor. He stresses the importance of teamwork in the upcoming General Assembly session, and emphasizes his support for removal of the poll tax and other electoral reforms, and greater funding for education, the mentally ill, and roads.
Ted Dalton, the defeated Republican candidate for Governor, congratulates J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., on his victory and hopes the contest makes for a better Virginia. He calls for Virginians to look forward not backward when a finding a solution to the great problem of desegregation and still believes the local option plan represents the best means for Virginia to preserve separate public schools.
Interview, 1957, with Ted Dalton (1901-1989) at his home in Radford, Virginia following his defeat in the Virginia gubernatorial election. Dalton discusses his future plans, his beliefs about what issues dominated the election, especially school integration, and what led to his defeat. He also talks about his views on Virginia's pupil placement plan and massive resistance.
Speech, 9 April 1953, by Colgate W. Darden (1897-1981) at the Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner in Richmond. Darden begins his remarks with humorous anecdotes. He devotes a large portion of his comments to a comparison of the present political climate with that during the administration of President Andrew Jackson. Darden discusses the dangers of unrestricted majority rule and power, the results of the recent elections, Democratic Party divisions and differences, southern states' representation in Congress and their participation in the Democratic Party, reasons why the Democrats lost in 1952, and what can be done to return the party to a position of prominence.
In this statement at the Virginia General Assembly's public hearings on school legislation, Darden expresses his opposition to the decision and the belief that the United States Congress should have been the final arbiter on such a decision. He explains the race situation in Southside Virginia and predicts that integration will not occur in this area because the races live near each other. Darden pushes for adoption of the Gray Plan and believes its local option plan will help the Southside. He wants as little integration as possible but desires the adoption of a plan with almost unanimous support.
Recording of a ten-part series hosted by John Harding, broadcast between 30 May and 3 June 1994. The segments, featuring radio clips from the time, include signals to the invasion, first word of the attack, military censorship, Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin on that day, and the air invasion. There are also segments on Omaha and Utah beaches, the latter being reported on by Charles Collingwood (1917-1985), as well as a situation report, Eisenhower leading the nation in prayer, reviews of Operation Overlord, and suggestions for further reading on D-Day. Some of the vintage radio clips are repeated at the end of the recording.
Dedication ceremonies, 29 May 1968, for the new WRVA studios in the Church Hill district of Richmond. Alden Aaroe was the master of ceremonies. Includes music by the Bellvue School choir, invocation, and remarks by the mayor of Richmond, as well as W. Brooks George, president of Larus and Brother, Governor Mills E. Godwin, Bruce English of the Historic Richmond Foundation, and Philip Johnson, architect of the new studios.
Recording of the dedication of the third arch in the Virginia Military Institute cadet barracks. The arch was dedicated to George C. Marshall, graduate of VMI, Army Chief of Staff during World War II, and Secretary of State in the Truman administration. Includes music from the Cadet Glee Club and speeches from Bernard M. Baruch (1870-1965) and George C. Marshall. Baruch speaks about VMI's history and the participation of its cadets in the Battle of New Market during the Civil War. He also speaks about the previous two arches, dedicated to George Washington and Stonewall Jackson, and Marshall's role in World War II and as Secretary of State. He recounts General Pershing's recommendation to FDR for Marshall's appointment as Chief of Staff, and discusses Marshall's philosophy of military preparedness. Marshall speaks about the VMI graduates who participated in the Philippine Insurrection and World War I, and asserts that the development of character at VMI resulted in positions of responsibility for VMI graduates. He also recounts the dedication of the monument honoring the VMI cadets who participated in the Battle of New Market.
Various CBS news broadcasters announce the broadcasting of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1952 "on this station." The broadcasters are Bill Shadel, Douglas Edwards, Larry LeSueur, Robert Trout, Edward R. Murrow, Bill Downs, and Lowell Thomas.
Contains a CBS interview with John S. Battle about being nominated for president at the 1956 Democratic National Convention and his involvement in the states' rights group at the 1952 Democratic National Convention, Virginia Governor Thomas B. Stanley's speech nominating Battle, Harry F. Byrd, Jr.'s speech seconding Battle's nomination, and the casting of votes for Battle by Virginia's delegation.
Broadcast on 4 November 1955, this program features a look back at religious broadcasting on WRVA since the station's beginning. Walter R. Bishop interviews the wife of Dr. William E. Hill, who preached at Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond from 1926 to 1940, and conducted the first religious service on WRVA, and Dr. A. Purnell Bailey, pastor of Richmond Centenary United Methodist Church, who hosted the station's "Night Pastor" program.
Recording of Dick Gillis speaking with Walter R. Bishop and Ray Kennedy on the occasion of Robert E. Lee's birthday, 19 January 1957. Includes biographical information on Lee, Bishop expressing surprise that large observations of Lee's birthday are no longer celebrated like when he was a boy, Gillis recounting medals being pinned on his chest by his grandfather, a Confederate veteran, Bishop and Gillis remembering the stories about Lee told to them when they were younger by veterans, and Kennedy listing the various radio programs regarding Lee's birthday being broadcast over WRVA. This recording is track 1 on WRVA - 322.
Hosted by Dick Gillis, director of activities for the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce. This show was broadcast in celebration of WRVA's 35th anniversary. The guests were Walter R. Bishop, WRVA public relations director, and Bertha Hewlett, both employees of the radio station since 1925. Gillis reminiscences about listening to WRVA as a boy growing up in Brunswick County. Bishop and Hewlett talk about their many years with WRVA, and the station's programming of live musical talent in the early years including the Corn Cob Pipe Club. Also includes a recording of Bertha Hewlett playing "Silent Night" on the organ.
This program contains dates and descriptions of notable events in Virginia's towns and clubs, including roundtable discussions, plays and concerts, benefits, fundraising campaigns, church organizations, women's clubs, conferences, and seminars. George Passage, the WRVA News editor, is the announcer.
Contains a summary of civic and cultural events happening in Richmond, read by George Passage.
Documentary, 1980, on the drug abuse in Chesterfield County schools. The exact date of broadcast is not known. Features comments by parents, students, and teachers, as well as the Chesterfield County school superintendent, the county supervisor, and other officials. The reasons students start abusing drugs, and efforts to combat the problem, are explored.
Recording of a ten-part documentary series broadcast in February 1992. Includes short segments on the work of narcotics officers and detectives, why they chose their career, their opinions on suspects and criminals, type of work involved, a typical drug raid, job pressure and exhaustion, dangers faced, progress in the war on drugs, and interviews with wives of officers, and the effects of the job on their marriage and their relationships with others.
Ernest B. Pugh, head of the Virginia CIO, speaks on the importance of voting in the upcoming election for Richmond City Council and calls for voters to support the Citizen's Slate consisting of John S. Davenport, III, T. D. du Cuennois, F. Henry Garber, W. Stirling King, Wade G. McGargo, James D. Patton, Jr., R. Hugh Rudd, J. Randolph Ruffin, and Robert A. Wilson. These candidates support the city's new charter creating the City Council-Manager form of government.
This recording is a narration by J. Ambler Johnston (1885-1974) of his book
Editorial on Historic Garden Week in Virginia, by John Tansey of WRVA. Tansey encourages listeners to attend the events sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia. The editorial repeats twice. The date is unknown.
Editorials on daylight savings time in Virginia, 31 January 1962, by John Tansey of WRVA. Tansey urges the General Assembly to adopt daylight savings time from May through October like much of the rest of the nation, and states his reasons why he is for it. There are two different editorials on the subject.
Various editorials read by John Tansey of WRVA expressing the radio station's position on the proposed merger of Richmond and Henrico County. The editorials were broadcast during the period 5-13 December 1961. Also included is a musical jingle on the merger, and various commercial spots relating to the proposal.
Editorials, read by John Harding, news director at WRVA, during 1992 and 1993. Topics include violent crime in Richmond, the highway bond referendum, medical savings accounts, gun control proposals in the General Assembly, the Americans with Disabilities Act, closing of the Richmond News-Leader, patriotism in America, the Washington Redskins stadium proposal, the Confederate battle flag, redistricting, the work of the Richmond Police, the presidential debate at the University of Richmond, the shrink swell soil controversy in Chesterfield County, meals tax hike proposal, Coastal Power Company in Wise County selling electricity to Virginia Power, an update on the WRVA Shoe Fund, the Chesterfield School Board seeking funding, a proposal to construct a new city health department building in Jackson Ward, and the death of Alden Aaroe.
Statement of T. McCall Frazier supporting Horace H. Edwards in the 1949 Democratic gubernatorial primary in Virginia. He praises the other candidates, John S. Battle, Colonel Francis Pickens Miller, and Remmie L. Arnold, but feels that Edwards is the candidate most qualified to serve as Virginia's governor. He describes Edward's experience in Virginia politics, his program to improve Virginia, and the campaign strategy of his opponents. He believes the election comes down to a choice between John S. Battle and Horace H. Edwards. Broadcast ends with the Edwards for Governor campaign jingle.
Paid political broadcast on behalf of Horace H. Edwards, candidate for governor in the 1949 Democratic gubernatorial primary. John W. Flannagan, former United States Congressman, and State Senator Charles T. Moses endorse Edwards for governor. The first track contains John W. Flannagan's endorsement. Flannagan supports Edwards' legislative plan and attacks the other candidates. The second track contains Charles T. Moses' endorsement. Moses supports Edward's plan to improve Virginia's public schools and criticizes the proposals of the other candidates. The second track ends with an Edwards for Governor campaign jingle. Broadcast paid for by the 9th District Edwards for Governor Committee.
Flannagan addresses the farmer of Virginia in regard to school funding in Virginia. He criticizes the other candidates' plan to continue school funding from real estate taxation. He believes that Edwards' sales tax plan is the best means to support schools. Flannagan also calls for the end of machine rule in Virginia and for the people to regain control of the state Democratic party.
Recording of an Eisenhower campaign speech at Byrd Airport (now Richmond International Airport) in Richmond, Virginia. Walter Spencer Robertson introduces Eisenhower while the crowd chants, "We Want Ike." Eisenhower praises the characteristics of Virginia's leaders and Virginians' preference for local and state control over centralized federal control. He praises Senator Harry F. Byrd, and promises tax returns, to stop useless government expenditures, and job growth. He stresses the importance of peace and promises to strive for peace if re-elected. He also pushes for voter registration.
Election Day special, 11 November 1954, hosted by Walter R. Bishop (1903-1963) and George Passage, in conjunction with WRVA's 29th birthday celebration. Bishop and Passage share stories of past elections, with particular emphasis on the 1925 election and the influence of the Ku Klux Klan. They also discuss the differences in election coverage by the media, WRVA's policies on candidate advertising, the recent election of women to the Virginia House of Delegates, and Virginia political races that were closely contested.
WRVA reporters, John Harding, Joe Weeks, Larry Dodd, Mary Jane Walsh, and Wayne Ferrar, report on election night in 1969, including the gubernatorial election between Democrat William C. Battle and Republican Linwood Holton and elections for the Virginia House of Delegates. The recording includes the concession speech of William C. Battle, a speech by Andrew Pickens Miller, successful Democratic candidate for Attorney General, an interview with Linwood Holton, the first Republican elected governor of Virginia since Reconstruction, interviews with Richmond legislators, Junie L. Bradshaw and George E. Allen, Jr., a reporting of House races throughout Virginia and the Consolidation vote in Roanoke and Roanoke County, and a rundown of election returns in Virginia's counties. Also includes NBC news of the gubernatorial election in New Jersey and mayoral races in New York City, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit. Includes commercials for the United Virginia Bank State Planters.
Reports, broadcast on 15 July 1959, on the emergency landing of an airplane carrying Alfred M. Grunther, former supreme commander of NATO, and U.S. Congressman William M. Tuck, at Byrd Field in Richmond. The airplane, a C-47 military transport plane, was scheduled to land in Danville, Virginia, where Grunther and Tuck were to appear at an event. Upon approach in Danville, the plane's landing gear would not go into locked position, thus it was diverted to Richmond, where it made a safe landing. Irby Hollans and Jack Clements report from the scene. There is also an interview with the flight crew after the successful landing.
Drama concerning the dangers of road rage. George Lott demonstrates a pleasant disposition when dealing with his wife and co-workers, but when behind the wheel, he is impatient and drives offensively. Then the drama reverses George's life. He is rude and impatient to his wife and co-workers, and slaps a co-worker boasting about speeding away from police. When asked why he slapped the man, George tells a story about driving with his family and getting in an accident that killed his children. The moral of the story is that "bad manners can kill you socially, bad manners on the highway can kill you permanently." This recording is track 2 on WRVA - 337.
This recording is Part 2 in a series of five programs on Virginia industry. Verbon Kemp, executive secretary of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, discusses Virginia's labor supply and the issues facing Virginia when attracting new industry. Harold B. "Hal" Boyd, president of the Virginia AFL-CIO, discusses Virginia's ability to fulfill the labor needs of large industries. Charles Taylor of the Virginia Manufacturers Association explains the cost of an industry to take on additional workers. Raymond V. Long of the Department of Conservation and Economic Development, discusses the necessity for localities to encourage industrial development. Hosted by Harry Monroe, WRVA news reporter.
Recording of the 13 April 1951 broadcast of the Esso News Reporter. Includes reports on General Douglas MacArthur's homecoming, the Korean War, San Francisco and Alcatraz, the flooding of the Mississippi River, the bad health of United States Senator Arthur Hendrick Vandenberg of Michigan, and the weather. At 1:42, recording includes a report on the death of Pleasant Larus Reed, owner and former president of the Larus and Brother Company, a tobacco manufacturing firm in Richmond, Virginia. See WRVA - 330 for related sound recordings.
News program, 27 October 1955, broadcast in conjunction with WRVA's 30th anniversary. Featured are sound clips of world, national, and local news from the past 30 years, and information on WRVA staff participation in World War II, as well as the station's news broadcasting history and early beginnings.
This short recording consists of a promotion for a charity baseball game between the Richmond firemen and policemen, which took place 5 August 1956, at Parker Field. The game was sponsored by the Richmond Exchange Club to raise money to fight juvenile delinquency in Richmond.
Recording of excerpts of the testimonial dinner for Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr., including speeches by Bernard M. Baruch, Virginius Dabney, Mike Mansfield, Everett M. Dirksen, Lyndon Baines Johnson, and Harry F. Byrd, Sr.
An unnamed host interviews Mr. Howard S. Zeigler, from Rockingham County, recently elected president of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation; and Mr. H. G. Blalock, new vice president of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation from Mecklenburg County. The interview provides background information on Zeigler's and Blalock's interest and involvement in the Farm Bureau, which had a membership of nearly 22,000 at the time, and other related agricultural organizations. Recording is made during the time of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation's 22nd Annual convention, which was held in Richmond, Virginia. Zeigler and Blalock discuss the recent convention and who spoke at the banquet. Twenty-two resolutions were presented and adopted at the morning session, including one regarding using the Marshall Plan for sending food abroad. The membership also passed a resolution for the adoption of a sales tax in Virginia as a last resort to raise funds for schools and health care.
This program was broadcast in conjunction with WRVA's 30th anniversary and features agricultural reports and prices for grains, vegetables, livestock, poultry, eggs, and other products in different national and state markets. The reports are read by individuals who have hosted the program during the past 30 years, including Mr. and Mrs. Earle V. Coville.
Dedication ceremonies, 21 March 1962, of the federal office building in Richmond, Virginia. The recording begins with reading of names, by an unknown individual, of dignitaries in attendance. Following are remarks by Carl Wallace of the General Services Administration, who also presents a plaque to the mayor of Richmond. Also included are remarks by Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Mortimer M. Caplan, Governor Albertis S. Harrison, U.S. Congressman J. Vaughan Gary, and Secretary of the Treasury C. Douglas Dillon.
Excerpts of a speech delivered by Douglas Southall Freeman at the dedication of the McLean House at Appomattox Court House on 16 April 1950. The segment is introduced by Jack Clements.
This is a recording of historian Douglas Southall Freeman providing a historical sketch of Jefferson Davis, discussing his motivations and beliefs toward secession, the Constitution, slavery and his leadership skills. This speech appears to take place in the Virginia State Capitol building in Richmond, Virginia, at the unveiling of the bust of Jefferson Davis on 25 June 1952, an event for which Douglas Southall Freeman gave the keynote address.
Douglas Southall Freeman, historian and editor of the Richmond News-Leader, comments on the death of Pleasant Larus Reed, owner and former president of Larus and Brother Company, a tobacco manufacturing company in Richmond, Virginia. Reed died on 13 April 1951. See WRVA - 330A for related sound recordings.
This recording is a short tribute to Charles L. Reed, vice-president of local tobacco manufacturer, Larus and Brother Company. Douglas Southall Freeman remarks on his dedication and devotion to the city of Richmond, even in times when many disagreed with him.
Recording from the Norfolk-based Freemason Street Baptist Church on 23 May 1948. This particular sermon, "The Everlasting Gospel," was delivered by Dr. John Henry Day of Baltimore, during the centennial services in celebration of the Freemason Street Baptist Church's 100th anniversary. WRVA broadcast the sermons from the Freemason Street Baptist Church, normally delivered by the Reverend Sparks W. Melton, D.D., during the entire month of May in 1948, on Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon.
WRVA Sunday morning church service. Easter service, 9 April 1950, at Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. Includes a sermon from Reverend Sparks W. Melton, pastor at the church from 1908 to 1952, entitled "Life and Immortality."
Includes two recordings of the Palm Sunday Service, 29 March 1953, at Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. Includes Dr. Sparks W. Melton delivering a sermon entitled, "And Jesus Wept." WRVA - 353 (62:12) was the recording of the church service. WRVA - 354 (54:09) was the recording made for broadcast.
Founder's Day Address, 19 January 1957, of Dr. Francis P. Gaines, president of Washington and Lee University, entitled "The Message of Robert E. Lee to 1957." In the speech, Pendleton describes the virtues of George Washington and Robert E. Lee, calls for people to imitate Washington and Lee and take responsibility for their actions. Recording ends with choir music singing songs of the South. This recording is track 2 on WRVA - 322.
Drake talks about his recent trip to Richmond to take part in the 30th anniversary celebration for WRVA. He discusses the flight down, hospitality of Richmonders, tourist sights, including the Washington Statue in Capitol Square, the trip back to New York on the train, and other stories about his visit. Drake also interviews an amateur writer of cookbooks and restaurant reviews from New York City who discusses restaurant etiquette and tipping. There are also interviews with servicemen in the audience, and birthdays in the audience are also noted. The show's band performs various songs, including "You Make Me Feel So Young," "A Woman in Love" from
Recordings of six programs (17 April 1947, 6 June 1947, 4 February 1949, 19 January 1951, 29 June 1951, [March] 1953, 22 August 1964) of Congressman J. Vaughan Gary's "Your Congressman Reports", a weekly report on the activities of the United States Congress to the listeners of Virginia's Third Congressional District. These programs include information on legislation involving labor, civil rights, taxes, appropriations, urban renewal, trade, and banking. Gary also discusses Winston Churchill's address to a joint session of Congress, the Korean War, the Douglas MacArthur hearings, the death of Josef Stalin, the United Nations, and the United States Supreme Court's decision on the apportionment of state legislatures. "Your Congressman Reports" aired on WRVA from 18 January 1947 to 1964.
Contains a speech of Dwight Eisenhower, Republican candidate for president, in Richmond, under the auspices of the Virginia Democrats for Eisenhower. He praises Harry F. Byrd, Sr., and criticizes the New Deal, the Fair Deal, and the Democratic party's abandonment of Jeffersonian principles. Also includes an opening statement from Republican State Senator Ted Dalton. Part 2 is missing. Transcribed text of speech is available in the
Highlights from the dedication of the George P. Coleman Memorial Bridge on 7 May 1952. Includes the invocation, music by the Hampton Institute Choir, and remarks by Virginia highway commissioner James A. Anderson and Virginia Supreme Court Justice C. Vernon Spratley. Spratley discusses Coleman's career and personal character. Mrs. George Coleman is introduced, and Coleman's granddaughter unveils a bronze marker. Music is provided by the Norfolk Navy Base Band. Virginia Governor John S. Battle also makes remarks at the official ribbon cutting.
Features a segment on the discovery of a bottle of uranium 235 that had been missing from a Chicago atomic laboratory. Passage also pays tribute to the lately deceased, Alfred L. Gray, Jr., a WRVA radio engineer.
Features stories on the amendment offered by U.S. Senator Robert Taft to a Truman administration labor bill, as well as various other amendments to the legislation on national emergency strikes that was pending in Congress which was part of the Truman administration's effort to repeal the Taft-Hartley Act. There is also a commercial spot for the Old Dominion Barn Dance.
The exact date is unknown. Features reports on Secretary of State Dean Acheson's comments at a conference in White Sulphur Springs, on State Department worker loyalty, a segment on the Schuman Plan as the basis for the European Coal and Steel Community being established, and finally Europe's views on the efforts of Britain and Russia to keep Germany permanently divided. There is also a commercial spot for Domino cigarettes, and a segment by Amos and Andy congratulating WRVA on its 25th anniversary.
Features interviews with students and a teacher from William Fox Elementary School discussing their humanitarian efforts in sending CARE packages to India. Views on the Korean conflict by the Soviet Union's representative to the United Nations are also covered in another segment.
Contains six recordings of essentially the same news broadcast of George Passage on WRVA. The most complete of the recordings are parts 4 and 5. The news broadcast covers the Korean War peace talks and truce, a polio inoculation clinic in Bristol, Virginia, after the outbreak of several polio cases in the area, the weather, economic help for Virginia's farmers, local, state, and national news, and the love story of Antonio and Nunzia of Naples, Italy, a true modern day Romeo and Juliet. Jim Thomas reports from the scene at the polio clinic in Bristol.
Undated segment of George Passage News, featuring a report on the fighting in Korea between Chinese and United Nations troops.
Recording of Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr.'s, address to a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly, 17 January 1966. Godwin praises the administration of Governor Harrison and concurs with Harrison's budget recommendations. He supports the adoption of a general sales tax to meet the future needs of all Virginians and considers it the most important issue facing the General Assembly. He outlines his legislative recommendations, including plans to increase educational spending, such as raise teacher salaries, establish a system of community colleges, and improve funding for higher education. WRVA news staff recap and discuss the major points of Godwin's speech. This address is tracks 1-3 on WRVA - 399.
Recording of the inaugural address of Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr., 15 January 1966. This recording is track 4 on WRVA - 399.
This program documents Mills E. Godwin's term as Governor of Virginia. The date of the recording is not known. Includes biographical information, clips from his State of the Commonwealth addresses, comments by family and associates, and legislative highlights during his term. Narrated by John Harding.
Statements, 22 September 1949, by Bishop Frederick D. Goodwin (1888-1968) and Reverend Minor C. Miller (1889-1968) concerning the Virginia Council of Churches. They discuss the organization of the Council, the cooperation, needs, common faiths, and unity of the various Protestant denominations, the outlook for cooperative church work, as well as responsibilities, planning, and efforts being undertaken by the Council.
C. T. Lucy, general manager of WRVA radio, interviews Freeman Gosden, Amos of Amos 'n' Andy. Gosden is back in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia, in search of a real kingfish for the television version of Amos 'n' Andy. He discusses his reasons for entering show business, how he got into radio, and the history of Amos 'n' Andy. He also describes who he is looking for to play Kingfish.
Jack Clements reports on the eviction of eleven people from their apartments located at 1031 E. Grace Street in Richmond. The date of the recording is not known. The eviction, which occurred one week before Christmas, was due to the landlady not paying money due the owner of the property from rents she received from the tenants.
Ray Kennedy, WRVA news broadcaster, reports in December 1958 from the auditorium of the Crippled Children's Hospital of Virginia as an appeal for donations for the hospital. Kennedy talks with Alden Aaroe and Carl Stutz, WRVA radio broadcasters, on their fundraising efforts. Also, the following people express their thanks to the contributors and WRVA for their support: Tom Gordon, chairman of the hospital's board of directors; Mrs. Edward Gunst, president of the hospital's board of managers; Karleen Ingersoll, the hospital's chief administrator; and Mabel H. Erdman, the hospital's director of public relations.
Coverage, 22 June 1967, of the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new WRVA studios in the Church Hill district of Richmond. Includes comments by Dr. Bruce English of the Historic Richmond Foundation, W. Brooks George of Larus and Brother Company, and C. T. Lucy, general manager of WRVA.
Speech, 25 November 1954, by former Richmond mayor Edward E. Haddock (1912-1996) before the Sportsmen's Club concerning his participation in bringing AAA franchise baseball to the city. Haddock discusses the history of the team's acquisition by the city, dealings with the promoter, the development of Parker Field, fundraising by Greater Richmond Civic Recreation (GRCR), resulting difficulties with the franchise's owner Harry C. Seibold (1901-1960), and the chances of the team leaving Richmond. There is a question and answer session at the end of the speech, also attended by Andrew Welsh, president of GRCR.
Recording of The Happy Valley Girls radio program. Songs performed were "It's Homecoming Time in the Happy Valley," "Prisoner's Dream," "I'm Crying Myself to Sleep," "Clinch Mountain Home," "Little Liza Jane," "Ridin' Down that Texas Trail," "The Last Letter," "Prisoner at the Bar," and "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning." Performers include Ramona Riggins, Smoky Mountain Sweetheart Jane Allen, and Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman). Program sponsored by the North American Accident Insurance Company of Chicago.
Albert Caldwell (1885-1977) recounts his experiences on the Titanic to John Harding, WRVA news director.
Albertis S. Harrison discusses his feelings on being elected Governor of Virginia. He considers becoming Governor the highest honor that can be accorded any Virginian and serving, a responsibility second to none.
Interviews and victory speech, 7 November 1961, with Albertis S. Harrison, prior to and after his election as Governor of Virginia.
This recording consists of Albertis S. Harrison promoting his ideas regarding education and tourism in Virginia. There are also two versions of an unidentified song during approximately the last four minutes of the recording.
Speech, 14 January 1961, by Albertis S. Harrison (1907-1995) at a banquet held at Brunswick High School following the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Lawrenceville. At the event, Harrison announces his candidacy for governor. He discusses the state's agricultural outlook, problems in Virginia's large cities, his views on segregation and racial issues, fiscal and tax policies, and the state budget.
State of the Commonwealth address, 15 January 1962, by Governor Albertis S. Harrison before the Virginia General Assembly. Topics covered include his budget proposals and recommendations, tax reform, education and the improvement of pubic schools, and highway and traffic issues.
Recording of a broadcast from the campaign headquarters of Albertis S. Harrison. Harrison comments on receiving the Democratic nomination for governor and answers several questions from Jack Clements, WRVA news editor. He thanks his staff, supporters, and running mates (Mills E. Godwin, Jr. and Robert Y. Button), and praises the ticket's opponents (A.E.S. Stephens, Armistead L. Boothe, and T. Munford Boyd). This recording runs from 0:25 to 4:30 and is on the same track as the concession statement of A.E.S. Stephens.
Harry Monroe, WRVA broadcaster, reports on the beating of a woman in St. Benedict's Church, a state trooper shooting and killing a former boxer, a Bedford County farmer killing two men in a dispute after a night of drinking, and Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., briefing newsmen on his proposed budget. Monroe also delivers a tongue in cheek commentary on election reporting, reports on the "silent record movement" and the creation of the "Hush Label" at the University of Detroit, and explains methods to deal with tension. This broadcast includes commercials for Richbrau Brewing Company.
Track 1 contains sound clips of every president from Calvin Coolidge to Lyndon Baines Johnson taking the oath of office. Track 2 contains the interview with Bertha Hewlett, who discusses her involvement with WRVA since 1925. She describes opening night and expresses her pleasure in being involved with WRVA from the beginning and being able to witness every change and development with the station. Additionally, she names early staff members and discusses the Sunshine Hour, the Silver Star Quartet, the Corn Cob Pipe Club, Aunt Sammy, Patsy Garrett, Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman), and Amos 'n' Andy's visit to WRVA.
Contains short public service announcements encouraging driving safely, focusing on drinking and driving, teenage drivers, road rage, speeding and traffic violations, and paying attention and not doing anything else when driving.
Recording of the song "Don't Bring Lulu." Part 1 is missing.
Contains recordings of Holiday cigarette commercials. Larus and Brother Company, a tobacco manufacturing company in Richmond, Virginia and the first owners of WRVA Radio, produced Holiday cigarettes.
Broadcast on 25 August 1957 and hosted by Bob Smith, this program features musical performances by the Holiday Glee Club, Silver Strings, and others. There are also commercial spots for Holiday cigarettes.
Includes recordings of programs featuring Holland R. Wilkinson (1893-1954), including "The Sunshine Hour," "The Book of Memories," and "Our Scrapbook." These programs include the singing of hymnals, secular songs, and gospel music, and the spreading of messages of inspiration and hope. Holland R. Wilkinson, also known as the singing evangelist and the "Sunshine Man", hosted these programs, assisted by Bertha Hewlett on the organ and Bob Beadles on the piano. The Sunshine Hour was first broadcast on WRVA on 28 March 1927 and aired until 1954. WRVA - 467 includes an endorsement of the Sunshine Hour by a devoted listener, the Reverend James U. "Jimmy" Edwards of Matoaco, Virginia. Reverend Edwards, an invalid for twenty-three years, tells from his bedside the importance of the Sunshine Hour to shut-ins. WRVA - 469-470 includes Sunshine Hour chimes. WRVA - 474 includes the last recorded program of the Sunshine Hour and the Sunshine Hour Memorial Program. The last Sunshine Hour was recorded before Holland R. Wilkinson's death but broadcast the day after. The Memorial program, produced by WRVA in tribute to Holland R. Wilkinson, who died on 11 December 1954, includes tributes from C. T. Lucy, Bertha Hewlett, Bob Beadles, Sam Carey, Ruby Raabe, and Walter Bishop, and recordings of Wilkinson singing listeners' favorite psalms. WRVA - 475 contains recordings of the music used in the Memorial program.
Recording of a fictional story told by Ray Turner of WRVA, broadcast on 21 December 1965. The story concerns the importance of being home during the holidays, and a traveling salesman's repeated failures to do so before his untimely death.
Coverage of horse racing by Joe Kelly at the Bowie Racetrack in Bowie, Maryland. The date of the recording is unknown.
Contains different segments broadcast during the period of February and March, 1967. Howard Bloom (1943-1974) of WRVA reports on various accidents in Richmond, including a fire at the Church Hill Auto Paint Shop on 6 February 1967, the rescue of two men stranded in the James River on 11 March 1967, a fire at the Goldman Paper Stock Company on 15 March 1967, and a fire at the Richmond Tomato Repacking Company on 30 March 1967.
Coverage of the damage caused throughout Virginia by floodwaters as a result of Hurricane Camille in August 1969. A majority of the coverage concerns the impending flooding of the James River in downtown Richmond, and the city's response and plans to deal with the disaster. There are remarks by Governor Mills E. Godwin after touring the state, and there is a report from the Scottsville area. Also included are remarks by rescue workers.
Coverage, 8 November 1961, of the crash of an Imperial Airlines jet two miles southeast of Byrd Field in Richmond, Virginia. Jack Clements of WRVA reports from the scene shortly after the crash. Included are eyewitness accounts. Other reports are filed by Harry Monroe, Frank Messer, and Lon Backman. The jet, a Lockheed L-049E Constellation, went down at night in a wooded area, enroute from Newark, New Jersey to Columbia, South Carolina via Baltimore, resulting in the deaths of 77 passengers. There were two survivors.
Coverage of the inauguration of Albertis S. Harrison as Governor of Virginia on 13 January 1962. Jack Clements, Lon Backman, and Harry Monroe report from Capitol Square in Richmond on the pre-inaugural festivities, crowd size, weather conditions, the set-up of the grandstands, dignitaries in attendance, and reminisce about previous inaugurations. The coverage also includes the invocation, the oaths of office administered to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and a 21-gun salute.
Recording of the inauguration of Dr. Davis Young Paschall (1911-2001) as the 23rd President of the College of William and Mary, on 13 October 1961. Includes introduction by James M. Robertson, rector of the Board of Visitors, the taking of the oath by Paschall, remarks by State Superintendent of Instruction Woodrow W. Wilkerson (1913-1986) and U.S. Senator A. Willis Robertson (1887-1971), as well as the inaugural address by Paschall.
These are recordings of Jack Clements' broadcasts back to the WRVA studios while participating in an Air Force press tour in the spring of 1958. Clements joined reporters from all over the country as guests of the United States Air Force on tours of Bermuda, the Azores, England, France and Germany, usually visiting air bases. Clements reports on the people, landscape and culture of each place. As this is an Air Force sponsored tour, much of the focus is on the reactions of local citizens to the presence of the American military in their country, or the feelings of Americans living abroad. While in Europe, the interviews address the defense of the various countries against attacks of Soviet aggression, the business of NATO and rebuilding efforts following World War II.
This is a recording of a broadcast of the 8 a.m. news, featuring Jack Clements. The topics include the wait in Charlottesville for a federal judge's decision on the legality of the Charlottesville school officials' refusal to accept applications from thirty black pupils to attend white public schools. Other school integration news includes the judge's decisions on the Warren County situation in regard to desegregation, as well as the situations in Alexandria, Newport News and the city of Richmond. The broadcast also features a report by Clements and Harry Monroe on the Richmond city council's activities and other local news.
Features various choral and orchestral selections, including "Now Thank We All Our God" by The World Choristers, "My Pretty Girl" by Russ Morgan's Orchestra, and "It Was Nice While it Lasted" by the Eddie Howard Orchestra. The host of the show also reads numerous commercial spots for the Willard Tablet Company.
Contains sound clips of WRVA news broadcasts covering the flooding of the James River in November 1985.
Telephone interview, 6 June 1956, with Mary Patton Janssen, while she was in London competing in the British Women's Amateur Open, conducted by Jack Clements.
This is a recording of the ceremonies marking the unveiling of the Jefferson Davis bust, held in the Capitol Building in Richmond, Virginia, on 25 June 1952. The bust was a gift of the state of Mississippi, and participants in the ceremony include Virginia Governor John S. Battle and historian Douglas Southall Freeman, who gives the keynote address on the life and legacy of Jefferson Davis.
This is a recording of the annual Democratic Party fund raising event, known as the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, held at the Hotel John Marshall in Richmond, Virginia, on 28 February 1958. The recording begins with a brief part of a speech in which Harry Flood Byrd discusses his decision to run for re-election to the United States Senate. Byrd is followed by Governor J. Lindsay Almond's long introduction of the main speaker, Herman E. Talmadge, United States Senator from Georgia. The remainder of the recording is of Talmadge's speech, which focuses on praising Virginia's policy of Massive Resistance in response to the Supreme Court's decision of forced integration in the public schools, while criticizing the lack of government spending on the military. He rounds out his speech with criticism of the federal leaders for spending too much money on foreign aid, at the expense of domestic programs at home.
Recording of the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in the Grand Hall of the Hotel John Marshall. Watkins M. Abbitt, chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee and Fourth District Congressman, introduces the keynote speaker, Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr. The bulk of the recording is Godwin's speech. Godwin praises the current Democrats of Virginia's congressional delegation, retired Senator A. Willis Robertson, retired Congressman Howard W. Smith, and the late Harry F. Byrd, Sr. He outlines the accomplishments of Byrd's gubernatorial term and criticizes the Republican Party's opposition to certain legislation. He fears the splitting of the Democratic Party into its divergent factions more than the power of the Republican Party. He calls for Democrats to make the party's diversity its strength. The first fifteen minutes of this recording is barely audible and primarily contains the voices of WRVA broadcasters preparing for the recording of Governor Godwin's speech.
2 compact discs. This collection consists of three broadcasts of the Joan Brooks Show, a musical variety program, hosted by Sewell Brown and starring John Connelly, Wilson Angel, The Hospitality House Orchestra, and the hostess, "the girl with the voice you won't forget", Joan Brooks. Each program's musical performances were punctuated with witty banter between Joan Brooks and the other performers. The following is a sample of songs performed on the programs: "Funiculi, Funicula"; "It's Only a Paper Moon"; "Somewhere Beyond the Sea"; "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"; "I'm Nobody's Baby"; and "Every Day I Love You(Just a Little Bit More)."
Recording of an entry by WRVA in the Virginia Association of Broadcasters awards competition for 1993, featuring segments on the controversy surrounding Joe Morrissey, Commonwealth's Attorney for the City of Richmond. Includes stories on the various investigations of Morrissey, his numerous suspensions from office, appeals, and reinstatements, his trial and acquittal on bribery and perjury charges, subsequent ethics violation hearing, and his campaign against opponent David Hicks.
This is a recording of the 145th weekly transcription of conversations between representatives of Virginia Business and Professional leaders and Verbon E. Kemp, Executive Director of Virginia State Chamber of Commerce. He is joined by members of the British Parliamentary delegation, who attended a ceremony commemorating the 338th anniversary of the first meeting of the Virginia House of Burgesses at Jamestown in 1619. They discuss the history of the British parliament, as well as variations in and details of British parliamentary procedures. They give impressions of Virginia and the Jamestown Festival. Kemp gives his impressions of post-war England, and his guests talk about their memories and tell stories of the bombings and changes since the war. They discuss the common heritage of Great Britain and the United States.
This recording is of the 204th conversation between representatives of Virginia business and professional leaders and Verbon E. Kemp, Executive Director of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce. The occasion is Virginia Day at the 1958 World Fair in Brussels, Belgium. He is joined by the Honorable John S. Battle, former governor and leader of the Virginia party at the World's Fair; Mrs. R. T. Pickett, member of the Roanoke City Council and official representative of the city of Roanoke at the World's Fair; and Mrs. Paul Watkins, editor and publisher of the Hanover County Herald Progress and official representative of the Virginia Press Association. The recording begins with the official Virginia Day ceremonies, held at the United States Pavilion on September 22, 1958, which is followed by a conversation the next day in the studios of the Voice of America, between Kemp and his guests, as they discuss their experiences on the trip over to Europe, their travels through Belgium's countryside, and their visit to the fair.
This program is track 3 on WRVA - 463. On the occasion of WRVA's 35th Anniversary and the 6th Anniversary of Kemp's Konversations, Verbon Kemp, executive director of Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, leads a discussion with Sam Carey, program manager of WRVA-TV, Walter R. Bishop, WRVA public relations director, and John Tansey, WRVA general manager. They discuss WRVA's mobile broadcasting unit, Kemp's Konversations, WRVA's public service activities, the history of WRVA, and the establishment of radio in Virginia. This program is also available as track 1-2 WRVA - 464.
Recording of the WRVA radio program, Kemp's Konversations, hosted by Verbon Kemp, executive director of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce. In this program, Kemp leads a discussion with Mrs. Aaron Margolis of Santa Fe, New Mexico, of the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, Mrs. R. T. Atkinson, president of the Henrico County PTA, and Dr. Edgar Johnson, president of the Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers. The group discusses the meeting of the Virginia Congress of Parents and Teachers recently held in Richmond and some of the activities of Parent-Teacher organizations.
Harry Saunders of WTAR Norfolk reports for WRVA on Senator John F. Kennedy's campaign speech at Granby High School in Norfolk. Also includes speeches by Governor J. Lindsay Almond and Congressman Porter Hardy. Almond introduces Kennedy and endorses the Kennedy-Johnson ticket for president. Kennedy criticizes Nixon's statement that the Democratic Party is no longer the party of Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, and Woodrow Wilson. Harry Saunders recaps the highlights of Kennedy's speech, and describes the crowd and their efforts to shake Kennedy's hand.
Recording of a documentary detailing the history of the manufacture of kepone (chlordecone), a highly toxic pesticide, by Life Science Products, a subsidiary of Allied Chemical Company, located in Hopewell, Virginia, and the subsequent illness of company employees and pollution of the James River. Includes details of the investigation of the company, interviews with employees, as well as local and state officials, company officials, and state legislators. There is also information on the closing of the James River to commercial fishing by Governor Mills E. Godwin.
Highlights from the launching of the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Robert E. Lee at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company on 18 December 1959. Lon Backman describes the events, including the speakers, music, and the christening ceremonies. There is also an interview with Rear Admiral William F. Raborn, Jr. (1905-1990), director of the Navy's Polaris missile program.
Recording of a recruiting announcement for the Lee Naval Volunteers, United States Navy. Includes a skit concerning Jason Taylor and his desire to enlist in the Lee Naval Volunteers. While telling his parents of his intentions, Jason's father recounts the story of grandfather's involvement in the Virginia navy during the Civil War and in the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac. Also includes a message from Ensign J. B. Johnson of the Richmond recruiting district calling for the men of Virginia to enlist in the Lee Naval Volunteer program, and a decree from Governor Colgate W. Darden dedicating July to the Lee Naval Volunteer program. Produced by WRVA Radio in cooperation with the United States Navy.
Harry Monroe, WRVA news broadcaster, reports on the 1960 Virginia General Assembly and the defeat of the sales tax proposal. Almond responds to the defeat of his sales tax measure. State Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., responds to Almond's attack on the opponents of the sales tax. Monroe also reports on legislation to permit the spending of county money to fund private educational institutions in Prince Edward County and news of sit down demonstrations at a downtown Hampton lunch counter by Hampton Institute students. Also includes the Capitol Squirrel commenting on the possibility of a new downtown convention center.
The Legislative Roundup was a daily program covering highlights of the activities of both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate during the 1958 session of the General Assembly. Jack Clements hosted the program, with the assistance of Harry Monroe and Frank Wilson. Each program included a run-down of the day's activities provided by the radio announcers, which was interspersed with interviews and commentary from various delegates and senators. Examples of topics covered in some interviews include committee work and legislation involving everything from bills regarding quail season, disciplinary spanking in the classroom and minimum milk prices, to various attempts to either curb or enhance both Virginia's policy of Massive Resistance and Governor Almond's level of executive power in response to the threat of federal troops enforcing the integration of public schools in the Commonwealth.
This recording provides "A Radio View of Richmond, Virginia," as presented by the Armed Forces Radio Service to all the soldiers overseas and at home. Highlights of the program include a visit to the Westwood Supper Club to hear "Would You Like to Swing on a Star" performed by Pretty Kitty Breeze; Jack Kilpatrick, editor of the Servicemen's News, summarizes news from Richmond from the past year; and the Sunrise Hillbillies from WRNL and Sunshine Sue of WRVA perform "You Are My Sunshine" together. There is also a discussion regarding soldiers returning to civilian work, the Selective Service local board that will help them return to work, and a brief interview with a woman doing war work while her husband is away fighting.
Recording of two public service announcements from the Virginia State Highway Advisory Committee concerning the importance of car pooling to help save rubber and gas for the war effort. Program 1 includes a brief statement from Governor Colgate W. Darden, information on group riding clubs, a skit promoting group riding clubs and gas and rubber rationing, and music from Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman) and Her Rangers ("Nellie Bly"), Ramona Riggins ("Mockingbird"), Smoky Mountain Sweetheart Jane Allen ("Ole Chisholm Trail"), and The Rangers ("Ole' Dan Tucker"). Program 2 includes a statement from Major A. B. Curry of the Richmond Air Force Base on the importance of saving tires by riding together to help the air force and the uses of tires in the construction of the B-17, music from Burt Repine's Orchestra ("Melody in F") and Wilson Angel ("Columbia,Gem of the Ocean" and "Home on the Range"), and a skit promoting group riding clubs and gas and rubber rationing. Jack Stone of WRVA Radio produced both programs.
This is a recording of an episode of "Let's Talk Business" hosted by Irby Hollans and sponsored by the Bank of Virginia, submitted for the 1960 UPI Awards. A nightly program that provided local updates on financial happenings in Richmond and Virginia businesses, this specific recording has information on Reynolds Metal, a meeting of Virginia Ford automotive dealers at the Mosque to preview the 1961 Ford models, a Federal Reserve Bank report that says Richmond department store sales are down from the previous year, an advertisement about the merger of Chesterfield Bank and the Bank of Virginia, railroad news from Virginia and around the country, and a calendar of events for various Virginia businesses and associations.
Program of a visit to a train dispatcher of the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad (RF&P). Broadcast from the east wing of the Broad Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. Includes highlights of the history of RF&P, demonstration of the work of a train dispatcher, detailed description of the job of a train dispatcher, the method by which passenger and freight locomotives are named, and a discussion of the number of train passengers who travel through the Broad Street Station on a typical day. The following employees of RF&P are interviewed: W. A. Aiken, Jr., General Superintendent of RF&P; J. C. Bullock, train dispatcher; J. E. Swift, Assistant to the General Superintendent; and Bernard L. Jones, trainmaster.
WRVA reporters, Larry Dodd, Don Murray, and Joe Weeks, report on the inaugural ceremony for governor-elect Linwood Holton. The recording includes Andrew Pickens Miller, J. Sargeant Reynolds, and Linwood Holton taking the oaths of office for attorney-general, lieutenant governor, and governor, respectively, and the inaugural address of Linwood Holton. In his inaugural address, Holton emphasizes bi-partisanship and calls for Virginia to become a model for race relations. This recording also includes an WRVA's reporters providing an analysis of the inaugural address, Joe Weeks speaking with Mel Carico, political correspondent for the
Coverage, 26 June 1975, of the fire at the Little Oil Company in downtown Richmond. The recording consists of WRVA's regularly scheduled programming, including "Open for Opinion" with Larry Dodd, and the "Tim Timberlake Show," but also includes updates on the fire. Alden Aaroe, Walt Williams, and Tim Timberlake report from the scene, with information on the fire and the leaks in two gasoline storage tanks, and the fear that it could spread to three tanks holding fuel oil and kerosene. Many of the updates concern the weather and traffic conditions. The fire was started by lightning the previous evening. A portion of Interstate 95 was closed due to the fire.
Recording of C. T. Lucy, former general manager of WRVA Radio, reading a history of WRVA Radio entitled, "WRVA Richmond, The Voice of Virginia, 'Down Where the South Begins.'" The history traces WRVA's history year by year from 1925 to 1968. It begins with Larus and Brother Company purchasing the largest broadcasting station Western Electric Company makes, and Pleasant Larus Reed, vice-president of Larus and Brother Company assigning Lucy to build and operate the station. It ends with WRVA moving into new offices and studios on Church Hill. A transcript of this broadcast is located in Box 30. This broadcast was recorded for Broadcast Pioneers in 1968.
Interview, 2 November 1957, with Calvin T. Lucy (1891-1980), vice-president of Larus and Brother Company, conducted by Dick Gillis, on the occasion of WRVA's 32nd anniversary. Lucy, one of the founders of WRVA, discusses his early years with the radio station, and reminisces about the first night's broadcast and the individuals who were involved in it.
This program, hosted by Alden Aaroe, features short interviews and talk with members of the Richmond Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors Women's Auxiliary while having lunch at a local Richmond restaurant. One member of the group discusses their work with Sheltering Arms Hospital. Aaroe also presents an orchid to one of the members, and the group participates in a commercial spot contest.
This program, hosted by Alden Aaroe, features short interviews and talk with members of an unidentified local patriotic and religious organization while having lunch at a Richmond restaurant. The members discuss the purpose of their organization and some of the fraternal benefits. Aaroe also presents an orchid to one of the members, and the group participates in a commercial spot contest.
Remarks, 21 September 1961, delivered by David J. Mays (1896-1971) and Garland M. Harwood, Jr. (1920-1973), at a meeting on the proposed merger of Richmond and Henrico County, sponsored by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Both discuss various issues and implications associated with the proposal, including the proportion of county vs. city voters, who would run the newly formed city if a consolidation took place, population growth in the city vs. the county, taxation and representation issues, court reorganization, and the extension of urban services.
Special report, hosted by Lon Backman of WRVA, featuring recorded excerpts from two meetings held on 28 August 1961 to discuss the proposed merger of Richmond and Henrico County. The meetings were held at Richmond City Hall and Douglas Freeman High School in Henrico County. Featured are clips of remarks by various speakers before the Richmond City Council, and questions from the audience and answers from merger negotiators at the meeting in Henrico County.
Coverage of the memorial service held for Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, held on 9 June 1968, at the State Capitol in Richmond. Includes the main address by Bishop J. Louis Flaherty, remarks by U.S. Senator William B. Spong, Jr., various biblical readings, and musical selections sung by Mrs. Marie Hunter.
These discs include recordings of WRVA news reports following an explosion at the Merchants Cold Storage Building, located in Richmond, Virginia, at the corners of 6th and Canal Streets. Jack Clements reports from the WRVA newsroom, and Irby Hollans and Alden Aaroe report from the scene. The northeast corner of the four story building exploded just before 11 a.m., on 16 January 1958, with six to eight men in the building. They report on the smell of ammonia gas, which permeated the area. They discuss the missing and injured men and the work of civil defense, fire, rescue and police. On the scene reports are followed by various updates over the course of the day, recaps, and interviews with citizens on the street. A version of the wrap-up of the explosion edited for CBS radio is included on the second disc.
Church services broadcast from the Marine Corps Schools Post Chapel in Quantico, Virginia, in cooperation with WRVA and the Quantico Informational Services Office. Navy Chaplain Hugh Embry delivers a sermon entitled, "Mighty to Grasp the Idea." The service ends with part III. Part IV contains organ music.
WRVA reports on the 1949 Democratic Gubernatorial primary in Virginia. Colonel Francis Pickens Miller speaks about the election results throughout the Commonwealth and his belief that it is still too soon to concede the election to John S. Battle. Later in the broadcast, Miller concedes the election and thanks his supporters. Also includes concession speeches from Remmie L. Arnold of Petersburg and Horace H. Edwards of Richmond. WRVA reporters are George Passage, Alden Aaroe, Bob Knapp, and Bill Maust.
Miscellaneous studio takes of introductions by Mills E. Godwin and Alton Howell. The dates of the recordings are not known. The recording begins with studio chatter by two unknown individuals. Governor Mills E. Godwin (1914-1999) reads a message welcoming the Rothman World Group, manufacturers of tobacco, to Richmond and to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alton Howell (1906-1987), director of the Richmond Choral Society, records introductions and spots that identify various choral pieces.
Interview, 12 November 1955, with Mrs. Opal M. Beverly of Richmond, winner of the Mrs. WRVA contest, by radio show host Galen Drake (1907-1989) in New York City. Beverly discusses the activities she and her husband have been attending on her trip, which she won in the contest. She also presents Drake with a gift of a Smithfield ham.
Interview, 14 November 1955, with Mrs. Opal M. Beverly of Richmond, winner of the Mrs. WRVA contest, by Sam Carey of WRVA. Beverly talks about her recent trip to New York City which she won in the contest.
Includes comments by Calvin T. Lucy (1891-1980) and William T. Reed, Jr. (1904-1966), and information on the beginning of the radio station and its evolution from a non-commercial to a commercial network station. There are also clips from past shows, including the "Maxwell House Hour," "Sunshine Sue," as well as birthday greetings from Amos n Andy and Senator Harry F. Byrd. There is also information on WRVA's coverage of events during World War II, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt's address before Congress, and the station's coverage of Virginia gubernatorial inaugurations. The musical tune "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" is also played.
Features musical selections that were popular in 1925, including "Remember," "Yes Sir, That's My Baby," and "Yearning." There is also an interview with Bertha E. Hewlett (1903-1997), WRVA's music librarian and an original employee of the station, on the early history of WRVA and her recollections of the first day of broadcasting.
NASCAR Race Week coverage, 8 September 1994, with Tim Farley, featuring a portion of an interview with legendary stock car driver Dale Earnhardt (1951-2001), as well as an interview with driver Eddie Johnson of Ashland, Virginia. Johnson also responds to listeners' calls. Also included is a segment of "This Week in NASCAR," hosted by Eli Gold, which contains an interview with driver Kenny Wallace, and listeners' calls to Wallace. Farley also interviews Gold, as well as driver Ward Burton.
Jack Clements, WRVA news director, interviews Nathan Thorington, president of Thorington Construction Company, in his Piper Comanche airplane at ten thousand feet. Includes a discussion of the plane's usefulness in running a construction business, the plane's speed and amenities, and a description of the Richmond area from the air. This program is part of the Sideviews of the News series.
Recording of naturalization ceremonies of the Naturalized Citizens of America held at the Lake Matoaka Ampitheatre in Williamsburg, Virginia on 4 July 1956. 112 people became citizens during the ceremony. Includes a speech from a member of the Board of Directors of the Naturalized Citizens of America concerning liberty and the Declaration of Independence, an interview with the president of the Naturalized Citizens of America concerning the organization, and an interview with a person who was naturalized during the ceremony.
Coverage of a crash of a U.S. Navy jet in the Windsor Farms section of Richmond, Virginia on 7 December 1955, with various reports by Alden Aaroe, Herb Clarke, George Passage, and Bill Willis. Included are interviews with eyewitnesses, and information on the pilot, as well as the family of Benjamin Dennis III, whose house was damaged by the crash.
A recording from the NBC program "Monitor," in which the narrator recounts a brief history of the travels to and settlement of English colonists at Jamestown in 1607. Marking the 355th anniversary of the colonists' arrival, the program also provides dramatic readings from the day, including excerpts from the written narratives of George Percy, early governor of Jamestown, as well as from the popular London play of the day
News commentary, 6 January 1948, with Dr. Gregor Ziemer. This was Zeimer's first broadcast after joining the staff of WRVA. Includes his comments on world news headlines, including the breakup of the United Nations peace talks on Korea held in Paris, the invasion of Costa Rica by Nicaragua, China relief aid, Soviet influence in German elections, and the trial of Alger Hiss.
News report, 29 August 1978, read by John Harding including local, state, national, and world news. Much of the broadcast covers the firing of Richmond City Manager William J. Leidinger by the City Council, the selection process for a new manager, and comments by Leidinger, his supporters, and members of City Council on the firing. There are also stories on a rate increase by the Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO) and opposition from the Consumer Congress. National stories include the release of new economic indicators, strength of the U.S. dollar, an update on the National Governors Conference, and Ford safety defects on some of its vehicles. World news includes Kepone chemical waste disposal in Germany, a coup attempt in Nicaragua, and a story on Pope John Paul I. There are also local weather and traffic reports, and a commercial for Miller and Rhoades.
Recording of speech by Newton C. Minnow, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), at the University of Virginia. Minnow discusses government regulatory agencies such as the FCC, the work of the FCC in the broadcasting industry, and service with the federal government. He encourages the students to consider federal service. Also includes a question and answer session after the speech.
Jack Clements, Harry Monroe, and Lon Backman, WRVA news broadcasters, cover Richard M. Nixon's campaign visit to Virginia. Includes speeches by Walter S. Robertson, former secretary of state for Far Eastern Affairs in the Eisenhower administration, Richard M. Nixon, and Pat Nixon. In introducing Nixon, Robertson speaks on the accomplishments of the Eisenhower administration and Nixon's role in the administration. Nixon directs his speech towards Democrats, deemphasizes party affiliation, and stresses specific differences between the Democratic and Republican party platforms. Track 2 repeats part of Nixon's speech. The WRVA announcers discuss the speech, describe the crowd, and compare Nixon's visit to an earlier visit by President Eisenhower.
Hosted by Cousin Crazy Joe Maphis. Contains Benny Kissinger and Curley Collins singing "I Still Do," Toby Stroud singing "I'll Always Feel the Same," the entire cast singing "Stand up for Jesus," and Grandpa Jones and Ramona singing "Old Camp Meeting Days." Also includes commercials for BC headache powders and tablets, Chase and Sanborn instant coffee, and Ivory snow soap.
Hosted by Curley Collins. Contains Jackie Phelps singing "White House Blues," Curley Collins singing "You're Eyes are Blue, So Blue" or "Blue, Blue Eyes," Grandpa Jones and Ramona singing "Remember Me," and Cousin Crazy Joe Maphis singing "The Cannonball Special." This broadcast also includes a reading of upcoming personal appearances of Old Dominion Barn Dance performers and an advertisement for tickets to the Old Dominion Barn Dance at the WRVA Theater on Saturday nights. Also includes commercials from Galen Drake for Kellogg's All Bran for irregularity and Bel dishwashing liquid.
Hosted by Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman). Contains Grandpa Jones singing "Daisy Dean Old Time," Sunshine Sue singing "Old Wooden Rocker," Toby Stroud singing "I'll Be Around if You Need Me," and fiddle music with no vocals. Also includes commercials for Chase and Sanborn Coffee, Tender Leaf Tea, Pertussin Cough syrup, and Stanback aspirin.
Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman) introduces the host of this early morning edition of the Old Dominion Barn Dance, Cousin Crazy Joe Maphis. Contains Grandpa Jones singing "Jesse James," Cousin Crazy Joe Maphis accompanied by Buster Puffenbarger singing "Pan-American," Quincy Snodgrass performing "Chicken Reel," and Benny Kissinger singing "Crybaby Heart." Also includes a list of upcoming performances by Old Dominion Barn Dance performers.
Hosted by Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman). Contains Zag Pennell, the Ozark Mountain Boy, singing "I Saw the Light," Sunshine Sue singing "There is No Other Love for Me," and Sonny Day performing "The Lady of Spain" on the accordion. The program ends at 9:51. At 10:13, Sunshine Sue promotes a western on CBS. Also, at 11:02, CBS lists, "on closed circuit," a listing of CBS broadcasts for radio station personnel only, not for public consumption.
Recording of a live broadcast. Contains Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman) and Her Rangers singing "Marianne," Zag Pennell, the Ozark Mountain Boy, singing "Jump a Foot High on the Last Note," Gene Jenkins performing "Little Brown Jug," Pete Pike singing "I Can See an Angel Walkin'," John Workman and Sunshine Sue singing "If You Will Marry Me," and Jim Wilson singing "I Walk the Line." The first and second track are identical except for All the Ranch Hands performing "Panhandle Rag" on the second track. Kingan Meats sponsored this program.
Hosted by Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman). Contains Sonny Day performing "Bye Bye Blue" and Sunshine Sue singing "I Saw Jesus." Also includes a commercial for Niagra Instant Laundry Starch.
Includes two programs both hosted by Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman). The first program (Track 1) contains Mary Click and Zeb Robinson singing "When the Roses Bloom in Dixieland," Gene Jenkins playing the guitar, Sunshine Sue singing "Maple on the Hill," Mary Click, Zeb Robinson, and Irving Gurganus accompanied by Sonny Day and Gene Jenkins singing "A Love that Has Ended Too Soon." The second program (Track 2) contains Irving Gurganus performing "Darby's Ram," Sonny Day playing the accordion, Sunshine Sue singing "I Dreamed of an Old Affair," Sonny Day and Zeb Robinson singing "With These Pins and Needles in My Heart," and Sunshine Sue singing "Where Could I Go." Also includes commercials for Karo Syrup and Niagra Instant Laundry Starch.
Hosted by Frank Brooks, this listener call-in program features F. Henry Garber III (1910-1979) of Richmond City Council answering questions concerning the proposed merger of Richmond and Henrico County, and explaining why he is opposed to a consolidation.
Hosted by Frank Brooks, this listener call-in program features Robert P. Buford, III, an attorney from Henrico County and member of "Citizens for Merger," answering questions concerning the proposed merger of Richmond and Henrico County, and explaining why he is in favor of a consolidation.
Hosted by Frank Brooks, this listener call-in program features a discussion with Governor J. Lindsay Almond (1898-1966). Listeners calls are also taken. Almond talks about his term as governor, the inaugural address of his successor Albertis S. Harrison, his feelings on leaving office, the state's sales tax, the administration of President John F. Kennedy, his greatest accomplishments and biggest disappointments while serving as governor, issues relating to Virginia's ports, public education, Richmond's traffic congestion, factory automation, states' rights, taxes, the Virginia National Guard, the Governor's Mansion, pardons and release of prisoners, the two party system of government, the local option issue, alcohol legislation, Catholic schools, crime and sentencing guidelines, and the exodus of African-Americans from the South. He also discusses his future plans after leaving office.
Address, 3 August 1957, by Alvin M. Owsley (1888-1967) before the American Legion State Convention in Richmond, Virginia. Topics include the importance of the youth in America to carry on the traditions of the Legion, why the United States failed in Korea, his visit to the Virginia War Memorial, states' rights, debates in the U.S. Congress on the trial by jury bill and immigration law, and the need to defeat Communism.
Panel discussions, 26 October 1951, on the proposed referendum to build an expressway in the city of Richmond. The panelists are in favor of the referendum, and the spots are paid for by "Citizens for Traffic Relief." Issues discussed include the need for a modern freeway, traffic problems in Richmond, congestion, safety issues, property values, taxes, the idea of building a bypass rather than a freeway, alternatives, costs, and the use of federal and state funds for its construction. There are also comments on the referendum's approval roughly a week later, the obstacles that were overcome, and opposition to the plan by various individuals and groups. The recording ends with studio chatter, weather, programming schedule, The Ambassadors' recording of "Yearning," and fashion tips.
This is an incomplete transcription of the quiz program People You Know, as recorded in the Virginia Room at the Hotel John Marshall. Quiz participants are Rotarians. It is not clear from the recording what the program had to do with Miller and Rhoads.
Recording of WRVA's entry in the 1986 Virginia Association of Broadcasters news awards competition for best continuing story. The broadcast documents the conflict of interests allegations against State Senator Peter K. Babalas (1922-1987) concerning his vote against legislation that involved Landbank Equity Corporation, one of his private law firm clients. Included are stories on the opinions of the Senate Ethics Advisory Panel and the state attorney general, legislative proposals on conflict of interests by the Virginia General Assembly, Babalas' trial and acquittal, and his eventual censure by the State Senate.
Recording of the broadcast of the concession speech of Richard C. Poage, Republican candidate for the Third Congressional district in Virginia in 1948. Poage concedes the election to his Democratic opponent, J. Vaughan Gary, and hopes that his campaign furthered two-party politics in Virginia.
Report, 27 October, 1958, on a methane gas explosion at a mine in Bishop, West Virginia operated by the Pocahontas Fuel Company. The explosion resulted in the deaths of 22 workers, and occurred underground almost directly under the Virginia/West Virginia state line.
State Senator Ted Dalton speaks at the unveiling of the portrait of Lieutenant Governor L. Preston "Pat" Collins (1896-1952) in the Virginia State Senate on 15 February 1954. Dalton calls Collins' death on 20 September 1952 a loss for both parties.
Recording of the broadcast of the ceremony surrounding President Eisenhower's placing of a wreath on Mary Washington's grave on Mother's Day, 9 May 1954. Includes music from the United States Marine Corps Band of Quantico, Virginia and the Fredericksburg Civic Choir, speeches from Gertrude S. Carraway (1896-1993) and Frances Mason Williams, and brief words from President Eisenhower. Carraway delivered a speech entitled "George Washington's Greatest Inspiration," his mother, Mary Ball Washington. Williams speaks on the history of the Mary Washington Memorial. Eisenhower states how honored he is to have the privilege of paying tribute to Mary Washington and praises George Washington's character. Don Vest reported for WRVA.
Recording of President Eisenhower's visit to Richmond on Mother's Day, 9 May 1954. George Passage, Herb Clarke, and Harry Monroe of WRVA News report on Eisenhower's visit from his arrival at Byrd Airport to his attendance at Mother's Day services at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Includes a discussion of the anniversary of the Richmond Light Infantry Blues, a listing of other militia units in Richmond to celebrate the anniversary, and a description of the history and interior of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Recording of speech of Governor James H. Price on 22 November 1940 in Staunton, Virginia. Price outlines his legislative plan for changing the administrative structure of state government, probation and parole, the deplorable conditions of local jails, elimination of the fee system, the establishment of a modern personnel system, road building, passage of workers' compensation law, electoral reforms, repeal of the poll tax, increased teachers' salaries, and improved funding for schools. Recording is incomplete.
Broadcast of the dedication of WRVA's new 50,00 watt transmitter on 17 March 1939. Program included music, congratulatory words from WRVA's national affiliate, CBS, Governor James H. Price, and Senator Harry F. Byrd, information on the establishment of WRVA, highlights of WRVA's broadcasting history, and a description of the new transmitter from its site on the James River in eastern Henrico County, Virginia. Produced by CBS, the program goes back and forth between New York and Richmond.
Speech, 24 July 1959, of Chesty Puller, retired Marine Lieutenant General. Puller expresses his opinions on a variety of subjects including American diplomacy, the military preparedness of the United States, and increased taxation. The recordings should be listened to in the following order: WRVA - 361, track 1 (side I); WRVA - 362, track 2 (side IV); WRVA - 361, track 3 (side III); and WRVA - 361, track 2 (side II).
Jack Clements reports on the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to the College of William and Mary during their tour of Tidewater Virginia, during the 350th anniversary celebration of the founding of Jamestown. From the balcony of the campus' Christopher Wren Building, the Queen and Prince appear and are welcomed by James M. Robertson, Rector of the Board of Visitors of the College of William and Mary. He comments on the historic relationship between the British Royal Crown and education in Virginia, beginning with the chartering of the college in 1693, and notes this is the first visit to the college by a reigning monarch of Great Britain. The Queen presents a gift of a copy of the Statute of the Order of the Garter, presented to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester, nephew of King William, three years after the founding of the College. Prince Philip is greeted by Alvin Duke Chandler, President of the College of William and Mary, and the two exchange gifts between the College and the University of Edinburgh, the alma mater of the College's first president, the Reverend James Blair.
Recorded on 17 April 1948 in Richmond and Norfolk, this quiz show features employees of the Virginia Transit Company in both cities answering questions in various categories. Art Richardson is the announcer. Alden Aaroe is the host in Richmond, and Ira Hull hosts from Norfolk.
Recorded in Richmond and Norfolk, this quiz show features employees of the Graybar Electric Company in both cities answering questions in various categories. Art Richardson is the announcer. Alden Aaroe is the host in Richmond, and Bob Knapp hosts from Norfolk.
A general quiz show matching wits between members of various groups or organizations from Richmond and Charlotte, North Carolina. This particular episode presents the Richmond Lions Club and the Charlotte, N.C., Lions Club. The North Carolina portion of the program was broadcast from Charlotte's station WBT. "Quiz Wizards" Scott Jarrett for the Richmond team and Kurt Webster for the Charlotte participants ask their respective teams the questions. Listerine is the sponsor of this program.
Recordings of the quiz show "Radio Scholarship Quiz," sponsored by WRVA and the University of Richmond and covering the years 1952 to 1955, and 1957 to 1958. Dean Raymond B. Pinchbeck (1900-1957) of Richmond College was the first quizmaster. Dean C. J. Gray (1908-2003) took over the duties in later programs. Students from various Virginia high schools compete against each other for a chance to win various cash prizes, including an all-expense paid one-year scholarship to Richmond College or Westhampton College. The students are introduced, and they discuss their backgrounds, school activities, and future plans. They alternate answering questions in the categories of history, spelling, English, mathematics, science, and literature. The competitions took place at high schools in Brunswick and Spotsylvania Counties, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Highland Springs, Hopewell, Midlothian, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg.
Statement, 1 November 1950, by William T. Reed, Jr. (1904-1966), president of Larus and Brother Company, on the 25th anniversary of WRVA. Reed recognizes the assistance of the Federal Radio and Communications Commission, the Columbia Broadcasting System, and the support of the station's listeners. He also discusses the station's plans for television broadcasting in the future.
Religious service held at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, Virginia on 14 November 1965, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the completion of the church building. The commemorative sermon was delivered by Bishop John Elbridge Hines (1910-1997), presiding bishop of the National Episcopal Church.
Contains "A New Love Every Spring," a song performed by WRVA employee Burt T. Repine (1901-1990) on 18 November 1952.
Promotional spots for the Richmond Ballet. The dates of the advertisements are unknown. There are four different spots, each announcing upcoming performances, times, ticket outlet locations, and guest artists.
This disc contains recordings of the ceremonies held in celebration of the opening of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike on 30 June 1958. These are the full-length recordings made for an episode of Sideviews on the News, and Jack Clements is the host. Speakers at the ceremonies include T. Coleman Andrews, president of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, who talks about the safety features of this "dream of modern transportation"; F. Henry Garber, mayor of Richmond, who discusses the turnpike's impact on retail and civic relations between Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell and other communities; former Governor Thomas Stanley; and Governor J. Lindsay Almond.
Rally, held on 1 October 1957, by the Richmond Junior Chamber of Commerce. Highlights include speeches by Virginia gubernatorial candidates Ted Dalton (1901-1989) and J. Lindsay Almond (1898-1986), and their comments concerning the Supreme Court decision on school desegregation, civil rights legislation, Little Rock, the pupil assignment plan in Virginia, the admission of African-American students into North Carolina colleges, and that state's assignment plan.
Dedication, 13 November 1957, of Richmond Memorial Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Speakers include Robert E. Henley, president of the hospital's Board of Trustees, Richmond Mayor F. Henry Garber, Virginia State Treasurer Jesse W. Dillon, and Emma Gray Trigg. There is also music by the Union Theological Seminary choir, and the invocation and benediction is given by Reverend Theodore F. Adams, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Richmond.
Coverage of the Richmond Newspapers marathon held on 23 October 1988, featuring clips from various reporters during the 26-mile run through downtown Richmond.
Jack Clements hosts this program addressing the local juvenile delinquency situation. Other participants are Mr. Carroll Minor, Director of Youth Services at the State Department of Welfare; Sergeant Robert P. Milliken, Juvenile and Missing Persons Division of the Richmond Police Bureau; and Sydney G. Morton, Intake Officer at the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The program aired immediately following a CBS radio documentary hosted by Edward R. Murrow called "Who Killed Michael Farmer?" Farmer was a teenager who was killed in New York City by a youth gang from the Bronx. The participants discuss the depth of the problems of violence and juvenile crime and delinquency in Richmond as compared to New York City. They look for reasons for the problems, including race relations, mobility of population, density of population, television and family situations.
Response by the chairman of the Richmond School Board to the vote of "no confidence" and resolution passed by the Richmond Education Association (R.E.A). The exact date of the recording is unknown, but assumed to be in 1993. The chairman responds to the R.E.A.'s attacks on the school board's leadership, low teacher raises and pay disparity, and demands for an elected school board. In their resolution, the R.E.A. also addressed the following issues: upgrades and reclassification of support personnel, student discipline problems, planning and initiatives by the Board, lack of attention paid to the R.E.A., the budget proposed for 1993-1994, and grievance procedures.
Includes reports on President Hoover urging passage of farm relief and tariff legislation before Congress, as well as other national news and a stock market report. Also covered is John Archer Lejuene becoming the new superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, opening of the baseball season, churches in the U.S. experiencing gains in membership, and conditions at a Richmond orphanage.
Address, 17 December 1956, by Dr. Joseph C. Robert (1906-2003), president of Hampden-Sydney College, at the inauguration of Dr. Robert Blackwell Smith, Jr., as fourth president of the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Robert discusses the history of MCV from its founding, medical practices in the nineteenth century, school requirements and course work, and the college's affiliation with Hampden-Sydney College. The recording ends with the swearing in of Dr. Smith.
Contains the speech of Carlos P. Romulo to the University of Richmond graduation class of 1956. Romulo invokes the name of Thomas Jefferson and the importance of Jeffersonian principles for countries whose people are oppressed. He stresses the importance of choosing between freedom and Soviet imperialism.
Speech, 1 November 1957, by Carlos P. Romulo (1899-1985), Philippines ambassador to the United States, before the Virginia Education Association. Romulo is introduced by Virginia Congressman J. Vaughan Gary (1892-1973). In his speech entitled "The Asia America Does Not Know," Romulo comments on the importance of Asia to U.S. national security, discusses Soviet imperialism and that country's incursions into Formosa, Korea, the Philippines, Greece, China, and India, and urges the U.S. to continue to build strong friendships with other countries to combat the Soviet's "desire of world conquest."
Press conference, 10 November 1961, with Ronald H. Conway, captain and pilot of the Imperial Airlines jet that crashed near Byrd Field in Richmond, Virginia on 8 November 1961. The jet, a Lockheed L-049E Constellation, went down at night in a wooded area, enroute from Newark, New Jersey to Columbia, South Carolina via Baltimore, resulting in the deaths of 77 passengers. There were two survivors. Conway recounts his actions, and the actions of the crew and passengers, before and after the crash, before various reporters at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital. The taped comments are introduced by Lon Backman of WRVA.
WRVA reports from the S.S. United States, an ocean liner built at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia, on its first trial run. The broadcast covers the ocean liner's background and its amenities, discusses the system used to measure the liner's speed, and includes interviews of random attendees of the event. The S.S. United States is expected to beat the speed record held by the British liner, Queen Mary.
Recording of the presentation of a certificate of achievement to WRVA for its public service announcements on behalf of safety on Virginia's highways. C. T. Lucy, WRVA General Managers accepts the certificate from Governor William M. Tuck and speaks briefly on WRVA's support for the community. William R. Wilson thanks his radio colleagues, WRVA management, and state officials for their efforts in making Virginia's highways safer. Aired 14 September 1947.
Re-enactment of the voyage of the Sea Venture, from its departure in England in June 1609 to its wreck in Bermuda after a hurricane and the settlement of Bermuda. Also includes a description of Bermuda's historic sites and its history from the settlement through the Civil War, and a ceremony featuring the Governor of Bermuda and Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia, A.E.S Stephens. The ceremony includes the dedication of a plaque commemorating the wreck of the Sea Venture and the voyage of the ships, Patience and Deliverance, built by the shipwrecked crew of the Sea Venture and sailed to Jamestown in May 1610 bringing much needed supplies, and a speech of Lieutenant Governor Stephens accepting replicas of the Patience and Deliverance.
The St. Paul's Polytechnic Institute (renamed St. Paul's College in February 1957) choir of Lawrenceville, Virginia, sing Christmas carols.
Features popular music selections, including "40 Cups of Coffee" by Les Brown and JoAnne Greer, "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" by the Ames Brothers, "A Shoulder to Cry On" by Susan Silo, "Love Me a Little Bit" by Eddy Howard, "Music Maestro Please" by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, "I Thought it was Over" by Frank Duval and Orchestra, "Dispy-Doodle" by Larry Clinton, "Bumble Bee" by Doris Day, and "Street of Dreams" by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. There is also a weather forecast, a commercial for Budweiser, and a public service announcement for free chest x-rays being offered in Richmond. The show cuts off in mid-song.
Drama concerning an accident between a train and an automobile. Includes graphic description of the accident's carnage. The driver of the automobile had been drinking and was driving too fast. He tried to race the train and created a horrific accident. Program was based on a true accident. Written by Charles Freeman. Produced by Dan Valentine. This recording is track 1 on WRVA - 337.
News reports on the search for four lost boys, Walter Charles "Tex" Boykin, age 7, twin brothers, Wilson and Woodrow Blackstock, age 7, and their brother, George Blackstock, age 5. Alden Aaroe reports on the search for the boys direct from the scene in the McGuire Hospital area of Chesterfield County. John Tansey reports on the discovery of the boy's bodies in an abandoned icebox near their homes (8:06).
Interview, 12 July 1962, with Eleanor P. Sheppard (1907-1991), shortly after her election as mayor of Richmond, Virginia. She discusses her feelings about family and children, comments on her duties as mayor, and gives her opinions regarding a woman being elected president of the United States.
This program concerns the 30th anniversary luncheon for Brotherhood Week, containing excerpts of a speech by Dr. Lewis Webster Jones (1899-1975), president of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and a speech by Walter W. Craigie, Sr., regarding the creation of a community award to give to those advancing the cause of brotherhood. John Tansey accepts the award on behalf of WRVA for its role in raising money for the Crippled Children's Hospital. Samuel E. Binswanger also received a certificate for promoting brotherhood among all people. This program also includes commercials for the Raleigh Grill on 9th and Bank Street and Wright's Townhouse at 513 E. Grace Street.
Hosted by Jack Clements, this show includes a special feature, news, weather, and commercial spots. The special feature in this broadcast is on polygraph machines, including how they work, accuracy, and results, as explained by a representative from a Richmond detective agency. News stories include the Virginia attorney general campaign, the death of former House of Delegate member Howard C. Rogers of Loudoun County, Korean War preparedness, state automobile accidents, updates on the Pupil Placement Act in Virginia and civil rights legislation in the U.S. Congress, including comments by Sen. A. Willis Robertson, the mutual test ban treaty in the U.S. Congress, foreign aid requests, and U.S. Navy strength. There are commercial spots for Ford Motors, Metropolitan Life, Supersuds detergent, Budweiser, and Camel cigarettes.
Includes speech of Douglas Southall Freeman from 1950 dedicating the restoration of the Wilmer McLean house at Appomattox. Freeman describes the surrender and the reaction of Confederate soldiers to the surrender, and compares the appearances of Lee and Grant. Also contains Jack Clements reading a poem from Percy Gregg, a British historian and southern sympathizer, written in 1865.
Hosted by Larry Dodd, this show features an interview with Frank W. Berkman, executive vice-president of the Hotel Sales Management Association. Berkman discusses the purpose and history of the organization, founded in 1927, its convention activities, and the organization of the Virginia chapter. The organization is now known as Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International.
Ray Kennedy hosts this episode of Sideviews on the News, in which Jack Clements reports from his visit to Bermuda. He provides a basic overview of the locale, including the geography, population, climate and history.
Hosted by Lon Backman, this show features interviews with Reverend Anthony Zimmerman and Dr. John R. Cavanagh, who discuss the Catholic Church's views on birth control and overpopulation.
Jack Clements interviews Jack Pettis (John Powell Pettis), retired captain of the Virginia Capitol Police. Pettis was appointed to the Capitol Police in 1889 by then-Governor Fitzhugh Lee. He retired in 1948 under Governor William M. Tuck. Pettis reminiscences about his years working at the state capitol, commenting on various governors, politics, and the capitol grounds. He considered E. Lee Trinkle the friendliest governor and Andrew Jackson Montague the most colorful. This recording is Track 1 on WRVA - 147.
Jack Clements hosts this four part series of Sideviews on the News detailing the daily operations and inner workings of the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia. The program is co-hosted by Mr. C. E. Grosser from the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers. The purpose of the program is to promote an interest in engineering as a career opportunity for Virginia high school students.
Contains a recap of the highlights of Chesty Puller's speech on WRVA 361-362. This recording is track 2 on WRVA - 362.
Brick Rider and his children, Mark and Nanette, take a tour of the Governor's Mansion at Christmas time with Mrs. Lacey Virginia (Barkley) Harrison. The children tell Mrs. Harrison what they want for Christmas. Rider and Mrs. Harrison talk about the Mansion, discussing its decorations, the number of rooms, the portraits, and the cleaning of the chandeliers.
Jack Clements, WRVA news editor and his daughter, Ann, visit the Governor's Mansion at Christmas time. Ann describes the mansion's Christmas tree. Anne Pocahontas (Bassett) Stanley describes the trees, decorations, and Christmas at the Governor's Mansion.
Jack Clements hosts this edition of Sideviews on the News, in which he goes to the North Pole to investigate rumors that Santa Claus will be unable to deliver his toys due to the fact the Rudolph's red nose is not working. The supposed cause of the problem is the commercialization of Christmas, and the program is intended to remind people of the religious basis of the holiday. WRVA-622 is the 1956 broadcast of this story, and WRVA-623 is the same story but from 1957.
Lon Backman hosts this episode of Sideviews on the News, in which he interviews John Wright, the new chief of police for the city of Richmond. Wright, who had been on the force forty-one years at the time of his appointment, joined the force at age 18 and served as acting chief for nearly a year. Backman asks him about his plans for the force, what the previous year as acting chief was like and the response of his wife to his new position.
This program is a tribute to Raymond B. Pinchbeck (1900-1957), Dean at the University of Richmond, professor of economics, and host of WRVA's Radio Scholarship Quiz, who died on 4 February 1957. Includes reminiscences of and tributes to Pinchbeck from Carl Stutz, Ray Kennedy, and Walter R. Bishop, all employees of WRVA Radio. Stutz reminiscences about his years as one of Pinchbeck's students at the University of Richmond. Kennedy shares his memories working with Pinchbeck on the Radio Scholarship Quiz Show. Bishop recounts Pinchbeck's civic achievements and public service. Also includes a news tribute and excerpts from Pinchbeck's talk on the national radio broadcast, "This I Believe."
Jack Clements hosts a discussion with a former dean from the School of Commerce at Cairo University about the League of Arab States, also commonly known as the Arab League. His guest defines the organization and comments that this goodwill tour of the United States is an effort to win friends for Egypt. He talks about the importance of the unity of Arab states, while Clements asks him questions about the relationship between the communists and the Arab states, how the Egyptians feel about Americans, the issue of Israel and where Egypt would stand if there was a war between the United States and Russia. His guest comments on the instance following the Civil War in which approximately fifty Confederate officers from Virginia went to Egypt to help them build their army.
Hosted by Lon Backman, this show features four different programs devoted to the issue of annexation of Henrico County by the City of Richmond. The date of the programs are not known, but thought to be from 1960. Backman interviews various individuals involved in the annexation/consolidation controversy. Horace Edwards, Richmond City Manager, discusses the annexation ordinance process, various studies taking place, court procedures, annexation case questions, costs involved, referendum procedures, and statewide trends in annexation cases. A. Howe Todd, executive director of the Richmond Regional Planning Commission, talks about the work and composition of the Commission, the merger/annexation process, tax issues, differences between annexation and merger, and the work of the Public Administration Service (PAS). Richmond City Councilman J. Edward Lawler explains the issues involved, tax burden, business tax revenues in the city vs. county tax revenues, who would benefit from annexation, the chances of annexation succeeding, the resolution introduced by him on annexation, effect of the recent flood in Richmond on the issue, and race and school issues and their effect on the proposal. Joseph T. Williams, Jr., a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, states his position on the issue and why is vehemently opposed to annexation, discusses his legislative work in the General Assembly on the topic, and how issues of race could affect the question of annexation. Burl A. Parks, director of city planning, sums up the issues involved in annexation, merger, and status quo. Parks discusses what the alternatives are, forms of government, services provided, and tax issues involved in all three options.
1 compact disc. Lon Backman, WRVA news broadcaster, reports on the first free elections in Hawaii. Includes sound bytes of radio broadcasts concerning the elections from Station KGU-AM in Honolulu.
Hosted by Jack Clements, this show features an interview with Bela K. Kiraly, leader of the Hungarian resistance movement. Kiraly discusses the struggle by the resistance against the Soviet army in his country in 1956, and also the role of Radio Free Europe in combating Communism.
Hosted by Joe Lowen, this show features an interview with Carson Thomas Overstreet (1901-2000) of Glen Allen, Virginia concerning the possible defection of his "foster" son James Joseph Dresnok to North Korea. Overstreet discusses Dresnock's childhood, divorce, prior military service, and what he has learned from the U.S. military concerning Dresnok's disappearance while serving in the Army in South Korea near the demilitarized zone.
Jack Clements hosts this three part series of Sideviews on the News, which explores the issue of juvenile crime and delinquency in Richmond. The first part features a discussion of this "serious problem in Richmond" with Kermit V. Rocke, associate judge of the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. Clements asks Rocke his opinions on juvenile delinquency in Richmond as compared to other cities in the country and what he thinks the root causes are for the problem. Part two features an interview with the Reverend Paul Edward Crandall, executive secretary of the Richmond Baptist Association, on what the churches are doing to meet the problem of juvenile crime; and part three features three student guests from John Marshall High School, who also share their opinions and views on the causes and possible solutions to juvenile delinquency in the city.
This show features Ray Turner reading a poem entitled "Leaves and Lives," about a walk through Maymont Park in Richmond and how the seasons of the year relate to the seasons of one's life.
Lon Backman and Jack Clements, WRVA news reporters, explore the issues and problems with the state mental hospitals in a series of five programs. Part 1 contains a discussion with a patient at Western State Hospital and with Dr. Howard H. Ashbury, clinical director of psychology at Western State Hospital, regarding the patient's prognosis. Part 2 contains an interview with Dr. James B. Pettis, superintendent of Western State Hospital, who recounts the history of Western State Hospital and the state of affairs in Virginia's mental hospitals. Also includes an interview with one of the hospital's elderly patients. Part 3 includes a discussion with Dr. Howard H. Ashbury concerning overcrowding. Part 4 contains a discussion with John Edward Raine, chairman of a special legislative commission studying the problems of the aged in Virginia's mental hospitals. Part 5 contains an interview with State Senator Edward Willey, chairman of the Virginia State Hospital Board.
Lon Backman hosts this episode of Sideviews on the News, in which he interviews James E. O'Neal, the director of Industrial Service for the National Society for the Prevention of Blindness. The focus of the interview is the use of industrial safety spectacles with shatter resistant lenses as safer for people than wearing regular glasses when playing sports, doing industrial jobs, fishing, hunting or mowing the lawn. O'Neal also talks specifically about the work of the Industrial Service section of the society and the importance of eye protection to prevent or eliminate unnecessary eye damage. The date of this program is unknown.
Covering the period 4 October 1956 through 4 April 1957 and hosted by Jack Clements. This program includes fifteen parts in the series detailing the duties and responsibilities of the Richmond Police Department. Included are shows discussing the Juvenile, Records and Communications, and Traffic Safety Divisions, interviews with police officers while on patrol, coverage of the booking of a suspect and the various procedures that are followed, coverage of a vice-squad raid, discussions on safecrackers, pick-pockets, shoplifters, and automobile thieves, a demonstration of a speed radar, on-the-scene reports of routine traffic stops, as well as a tour of the Richmond Police Academy which includes a discussion on the training of new officers, and the future outlook for the police profession.
This program is recorded in the Virginia Room of the White House of the Confederacy on the occasion of Robert E. Lee's birthday. Walter Bishop, WRVA public relations director, and Jack Clements, WRVA news editor, interview India Thomas, house regent of the Museum of the Confederacy. She discusses the life of Robert E. Lee and the various artifacts of Lee the museum owns. Also includes a speech of Governor Thomas B. Stanley during which he praises Lee and his effort to preserve states' rights.
Hosted by Lon Backman, this show featured Robert J. Heberle (1907-1975), a lawyer and member of Richmond City Council. Heberle discusses his background, outside interests, career, and his interest in the oversight of Richmond's city budget and real estate tax issues.
In this episode of the regular WRVA program, Sideviews on the News, Jack Clements interviews Richmond city police Sergeant Robert Milliken from the Juvenile and Missing Persons Division. The topic is Rock and Roll, "the new music." The discussion revolves around live rock and roll shows and their influence on juvenile delinquency. While the officer concedes that an incident involving six juveniles from the prior evening was not caused by a show at the Mosque, he does say that often the music does incite the youngsters to "get uncontrollable and go into a frenzied state."
Lon Backman hosts this segment of Sideviews on the News, in which Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr., reacts to Governor Almond's comment that his proposed state budget is "bare bones." Byrd discusses the 33.8 percent proposed increase in state expenditures and the 3 percent sales tax bill Almond recommends. Also covered is the possible budget surplus, which at the time had the potential of being the second highest in Virginia history.
This is a recording of a three-part Sideviews on the News program featuring United States Senator A. Willis Robertson of Virginia. Robertson provides a viewpoint on the "political philosophies, moral philosophies and an assessment of the physical realities in our world today." This includes his feelings about serving as a United States Senator, the United Nations and the United States' responsibility to that body, the attitudes of Americans in the tense times of fears about communism, and states' rights. Hosted by Harry Monroe. This recording is the broadcast version. The original interview between Harry Monroe and Senator Robertson is on WRVA - 230.
Harry (Hank) Monroe, WRVA broadcaster, interviews United States Senator A. Willis Robertson (1887-1971) of Virginia. Robertson reminisces about his tenure in the Virginia state legislature, and talks about his current workload in the U.S. Senate, federal government interference and bureaucracy, military appropriations, U.S.-Soviet relations and the Cold War, the federal deficit, inflation, the Berlin crisis, the United Nations, and the faith of the citizens of the United States in their country. This recording is the original interview conducted. For the broadcast version see WRVA - 541.
This compact disc contains a special episode of Sideviews on the News, covering the ceremonies held in celebration of the opening of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike on 30 June 1958. This is an edited version of the full-length recordings contained on WRVA -311. Jack Clements is the host. Speakers at the ceremonies include T. Coleman Andrews, president of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, who talks about the safety features of this "dream of modern transportation"; F. Henry Garber, mayor of Richmond, who discusses the turnpike's impact on retail and civic relations between Richmond, Petersburg, Hopewell and other communities; former Governor Thomas Stanley; and Governor J. Lindsay Almond.
1 compact disc. Lon Backman, WRVA news reporter, examines the nationwide steel strike and its potential impact on Richmond and Virginia.
Hosted by Jack Clements, this program includes three segments on the Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond, Virginia. The shows were recorded live at the Tredegar company site, and include a tour of the facilities, history of the company, information on the types of products produced and methods employed, and the future of the company. Interviews are conducted with Edward H. Trigg (1893-1975), vice-president of Tredegar, and Christian E. Grosser (1909-1983), chief engineer at Philip Morris.
Recording of a eulogy of Robert E. Lee delivered on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates by Delegate E. Ralph James of Hampton. Also includes Jack Clements, WRVA news editor and host of Sideviews on the News, discussing the first American victory in the War of 1812 at the site of present day Talladega, Alabama.
This edition of Sideviews on the News is the Valentine's Day special, featuring a discussion of the historical writings pertaining to love and the holiday. Jack Clements is the host. Included are quotes from the likes of Cicero, Napoleon, John Keats, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Victor Hugo. Also included are other historical tidbits and facts about the holiday. This part of the recording is approximately 9 minutes. The second part of the recording is dedicated to two minutes of news coverage of a fire at the Capitol Hotel, near Grace Street between 8th and 9th streets.
Frank Wilson hosts this episode of Sideviews on the News. The report provides a historic overview of the anniversary of the armistice of 1918. Includes clips of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt speaking on the holiday in 1941, as well as Dwight D. Eisenhower speaking at a ceremony honoring the unknown dead from World War II and the Korean War in the spring of 1958.
This program covers the Virginia General Assembly's public hearings on school legislation. Includes excerpts of statements from people with various views on how Virginia should handle the desegregation issue. The first track contains statements of Delegate J. Randolph Tucker of Richmond, and former Governor Colgate W. Darden supporting the Gray Plan. The second track includes statements from Hal Boyd, president of the Virginia AFL-CIO, opposing the Stanley Plan, Adele Clark calling for some degree of compliance with the Supreme Court decision, Joseph Freehill, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, explaining that desegregation policy should be set at the state level, Lester Banks, president of the Virginia NAACP, calling for integration at all deliberate speed, and State Senator Edward O. McCue, Jr., of Charlottesville, outlining his plan for handling the segregation issue. The third track includes the statement of J. Segar Gravatt, taking exception to Darden's remark of the day earlier and stating that a course of moderation on the issue is unacceptable.
Lon Backman hosts this recording of Sideviews on the News. The topic of discussion is a bill introduced into the House of Delegates calling for a local option referendum on serving whiskey and other spirits by the drink. Norfolk delegates Calvin Childress and Henry Howell, the patrons of the bill, are Backman's guests. The basis of the bill was the creation of a new type of liquor license to be administered by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board to regulate hotels and restaurants serving spirits by the drink. There was a concern that without the passage of this bill, the Tidewater area would suffer due to competition with other Atlantic seaboard resorts unencumbered by laws preventing such sales. Childress and Howell state that this bill would benefit Virginia tourism statewide and would put the decision making on whether to allow such sales in the hands of the people of each locality, rather than the General Assembly. The opposition from some religious groups is also discussed.
Recording of another program in a series of programs celebrating WRVA's 25th anniversary. Narrated by George Passage and Carl Stutz. Passage and Stutz recount the history of WRVA from its inaugural broadcast in 1925 to 1950 in the context of historical events, including the Depression, the rise of Hitler, King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, the Joe Louis-Max Schmeling fight, the Munich Peace Conference, Pearl Harbor, World War II, the dropping of the atomic bomb, and the 1948 Presidential election. Includes sound bytes of various events and personalities.
This installment of the weekly gospel program includes a performance by the Silver Star Quartet's special guests, the Hopewell Jubilee Singers. Songs performed include "When Days are Dark and Friends are Few", "One Day" as performed by the Hopewell Jubilee Singers and "Oh, Lord, when my work on earth is done, I won't duress." Wesley Harvey is the narrator of the program.
Undated recording of clips of opening and closing segments for the program and background harmonizing by the Silver Star Quartet, which was formed in Richmond, Virginia, in 1932. Originally known as the Gospel Spirituals, the group's performances were first broadcast over the WRVA airwaves in 1939, the weekly program was most often presented at 6:30 a.m. each Sunday morning for over 61 years and had about 20 different members over the years. The last program was broadcast on 8 October 2000.
Undated sound clips of opening and closing segments for the program and background harmonizing by the Silver Star Quartet, which was formed in Richmond, Virginia, in 1932. Originally known as the Gospel Spirituals, the group's performances were first broadcast over the WRVA airwaves in 1939, the weekly program was most often presented at 6:30 a.m. each Sunday morning for over 61 years and had about 20 different members over the years. The last program was broadcast on 8 October 2000.
Recording of an anniversary party for twenty-five couples married in 1925. This program is one of a series of programs celebrating WRVA's 25th anniversary. Hosted by George Passage and Lee Lively. Contains interviews with some of the couples, asking such questions as how they met, when and where they got engaged, and what does she cook for him? Each couple is asked how many business firms were established in 1925, with the winner receiving a second honeymoon at the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach.
Contains music and a look back at early radios and notable events of 1925. Hosted by Carl Stutz and Marc Rogers. Broadcast in celebration of WRVA's 25th anniversary.
Features inspirational music and religious gospel selections. The group's leader talks about their beginnings on WRVA and their upcoming schedule of appearances. Also included on the program is Joseph Matthews and the Sabbath Glee Club from the Fifth Street Baptist Church in Richmond. Walter Bishop interviews Matthews about the group's start on the station, and they perform a rendition of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot."
Coverage, 7 April 1963, of the devastating floods in Southwest Virginia by John Wilson. Wilson reports on the damage, especially around the city of Norton, and interviews a Lion's Club relief worker. Also included is the announcement by Governor Albertis S. Harrison of his disaster area proclamation. Damage to areas in Dickinson, Lee, Tazewell, and Wise Counties is also covered in the broadcast.
Recording of "Spirit of V.M.I.," the fight song of the Virginia Military Institute, by an unknown performer.
Ten-part documentary on spousal abuse in the Richmond area, broadcast in October 1984. Includes segments featuring comments by victims and abusers, statistics, reasons for abuse, the effects of television, various forms of assistance available, program funding and the effectiveness of those programs, reporting and documentation of abuse, and recourses for victims.
Recording of a statewide broadcast consisting of endorsements for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Thomas B. Stanley, from several prominent Virginians. On WRNL in Richmond, Horace H. Edwards and Watkins M. Abbitt endorse Stanley and praise his experience. Also endorsing Stanley is J. Lindsay Almond, Democratic candidate for attorney general, on WDBJ in Roanoke, and A. E. S. Stephens, Democratic candidate for lieutenant-governor, on WLPM in Suffolk, Virginia. On WMVA in Martinsville, Thomas Stanley criticizes the proposals of the Republican candidate Ted Dalton, notably the $100 million bond issue for roads, and praises Virginia's pay-as-you-go spending philosophy and political ideals. The State Democratic Campaign Committee purchased the air time for the broadcast.
Address, 30 November 1955, by Governor Thomas B. Stanley to the Virginia General Assembly concerning the 1954 United States Supreme Court decision on school desegregation, Virginia's reaction since, and its future course of action. Governor Stanley calls for a constitutional convention for amending of the state's constitution to allow state funds to be appropriated to private schools.
Recording of the final address of the Governor Stanley to a joint session of the Virginia General Assembly. Stanley reviews the accomplishments of his administration and outlines recommendations for the upcoming General Assembly session. He discusses the desegregation issue and the battle for states' rights.
Announcement, 6 June 1956, by Governor Thomas B. Stanley of his intention to call a special session of the Virginia General Assembly to consider recommendations of the Commission on Public Education (Gray Commission) and other public school issues following the 1954 United States Supreme Court decision on school desegregation.
Governor Thomas B. Stanley explains his views on President Eisenhower sending troops into Little Rock to enforce court-ordered integration. He considers Eisenhower's action the biggest blow to the South since Reconstruction and calls it a violation of states' rights. He criticizes the Supreme Court lead by Chief Justice Earl Warren for legislating rather than interpreting the United States Constitution.
Recording of Governor Thomas B. Stanley's initial response to the United States Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education in which the court declared segregated schools unconstitutional. Stanley called for "cool heads,calm study, and sound judgment" and planned to meet with leaders of both races to consider plans "in keeping with the edict of the court."
Recording of the inaugural address of Thomas B. Stanley during which he outlines his legislative plans and budget proposals. Despite a campaign pledge of no new taxes, Stanley calls for an increase to the gasoline tax.
Jack Clements, WRVA news editor, profiles the administration of Governor Thomas B. Stanley from his inauguration and his call for a gasoline tax increase through the Young Turk revolt in the 1954 General Assembly session and the beginning of Massive Resistance to the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Williamsburg. Includes excerpts of speeches and an evaluation of Stanley's administration by his contemporaries.
Speech by Governor Thomas B. Stanley on 27 August 1956 to a special session of the Virginia General Assembly, convened for the purpose of passing the Massive Resistance laws designed to preserve Virginia's system of segregated schools. Calling the issue of integration the gravest problem facing Virginia since 1865, Stanley describes the purpose of the Massive Resistance Laws, commends the work of the Commission on Public Education, refers to the Interposition resolution the General Assembly passed in Feb. 1956, and outlines Virginia's reaction to the Supreme Court decision of 1954 from the beginning to the present. He declares that he supports full educational attainment for both races and intends to take all honorable, legal, and constitutional means to prevent the usurpation of states' rights.
Recording of Governor Thomas B. Stanley's opening speech to the 1956 Constitutional Convention. He expects the convention to play a major role in preventing forced integration and outlines the proposed revision to the Constitution whereas public funds can be used to support private schools.
State of the Commonwealth address, 11 January 1956, by Governor Thomas B. Stanley before the Virginia General Assembly. Topics covered include the 1954 United States Supreme Court decision on school desegregation and Virginia's response, Virginia's economy, employment levels, per capita income, coal production in southwest Virginia, labor/management relations, farm prices and the state's agricultural outlook, port trade and development, tourism, state government efficiency, the Governor's budget recommendations, and Virginia's tax structure and collections.
Recording of the celebration of Virginia's primary highway system. Includes speeches from Governor Thomas B. Stanley and Senator Harry F. Byrd, Sr. Stanley discusses Byrd's role in the building of the road system and calls the fact that Virginia owes no money on the road system a tribute to Byrd's fight against the road bond issue in 1923. Byrd reminiscences about his involvement in the road business and describes the history and methods of road building in Virginia. He criticizes the increased centralization of power in the federal government and the growing national debt.
Statements, 11 December 1950, concerning a meeting of the National Council of Churches in Christ held in Cleveland, Ohio. Bishop Frederick D. Goodwin, Dr. John Marcus Ellison, and Dr. Hunter B. Blakely discuss their attendance at the meeting, and mention the setting and pageantry as they give an account and description of the gathering. The three also talk about the organization's purpose, and the cooperation between the regional and national group.
A. E. S. Stephens concedes the Democratic nomination for Governor to Albertis S. Harrison. This recording runs from 4:50 to 5:13 and is on the same track as the statement and interview of Albertis S. Harrison.
A recording of a luncheon meeting for United Service to China volunteers held in the Washington Room of the John Marshall Hotel, Richmond, Virginia, on February 12, 1947. The meeting marks the kick-off of the Virginia drive to raise funds for the organization, which supports the educational, medical, agricultural and economic development of China and its people. Chairman for the Virginia campaign for United Service to China, Robert M. Hazelwood, presides over the luncheon. Dr. George Modlin, president of the University of Richmond, introduces the speaker, Edward R. Stettinius, who says that a "strong, free and friendly Chinais indispensable to our own security and prosperity" and refers to Secretary of State George C. Marshall's belief that giving money to China will help the world move toward lasting peace.
Stevenson returns as a commencement speaker to the college at which his great-grandfather, Lewis Warner Green, served as president from 1849 to 1856. He speaks about the issues facing the world today.
Track 1 contains: (0:12) "Blackberry Winter"; (3:45) "Love Me Now"; (6:18) "Search Me Lord". Track 2 contains: (0:08) "Where We'll Never Grow Old"; (2:35) "Hey Good Lookin'"; (5:28) "I Can't Help It If I'm Still in Love With You". Track 3 contains: (0:06) "Over the Valley"; (3:19) "I'm a Lovin' You". Track 4 contains: (0:07) "He Led the Way"; (2:26) "I'm Goin' There."
Recording of an informal gathering with Virginia's first lady of song, Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman), including a special guest, a little music, and other odds and ends. This show includes the mystery personality contest, a reading of "What is a boy?," an interview with Dr. Vytautas J. Bieliauskas, Director of the School of Clinical and Applied Psychology at Richmond Professional Institute, about teenagers, Eddie Arnold singing "There's Been a Change in Me," and an interview with C. T. Lucy, General Manager of WRVA. The show was recorded on the occasion of WRVA's 29th Anniversary.
Recording of another program in a series of programs celebrating WRVA's 25th anniversary. Contains a reenactment of part of WRVA's inaugural broadcast of 2 November 1925, Walter Bishop describing the inaugural broadcast and its participants, and interviews with participants of WRVA's inaugural broadcast, including Mrs. Henry P. Garber, Joe Maust, Bob Beadles, and Bertha Hewlett. Also includes Mrs. Henry P. Garber singing one of the same songs she sung on the inaugural broadcast, Joe Maust singing "My Wild Irish Rose," and the singing of "Carry Me Back to Ol' Virginny." The CD consists of three tracks, each containing the program "Survivor's Story." Track 1 is blank between the introduction of Mrs. Henry P. Garber and the end of the interview with Bertha Hewlett. Track 2 contains a complete recording of Survivor's Story. Track 3 is a shortened version of Track 2.
These recordings consist of short takes of interviews, speeches or news reports used by WRVA when editing together programs and stories for broadcast. Topics usually focused on news stories from the Richmond-metro area, as well as from across the state.
Ten-part documentary on teen pregnancy in the Richmond area, broadcast in October 1981. Includes comments by teenagers, parents, and health professionals. Statistics on numbers of sexually active teens are given, as well as the reasons and solutions to the growing problem. There are also figures provided on the level of contraception use and numbers of abortions in the Richmond area. Peer pressure, myths, and sex education programs are discussed, and options for pregnant teens, such as adoption, are covered. There is also a segment on pre-natal care and other referral services. Parents' skills in dealing with the issue and communicating with their teenager are also explored.
This documentary is a 10-part series focusing on teen suicide in Virginia, including interviews with teenagers who have attempted suicide, information on telephone hotlines, and interviews with medical personnel and counselors. Produced and reported by Renee Ridley.
Recording of the dinner organized by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters held in honor of C. T. Lucy on the occasion of his retirement from WRVA and Larus and Brother Company. The toastmaster was Verbon Kemp, executive director of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce. Includes speeches by William T. Reed, Jr., president of Larus and Brother Company, C. T. Lucy, and Walter R. Bishop, WRVA public relations director. Kemp identifies some of the luminaries attending the dinner and introduces William T. Reed, Jr. Presenting him a silver tray for his many years of service, Reed praises Lucy's management of WRVA and helping make the station one of the best in Virginia. Lucy thanks the people who brought him to Richmond to work at Larus and Brother Company and started him in the radio business. After Lucy's speech, a spokesman for the Virginia Association of Broadcasters reads telegrams and resolutions from people unable to attend the dinner and presents Lucy with a television. Bishop presents Lucy with a heifer for his farm on behalf of WRVA. The Reverend Boyd R. Hawarth delivers the benediction.
Coverage, 19 November 1961, of the Thanksgiving goodwill mission by former state Senator John J. Wicker (1893-1985) to Boston, on behalf of Governor J. Lindsay Almond, to visit Governor of Massachusetts John A. Volpe (1908-1994) and invite him to visit Virginia and attend a Thanksgiving celebration. Wicker discusses the "controversy" concerning where the first Thanksgiving was really celebrated, and offers proof that it was in Virginia. There is also a response to Wicker's assertions by Volpe. Also included is the musical piece "We Gather Together." Wicker is also interviewed prior to his trip, and discusses what he will be wearing.
Thomas Jefferson's 250th birthday celebration, held on 13 April 1993, at the Jefferson Hotel in downtown Richmond. Alden Aaroe and Tim Timberlake are the hosts of the live show, which features interview with special guests about various aspects of Jefferson's life and times, as well as various contests and drawings. The show also features the usual news, weather, and traffic reports, and commercial spots. Among the guests are the Jefferson Hotel's historian, as well as Ted Thompson, co-owner of Tuckahoe Plantation, Dr. Charles Brownell of Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia doctoral student Robert Hopkins, and Travis McDonald of Poplar Forest.
Recording of two programs of Today's Virginian. Hosted by Bill Willis. The first program contains an interview with Frederic Heutte (1899-1979), superintendent of parks and forestry for Norfolk, Virginia, including biographical information and the history of the Norfolk Azalea Gardens (now Norfolk Botanical Gardens). The second program, beginning at 4:30, contains an interview with the Reverend G. I. McAllen, also know as Daddy Mac. Reverend McAllen was a Methodist minister who spent his life devoted to the dependent children of Virginia. WRVA's listeners nominated these men in celebration of WRVA's 25th anniversary. Neither interview is complete. Recording ends with an unidentified singer singing "Some Enchanted Evening."
Scott Jarrett of WRVA interviews Holland R. Wilkinson (1893-1954), host of WRVA's The Sunshine Hour, nominated by WRVA's listeners in celebration of the station's 25th anniversary. Wilkinson discusses his life, including his first appearance on WRVA on Christmas Eve 1925, how he became an evangelist, and his work with children amputees.
Includes most popular musical selections based on Billboard and Variety magazines, and listeners' requests to WRVA. Among the songs played are "Butterfly" by Andy Williams, "Chantez Chantez" by Dinah Shore, "Love Letters in the Sand" by Pat Boone, "Empty Arms" by Teresa Brewer, and "Ninety Nine Ways" by Tab Hunter. Bradley also reads commercial spots for Shield-All window awnings and Dairy Queen. There is also a commercial for Richbrau Beer.
These recordings consist of news reports covering Richmond's first-ever recorded tornado that cut a swath through the city on 14 June 1951. The storm traveled a winding path northeastward across the James River, through the downtown area, hitting Byrd Park, Monroe Park, several tobacco warehouses and up through the Shockoe Valley. Details are provided on the city clean-up process, casualty reports and the civil defense response of the Richmond police, as well as interviews with local citizens. George Passage and Alden Aaroe are featured reporters.
Concerns Virginia's efforts to improve traffic safety and the role of WRVA in encouraging traffic safety. Includes excerpts from a speech of Governor William M. Tuck concerning highway and traffic safety, a statement from E. H. Williams, Jr., executive director of the Governor's Highway Safety Committee, an interview with Colonel C. W. Woodson, superintendent of the Virginia State Police, and information on the Governor's Highway Safety Committee, the establishment of local safety committees, and traffic safety in Norfolk and Richmond. Also includes a meeting between WRVA staff and the following nine individuals: Colonel C. W. Woodson; G. Watson James, special executive assistant, Division of Motor Vehicles; Dr. Harold K. Jack, Department of Health; Burton Marye, Highway Department; Giles Robertson, executive secretary, Virginia Association of Insurance Agencies; Charles Ray, chief safety and engineering section, Market Service; Captain W. L. Grove(?), safety engineer, State Police; Ralph Saunders, Virginia Highway Users Association; and Dr. G. B. Hancock, Virginia Union University. The meeting includes the discussion of ideas to improve the promotion of traffic safety broadcasting on WRVA. The user should listen to the tracks in this order: track 1, track 3 (mislabeled part 4), and track 2.
This program was broadcast as a tribute to Alden Aaroe, who died on 7 July 1993. Consists of biographical information and sound clips of Alden Aaroe from his forty-seven years of broadcasting over WRVA. Produced and narrated by John Harding, WRVA news director. A verbatim transcript of John Harding's narrative and references to the sound clips is located in Box 17, Folder Aaroe, Alden - "A Tribute to Alden Aaroe," WRVA Radio News Documentary, 1993.
Broadcast of the tribute to Ella Funk Myers sponsored by the Richmond Federation of Garden Clubs and aired over WRVA Radio. Includes tributes from fellow garden club members, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, and WRVA Radio, containing information regarding her service with Richmond Times-Dispatch and WRVA, her love of gardening, and her efforts to promote gardening.
Recording of the tribute to Howard Bloom, including clips of comments and readings from his memorial service, comments by dignitaries, as well as employees of WRVA, on Bloom's work as a traffic reporter for the station, instrumental music and clips of Bloom's reporting, and a segment of "Open for Opinion," hosted by Larry Dodd, including listeners' calls to the station with their reminiscences of Bloom. Howard Bloom (1943-1974), a traffic reporter for WRVA, died after his helicopter lost its tail rotor and crashed into a building in downtown Richmond.
1 compact disc. This recording consists of a brief tribute to William Younger Morgan, owner, publisher and editor of the Northern Neck News from Warsaw, Virginia, in commemoration of his 67th anniversary with the newspaper.
Speech, 4 July 1947, by President Harry S. Truman at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Speaking before members of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation, Truman discusses Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence and the correlation between the establishment of the United Nations and the Declaration of Independence. He calls the United Nations Charter a declaration of interdependence. He outlines ways to achieve peace between nations in the context of Jefferson's principles and writings and the efforts of the United States in achieving peace throughout the world. The Charlottesville Municipal Band performs the national anthem. Recorded and broadcast by the Columbia Broadcasting Service (CBS).
Campaign speech, ca. 1945, of Lieutenant Governor William M. Tuck while campaigning for the governorship. Tuck praises Virginia's accomplishments and outlines his plans for education, health, agriculture, and the physically and mentally disabled. He promises to maintain the principles of good government and continued freedom from debt. He emphasizes his political experience and believes the election of a Republican as governor would be disastrous considering the overwhelming majority of Democrats in the legislature. Broadcast paid for by the Democratic State Committee.
This broadcast begins with commentary from Ray Kennedy and George Passage on the upcoming General Assembly session and the administration of William M. Tuck. Beginning on the second track of the first CD, Tuck delivers his farewell address, reviewing the accomplishments of his administration and criticizing the growing centralization of the federal government. After the speech, Walter R. Bishop, WRVA Public Relations Director, offers his thoughts on Tuck's address.
Titled Governor Tuck, this is a recording of Tuck's address before a joint session of the General Assembly, which convened to consider increasing "salaries of public school teachers, labor legislation and other matters which may appear urgent." The speech takes place in the Hall of the House of Delegates in the Virginia State Capitol, in a gallery "unusually well-filled" with proponents and opponents of both the labor issues and public educators' salaries. Tuck discusses the Denny Commission of 1944-1945 created with the goal of analyzing and improving the school system and says that despite gains, the Virginia public school system is in grave condition due to the scarcity of qualified teachers. On labor, Tuck discusses a bill he introduced supporting the right to work regardless of affiliation or non-affiliation with a labor organization.
This is a recording of the keynote speech by Governor Tuck on the sixth anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Tuck is introduced by Richmond mayor, Horace Edwards. Tuck expounds upon Virginia's and Virginians' patriotic roles in United States history and discusses the importance of Virginia's "Declaration of Rights." He warns of subversive influences at home and the expansion of the federal government. Following Tuck's speech, attendees recite the "Freedom Pledge," which is followed by Langley Field's 564th Air Force Band's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" and other patriotic songs.
Governor Tuck is interviewed regarding his views on the current labor problem, meaning specifically a coal strike led by the United Mine Workers. According to Tuck, the coal strike, in which miners walked off the job without any regard for the public interest or public safety, was a very unpatriotic action. He calls for the repeal of the Wagner Labor Act, allowing states, not the federal government, to regulate labor. He calls the strike an insurrection, "a challenge by highly organized, blindly following minorities against law and public morality." He blames labor unrest on "the gang of dangerous and desperate despots" and politicians more interested "in enjoying the fruits of their office than they are in the public welfare." Interviewer also references Tuck's March 1946 threat to draft electric and power company workers into the Virginia Militia to prevent them from striking and asks him his opinion on John L. Lewis, the president of the United Mine Workers. Tuck also discusses the State Corporation Commission's charge against Lewis and the United Mine Workers for selling union memberships in Virginia, a suit first brought by the Richmond Better Business Bureau.
Recording of a paid advertisement of William M. Tuck speaking from WBTM studios in Danville, Virginia. Tuck announces that he cannot support the Stevenson-Sparkman ticket because of Stevenson's support of Truman's program. He criticizes excessive spending, Trumanism, the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC), and labor unions. He believes that passage of the bill creating the FEPC would make life in the South unbearable. Tuck believes that Eisenhower adheres more strictly to the principles of the Democratic Party than Stevenson.
Recording of a ceremony and speech in which Governor William Tuck is presented the Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB) Award by VAB President, Phillip Allen of Lynchburg, for his wise and intelligent use of radio during his term as governor in order to reach the people of Virginia directly.
Recording of a documentary on the 1925 Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad tunnel collapse in the Church Hill district of Richmond, Virginia, narrated by Derwood Felton. The history of the accident is documented, and includes information on the tunnel's construction, and the fear of its collapse in the 1870's. Includes comments by local historians and people who witnessed the aftermath of the accident, as well as information on the rescue efforts to save any survivors. The end of the recording features a commercial spot for the program.
WRVA's entry in the 1960 United Press International award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the announcement of the state budget surplus by Governor J. Lindsay Almond and State Senator Harry F. Byrd, Jr.'s reaction, as well as Richmond/Henrico County merger/annexation and the naming of the Richmond's negotiating team, a federal suit filed by the Petersburg Improvement Association against segregated lunch counter seating, and the legal ruling on the constitutionality of Virginia's "Sunday Closing" law. There is also a commercial spot for Jones Motorcar Company in Richmond.
Recording of the ceremony surrounding the inauguration of Edgar Shannon as president of the University of Virginia. Includes speeches by Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., Geoffrey R. G. Mure, warden of Merton College, Oxford University, and Edgar Shannon. Mure recounts Shannon's years as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. Shannon speaks on the purpose of higher learning and outlines his vision for the university.
Christening ceremony, 11 December 1954, for the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Forrestal (CVA-59), at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia. Includes the playing of the National Anthem, and comments by William E. Blewett, company president, and Admiral Robert B. Carney, Chief of Naval Operations, as well as Secretary of Defense Charles E. Wilson, and Secretary of the Navy Charles S. Thomas. There is also an invocation, and coverage of the actual christening by Mrs. James V. Forrestal.
Coverage of the keel-laying ceremonies for the U.S.S. Forrestal (CVA-59), at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, on 14 July 1952. Includes the playing of the National Anthem, and comments by William E. Blewett, company president, Secretary of the Navy Dan A. Kimball, and Deputy Secretary of Defense William C. Foster.
A recording of the special program recognizing WRVA for its contributions "to let every military man it could reach be assured that we Americans are 100% behind him." WRVA received the special award, presented by Variety Magazine, for its "distinctive merit in a field of war endeavor, for contributions to military-civilian understanding." The program provides an overview of the WRVA broadcast programs from various camps around the state, with samples from several programs Also included are speeches, such as one by Major General James E. Edmonds, Commanding General of Camp Lee; Virginia Governor Colgate W. Darden, Jr.; Barron Howard, Business Manager of WRVA; Irving Abeloff, WRVA Program Service Manager; and C.T. Lucy, WRVA General Manager.
Collection of vintage clips from WRVA for use in its numerous 65th anniversary celebrations in 1990. Includes statements by C. T. Lucy, William T. Reed, Jr., as well as Dick Gillis announcing an upcoming election, Jack Clements and Harry Monroe announcing a portion of the 1956 edition of "This is Virginia," and a portion of the "Old Dominion Barn Dance." There are also commercial spots, and a clip of Art Linkletter's "Pillsbury House Party," Reverend W. Taliaferro Thompson giving the invocation on the station's 20th anniversary show, clips from "Music for the Day," and "Radio Scholarship Quiz," an interview with Bertha Hewlett, portions of Alden Aaroe speaking, and the agricultural report.
"This is Virginia, the 1956 edition". Major news stories of 1956 in Virginia hosted by Jack Clements and Harry Monroe. The segregation issue is the overriding theme of the year. Includes rundown of the segregation related events throughout 1956, including the passage of the Interposition resolution in the General Assembly, the closing of Seashore State Park, the special session of the General Assembly, the Gray Plan, the Stanley Plan, and Pupil assignment. Other major news stories include the school bond issue, the death of Alben Barkely at the Washington and Lee University Mock Political Convention, the 1956 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, the Republican National Convention, the Richmond city jail, and the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike.
Harry Monroe and Lon Backman, WRVA news broadcasters, look back at the major news events in Virginia of 1960, including a Capitol Airlines plane crash, integration of Richmond's schools, the sales tax battle in the General Assembly, the arrest of Harry L. Donovan and the scandal of Richmond police officers being on his payroll, sit-ins across Virginia to protest segregation, Henrico County floods, the merger of Henrico County and Richmond, downtown redevelopment, Richmond city elections, an interview with Oliver Powers on the capture of his son, U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, the national Democratic and Republican conventions, and the beginning of construction on the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel.
Hosted by Harry Monroe and Lon Backman, this recording features news highlights of 1961 and clips from previous shows. The date of broadcast is unknown. News stories covered include the Richmond police bureau investigation, Imperial Airlines crash, Hurricane Esther, Virginia elections, Richmond and Henrico County consolidation, demolition of the John Marshall High School, Sheltering Arms hospital donation drive, Civil War centennial observances, Richmond City Council proceedings, and the dedication of the new WRVA transmitter facilities.
WRVA's entry in the 1978 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the U.S. Senate race in Virginia and the death of Republican candidate Richard D. Obenshain (1936-1978), and the subsequent nomination of John W. Warner and his victory. There is also a segment on the Richmond City Council, and the disappearance of Raymond D. Royall, a Council member, and his reappearance in St. Louis, as well as the criminal background of William I. Golding, another Council member. Also covered is the firing of Richmond City Manager William J. Leidinger by the Council. Other stories include the Richmond convention center project, stadium expansion plans, and Richmond police news.
WRVA's entry in the 1979 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the snow emergency and winter storm that affected Virginia, the energy crisis, accident at the North Anna nuclear power plant and the vandalism and bomb scare at the nuclear facility in Surry, the strike at Newport News Shipbuilding, controversy surrounding Dana B. Hamel as chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, the purchasing and supply scandal in state government, Richmond City Council news, race relations in Richmond, General Assembly elections, Tropical Storm David, and various crime stories and accidents in Richmond, including a hostage situation at Southern Bank and Trust, traffic accident on Interstate 64, and fire in the Shockoe Slip district.
WRVA's entry in the 1980 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the blizzard affecting Virginia and the summer drought conditions, General Assembly news and Governor John Dalton's legislative agenda, equal rights amendment supporters, the Richmond tax referendum, Chesterfield County school bond referendum, national political conventions and the election of Ronald Reagan, Virginia congressional elections, Henrico County jail escape, a story on the history of mass sterilization at a mental institution in Lynchburg, the nomination of James E. Sheffield as federal judge, and various accidents and investigatory segments reported on by WRVA, including a chemical leak, school bus accident, pollution of the Piney River, substance abuse in Chesterfield County schools, and state investments of tax monies.
WRVA's entry in the 1981 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the repeal of the state sales tax on food and the budget surplus, redistricting, the U.S. Senate campaigns of Charles Robb and Marshall Coleman, the state budget crisis and budget cuts in Richmond and Chesterfield County, strikes by federal air traffic controllers and state coal miners, the death of Colgate Darden, Harry F. Byrd Jr.'s decision not to seek reelection, the merging of Miller and Rhoads with a New York company, the crash of a military jet aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz, and the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown. There also spots on WRVA's investigative reports on teen pregnancy, retreats by state employees, the gubernatorial race, and Richmond's homeless population.
WRVA's entry in the 1981 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the inauguration of Governor Charles S. Robb and his first State of the Commonwealth Address, the rise in the gas tax to fund road construction, the major winter storm that affected the state, Richmond City Council elections, a train derailment in Richmond, the execution of death row inmate Frank Coppola, the United States Senate race in Virginia and candidates Owen Pickett, L. Douglas Wilder, Paul Trible, and Richard Davis, and the release of the toxic chemical pentaborane in Hanover County. There are also spots for various investigative reports by WRVA including drug smuggling at a Richmond terminal port and a series on birth defects.
WRVA's entry in the 1984 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the snowstorm that affected the state, Governor Charles S. Robb's budget proposals and the raising of the legal drinking age, a large fire at a Richmond packaging plant, the severe drought in the state, anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have aDream" speech, and Richmond's city budget. There are also segments on investigative reports done by WRVA, including a story on the Virginia State Game Commission, an audit of Richmond's drug rehabilitation program, and child abuse.
This recording contains sound clips of WRVA news coverage of the top stories in Virginia of 1984 including: the escape and recapture of six death row inmates from Mecklenburg Correctional Center in Boydton, Virginia; the Virginia General Assembly session; the proposal to extend Route 288; the election of Roy West to the Richmond City Council; the United States Senate election between Democrat Edythe Harrison and Republican John Warner; the presidential election between Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale; the opening of Richmond's Sixth Marketplace; the nomination of J. Harvie Wilkinson, III, to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals; and the execution of Linwood Briley. Also mentions the WRVA News Documentaries focusing on spousal abuse, daycare centers, and Kepone.
This recording contains sound clips of WRVA news coverage of the top stories of 1985 including: the James River Flood in November; the fire at the Southern Railway Warehouse at 13th and Main Streets in Richmond; the Virginia General Assembly; the inmate riot at the Richmond State Penitentiary over the scheduled execution of James Briley; the execution of James Briley; the dedication of Richmond's 6th Street Festival Marketplace; the march against crime and the soaring murder rate in Richmond; the march against apartheid in Washington, D. C.; the election of Gerald Baliles as governor, Doug Wilder as lieutenant governor, and Mary Sue Terry as attorney-general; Chesterfield County's bond referendum proposal; Hurricane Gloria; and the fire at a Southern States Feed Company warehouse at 1st and Maury Streets in Richmond. Also mentions the WRVA News Documentaries focusing on AIDS, teen suicide, and Richmond's political, social, and economic growing pains. Narrated by Tim Timberlake.
WRVA's entry in the 1986 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the inauguration of Gerald L. Baliles and Charles Robb's last State of the Commonwealth address, General Assembly debate on the state lottery proposal and conflict of interest legislation, the Challenger explosion, Richmond City Council elections, violent crime in Richmond, gas explosion in the Manchester area, the conviction of Richmond stockbroker Clyde Pitchford, state highway improvements and tax increases, the execution of Michael Marnell Smith, and Alden Aaroe's 40th anniversary with WRVA. There are also segments on investigative reports done by the station, including Richmond's "slum lords," and group homes for the mentally retarded.
WRVA's entry in the 1987 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include debate in the Virginia General Assembly on the lottery referendum bill and approval of the referendum by voters, snowstorms and traffic problems in Richmond, various fires, a civil rights march in Colonial Heights led by Reverend Curtis W. Harris, flooding of the James River, shootings in Richmond and Petersburg, a leak at the North Anna nuclear power plant, local elections for the General Assembly, coverage of the Richmond Newspapers marathon, and clips on investigative series, including care of elderly parents, aging nuclear power facilities, and crime.
WRVA's entry in the 1988 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include snowstorms and travel problems in Richmond, Governor Gerald L. Baliles' State of the Commonwealth Address, a WRVA editorial on sex education legislation, Richmond City Council elections, the proposal on the location of Route 288 in western Henrico County, opening of the Powhite Parkway road extension, a hostage situation at an armed forces recruiting station, chemical spill on Interstate 95, a demonstration by inmates at a state prison, various local, state, and national elections, spots for investigative series on child leukemia and eating disorders, various WRVA editorial clips, and coverage of the Richmond Newspapers marathon.
WRVA's entry in the 1988 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the Virginia gubernatorial race between L. Douglas Wilder and J. Marshall Coleman and the resulting recount, a snowstorm that hit Richmond, gun control legislation in the General Assembly, pollution released into the Shenandoah River at Front Royal by Avtex Fibers, Inc., a strike by the United Mine Workers and their rally at the State Capitol, various train, airplane and vehicle accidents in the Richmond area, a fire at a Richmond paper plant, riots in Virginia Beach, a spot for WRVA's series on psychiatric hospitals for children, an editorial by the station on the admission of women at the Virginia Military Institute, and various sports stories, including coverage of the Richmond Newspapers marathon.
WRVA's entry in the 1990 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the inauguration of Governor L. Douglas Wilder, the state's budget shortfall, Richmond City Council elections, the historic area designation for the Church Hill district of Richmond, rapid growth and development in Chesterfield County, various crime stories and accidents in Richmond, a spot for WRVA's series on domestic violence, editorial clips by the station, and coverage of the Richmond Newspapers marathon.
Various entries by WRVA in the 1991 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. WRVA-596 includes a story entitled "Chuck Robb's Year of Discontent," which chronicles the drug use and adultery charges against U.S. Senator Charles S. Robb while he was Governor of Virginia. There are also clips concerning the controversy between him and L. Douglas Wilder, and the alleged taping of telephone conversations of Wilder by Robb, and subsequent investigations. There are interviews with various individuals concerning Robb's behavior, including author Billy A. Franklin and Larry Sabato. The second segment concerns WRVA's sports coverage, including clips of call-in programs, commentaries, and coverage of NASCAR races, the Tour du Pont bicycle race, Richmond Newspapers marathon, and the Virginia state motorcycle championship. The final segment includes stories on the station's Gulf War coverage, General Assembly debate on the state budget and redistricting, weather and storm coverage, a pardon by Governor Wilder, Wilder's presidential bid, anti-abortion demonstrations, local elections for county supervisors, and an investigation of Richmond's ambulance service business. WRVA-597 contains a segment on the abduction and murder of 10-year-old Charity Powers in Chesterfield County on 6 October 1990, including clips on her initial disappearance and the search for her body, the discovery of her remains, the arrest of Everett Lee Mueller, coverage of the Powers funeral, and Mueller's trial, guilty verdict, and his death sentence. Mueller was executed on 16 September 1991. There is also a segment on a hostage situation that occurred in Amelia County, when a 16-year-old youth from Cumberland County held numerous people captive in a store. There are clips covering negotiations between the suspect and police, comments by released hostages, and reports on who the suspect is and his motive.
WRVA's entry in the 1991 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the station's Gulf War coverage, General Assembly debate on the state budget and redistricting, the abduction and murder of 10-year-old Charity Powers in Chesterfield County, drug use and adultery charges against U.S. Senator Charles S. Robb while he was Governor of Virginia, local elections for county supervisors, closing of the Thalhimer's department store in Richmond, a hostage situation that occurred in Amelia County, storm coverage, spots for WRVA's investigative reports on the shortage of organ donors, as well as Richmond's ambulance service business, and coverage of numerous sports stories, including the Richmond Newspapers marathon. Portions of this recording are also on WRVA - 596-597.
WRVA's entries in various categories in the 1992 Virginia Association of Broadcasters awards competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories included on WRVA - 482 include the rising crime rate in Richmond and the rally that was held at the State Capitol, pleas from the community, gun control legislation and opposition by the National Rifle Association and General Assembly, gun trafficking, anti-drug and anti-crime programs, and station editorials. This disc also contains various sports stories covered by WRVA, such as the NASCAR races in Richmond, Tour du Pont bicycle race, Lanny Watkins golf tournament, Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper marathon, Professional Putters' Association, international semi-professional football, and call-in shows and radio commentaries. The end of the recording features miscellaneous local, state, national, and world news stories. WRVA - 483 contains segments on the proposed move of the Washington Redskins football team to Alexandria, and includes stories on Governor L. Douglas Wilder's meetings with Jack Kent Cooke and the collapse of negotiations, opposition by Alexandria residents, information on the Potomac Yard site, state subsidies, site clean-up, a proposal to bring the team to Richmond, and station editorials. Also included on this disc are segments on the Chesterfield County shrink-swell soil controversy, and the resulting commission set up to investigate allegations by various homeowners concerning damage to their homes, inspection violations, damage and repair costs, responsible parties, the prosecution of developers, a federal grand jury investigation, extent of the problem, public hearings, and recommendations, as well as editorials by WRVA. WRVA - 483 contains various news segments, including stories on Richmond police confrontations in Mosby Court, Amtrak train derailment, Republican convention highlights, the presidential campaign of Ross Perot, the presidential debate at the University of Richmond, Richmond Newspapers marathon, election results, General Assembly news, plane crash in Henrico County, and James River flooding in downtown Richmond.
WRVA's entry in the 1992 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include the presidential election and Governor L. Douglas Wilder withdrawing from the race, the campaign of H. Ross Perot, and the debate at the University of Richmond, Virginia congressional elections, the bond referendum approved by the General Assembly, Richmond City Council elections, the execution of Roger Keith Coleman, the shrink swell controversy in Chesterfield County, a WRVA editorial on the Americans with Disabilities Act, the possible relocation of the Washington Redskins to Alexandria, Amtrak train derailment in Newport News and other miscellaneous accident stories, a spot for WRVA's series on elderly drivers, editorial on the admission of women to the Virginia Military Institute, and coverage of the Richmond Newspapers marathon. Portions of this recording are also on WRVA - 481-483.
WRVA's entry in the 1993 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. WRVA-484 includes stories on the funeral of Arthur Ashe, a snowstorm that hit Virginia, state Republican Party convention coverage, a semi-trailer accident on Interstate 95, and the temporary dismissal of Joe Morrissey as Richmond's Commonwealth Attorney. Most of the disc is devoted to coverage of a school bus accident in Chesterfield County, and a fire at the Shoe Tree business in downtown Richmond. WRVA-485 includes stories on a tornado in Colonial Heights, coverage of Hurricane Emily, the Virginia gubernatorial race, the threatened closing of Fort Lee, gun control legislation, and the trial of State Senator Bill Russell.
WRVA's entry in the 1994 Virginia Association of Broadcasters award competition. Features news highlights as reported by the station for the year. Stories include coverage of the state Republican convention, an automobile accident on Interstate 95 near Ashland, Virginia, explosion at Fort A.P. Hill, Richmond Newspapers marathon, U.S. Senate race between Charles Robb and Oliver North, execution of Christopher C. Goins and the crimes he committed, inauguration of Governor George Allen, local political races, and miscellaneous stories on area fires and crime. There are also spots for stories WRVA did on divorce and the Richmond flood wall.
Proceedings, 5-7 March 1956, of the state constitutional convention which met in Richmond, Virginia, including opening remarks by Governor Thomas B. Stanley.
This is a recording of a presentation made in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Virginia Council of Churches Roundtable. Speakers provide a brief history of the Council, a discussion of the organization's work from 1952 and planned projects for 1953, the accomplishments of the organization and the promotion of the observances of the publication of the revised Standard Bible across the state, the training of all kinds of church workers in the communities, weekday religious education, and the group's Youth Council.
Coverage of the 1957 Democratic primary elections in Virginia by WRVA radio, broadcast on 9 July 1957, and reported by Jack Clements and Chuck Sweeney. Includes updates from Richmond precincts for Governor and House of Delegates seat races, and statewide updates for Governor. There are also statements by Howard H. Carwile, J. Lindsay Almond, Josephine Almond, Fred G. Pollard, and FitzGerald (Jerry) Bemiss. Sweeney reports from Norfolk with results on that area's House of Delegates seats. There are also updates for the races in Alexandria, Pittsylvania County, Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County/Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Hanover County, and King William County.
Recording of the celebration of the connection of electrical service to the 500,000th customer of the Virginia Electrical and Power Company (VEPCO). Includes recognition of Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Murray of Halifax County, Virginia, the 500,000th customer, and presentation of an electric oven, refrigerator, and a radio to the Murrays, and speeches from Jack Holtzsclaw, VEPCO president, and former Governor William M. Tuck. Holtzclaw discusses the program of rural electrification after World War II. Tuck speaks on the benefits of electricity and the changes electricity has brought to rural living, and criticizes labor unions and their role in the interruption of public services in places other than Virginia. George Passage, WRVA News Editor, is master of ceremonies. Passage also interviews Mrs. Murray on the changes electricity will bring to her life.
Public service announcements from the Virginia Electric and Power Company calling for consumers to conserve electricity to help the war effort. Includes duplicate recordings. Electrically transcribed by Ready Kilowatt. This recording is track 2 on WRVA - 11.
News of Virginia's farm scene. Includes market roundup, crop updates, livestock and poultry news, and information on soil testing, home pasteurization, 4-H, and the 100 bushel corn club certificate.
Interviews with legislators at the Hotel Richmond arriving in Richmond for the biennial session of the General Assembly. Hosted by Walter Bishop, WRVA director of public relations, and State Senator Charles W. Crowder of Richmond. Crowder outlines the major issues facing the General Assembly. The legislators discuss their length of service, the committees on which they serve, and the legislation with which they are most concerned. The legislators interviewed are Delegate L. Lake Tripplet of Fauquier County, Delegate Paul Crockett of Williamsburg, and James City, York, New Kent, and Charles City Counties, Delegate Joseph J. Williams, Jr. of Henrico County, Delegate George Damm of Arlington County, Delegate Charles M. Waldrop of Amelia and Nottoway Counties, and Senator Morton G. Goode of Petersburg and Dinwiddie County.
Interviews with legislators at the Hotel Richmond arriving in Richmond for the biennial session of the General Assembly. Hosted by Walter Bishop, WRVA director of public relations. The legislators discuss their length of service, the committees on which they serve, and the legislation with which they are most concerned. The legislators interviewed are: Delegate Joseph J. Williams, Jr., of Henrico County, Delegate J. Maynard Magruder of Arlington County, Delegate Kathryn H. Stone of Arlington County, Delegate Hunt M. Whitehead of Pittsylvania County, Delegate Vernon S. Shaffer of Shenandoah County, Delegate Russell M. Carneal of Williamsburg, and Delegate Lucas D. Phillips of Loudoun County.
Recording of "This Is Virginia", the 1958 edition, hosted by Harry Monroe, Frank Wilson, and Jack Clements. Contains a recap of the top news stories in Virginia in 1958, including the closing of schools in Charlottesville, Norfolk, and Warren County to prevent integration; the General Assembly's passage of the first billion dollar budget; Governor Almond's inauguration; Senator Byrd's announcement that he would not seek re-election; Virginia's reaction to Senator Byrd's announcement causing him to change his mind; the explosion at the Merchants Cold Storage building; the appointment of Bishop John J. Russell as Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia; the opening of the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike; the opening of the Reynolds Metals office building; and downtown revitalization including the Federal office building project and the Richmond civic center. This program also includes a recap of disasters, crimes, weather news, business stories, and deaths of prominent Virginians occurring in Virginia in 1958, and information on the WRVA news boat and plane.
Recording of luncheon banquet, including statements and speeches announcing that the Richmond Virginians, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the New York Yankees, will broadcast its game on WRVA. This recording is incomplete.
This is a recording of a program, hosted by Walter Cronkite, highlighting the "voices of Virginians speaking on one issue: the schools and who will attend them." The issue is school integration and Virginia's legislated agenda to prevent desegregation in the public schools, also known as Massive Resistance. The program is marked by sound bites from Governor Almond, as well as discussions of the Virginia General Assembly's passage of laws forcing the closure of schools forced to integrate and giving the governor the power either to reopen the schools on a segregated basis or deny state funding to those that do integrate. The program also includes quotes from officials and citizens on both sides of the issue. Specific situations in Norfolk, Arlington and Charlottesville are discussed in detail, with Cronkite's ultimately concludes that "Virginians are not of a single mind" on this issue.
Coverage, by Harry Monroe of WRVA, of the Virginia Republican Party convention, held in Roanoke on 6 July 1957. Monroe reports on the Nominating Committee going into executive session, and the controversy over the nomination for attorney general.
Coverage of the Virginia Republican Party convention, held in Roanoke on 6 July 1957, by Jack Clements, Walter Bishop, and Harry Monroe of WRVA. The recording begins with off-air remarks, then highlights of the convention are discussed, including the enthusiasm of the convention participants, the number of young people participating, and the call to get out the vote. The nominees for the top three state offices are given, and mention is made of the Nominating Committee going into executive session to discuss the controversy over the nomination for attorney general. The party platform is also covered.
WRVA - 60 contains a choral performance by the Farmville State Teacher's College Glee Club with special guests, the Hampden-Sydney Glee Club. The performance includes selections such as Bach's "Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring"; Handel's "HeShall Feed His Flock" from the Messiah; from The Crucifixion by John Stainer, "God So Loved the World" performed together by the Hampden-Sydney Glee Club and the Farmville State Teacher's College Chorus; and "The Lord's Prayer." WRVA - 61 contains a choral performance by the seventy member Hampden-Sydney Glee Club, with special guests, the Farmville State Teacher's College Glee Club. The performance includes selections such as "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones"; "Lo, Howa Rose ere Blooming"; "O, Holy Night"; and "There is No Death" by Geoffrey O'Hara.
This recording includes commentary and introductions for choral music of the Mary Baldwin College Chapel Choir. It does not include any music. The commentary includes information on the choir group and director, Gordon Page, associate professor of music at Mary Baldwin College.
Recording of WRVA's entry in the 1986 Virginia Association of Broadcasters news awards competition for best in-depth reporting. The program documents the efforts of Governor Gerald L. Baliles to pass a multi-million dollar highway improvement program funded through tax increases. Topics include the commission which he named and its hearings and recommendations, the special session of the General Assembly to deal with the issue, various legislators' alternatives and proposals, the position of the Richmond City Council, the proposal and defeat of a state lottery to fund the highway program, and the final revenue proposals that were adopted.
Recording of the dedication of the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia. Includes the reading of a telegram from President Eisenhower, and speeches from Harry F. Byrd, Sr., and General Matthew B. Ridgeway.
This program includes an interview with Lois Ferguson regarding her husband, Paul F. Watkins, owner, publisher, and editor of the Ashland Herald-Progress from 1933 to his death in 1951. Lois Ferguson is now running the newspaper. Interview also includes information on the history of the Ashland Herald-Progress and the building the newspaper occupies. Program also contains discussions with other staff members of the newspaper.
Hosted by Bill Willis and Bill Thompson, this program discusses the honoring of Dr. Robert Woodhouse of Virgina Beach as reported in the
Coverage of the visit by Queen Elizabeth (1900-2002), the Queen Mother, to Richmond, Virginia on 11 November 1954. Includes an introduction by Governor Thomas B. Stanley, remarks by Queen Elizabeth, patriotic music by a local school band, and a presentation of a gift by school children for her grandchildren Prince Charles and Princess Anne.
Recording of the inauguration of T. Marshall Hahn as president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, including speeches by Governor Albertis S. Harrison, United States Secretary of Commerce Luther H. Hodges, and T. Marshall Hahn. Hodges discusses the state of education in the United States and the importance of education in keeping up with rest of the world. Hahn speaks on the challenges of education and his vision for Virginia Polytechnic Institute. This recording is incomplete. The introduction of the speaker Dr. Russell I. Backway(?), Secretary of the National Association of State Universities and Land-grant Colleges is included, but not his speech.
Recording of dinner held at the Commonwealth Club in Richmond in honor of Dr. Francis P. Gaines, president of Washington and Lee University. Dr. Gaines outlines the needs for Washington and Lee to improve as an educational institution. This recording does not include the speech by Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., to which Gaines refers.
Drama concerning pedestrian safety. Elvira Chewning, crossing the street to her daughter's car after purchasing a cake for her 72nd birthday, is struck by an automobile. The driver had no time to react. Written by J. Sam Fouts. Produced by Ray Kennedy. This recording is track 1 on WRVA - 337A.
Transcribed recording of bluegrass performers Clayton McMichen and his Georgia Wildcats. Songs performed are "Pretty Little Widder," "Rose of Shenandoah Valley," "I'm Gonna Learn to Swing," "All Through the Night," "When Mother Prayed for Me," and "Red River Valley." Program is sponsored by Domino Cigarettes.
Recording of the Honors Convocation at the College of William and Mary on 2 April 1948. The ceremony was dedicated to American-Canadian friendship and includes speeches from Governor William M. Tuck, Prime Minister of Canada Mackenzie King, Governor-General of Canada Viscount Alexander of Tunis, and President Harry S. Truman. Each of these speakers received an honorary degree. Viscount Alexander delivered the principal address. Alden Aaroe, John Tansey, and Walter Bishop reported on the event for WRVA.
Coverage of the "Williamsburg Award," presented to Winston Churchill in London on 8 December 1955. The coverage was carried live by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The award was presented by Winthrop Rockefeller, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Rockefeller also reads a message from President Dwight Eisenhower. Churchill, the first recipient of the award, follows with his remarks.
This program features short clips of various colonial-related sounds and music, including a galloping horse, town crier, proceedings of the colonial General Assembly, tolling bells, and organ and other instrumental music. The occasion for the program is not known.
WRVA 25th Anniversary Forums, sponsored by the Richmond Area University Center, conducted over the course of eight weeks during October and November 1950. Each of the eight forums is approximately fifteen minutes in length, and is devoted to a specific topic - Education, Manufacturing and Marketing, Government and Taxes, Housing, Science, Medicine, Communications, and Engineering. The forums feature a panel discussion between individuals from the Richmond area who are knowledgeable on each topic. The panelists discuss what they believe trends will be in their specific area in the next twenty-five years.
Recording of the interfaith religious service held at the Mosque (now the Landmark Theater) in Richmond, Virginia, to mark the 25th anniversary of WRVA. Hosted by Holland R. Wilkinson (1893-1954), this program includes messages by Dr. Theodore F. Adams (1898-1980) of the First Baptist Church, Rabbi Ariel Goldburg of Temple Beth Ahabah, and Monsignor Leo J. Ryan of Sacred Heart Cathedral, and a prayer of rededication by Dr. W. Taliaferro Thompson.
Recording of telephone interview with Tilman Joshua Harrell, a native of North Carolina and the person born nearest to WRVA's first broadcast. He was born on 3 November 1925.
Coverage of WRVA's 30th anniversary nine-day cruise aboard the U.S.S. Tradewind, bound for Havana and Nassau, from 25 September to 4 October 1955. Featured are music from the ship's band, and comments by an unnamed host who tours the ship, mentions activities, interviews passengers, talks about the progress of the voyage, and talks with the cruise director. Also covered are events in Havana and Nassau, including visiting straw and vegetable markets, going to nightclubs, and attending horse racing.
WRVA 30th Anniversary Party, recorded live in Richmond on 2 November 1955, from the WRVA Theatre. Galen Drake is the host of the event. Included in the festivities is the crowning of Mrs. WRVA by Walter R. Bishop, and contests for free radios, and for couples celebrating their 30th wedding anniversaries, and a baby sweepstakes by Alden Aaroe with the winner announced by C. T. Lucy. There is also a recording by Amos n Andy congratulating the station. Musical performances include "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Sometimes I'm Happy," "Almost Like Being in Love," "Over the Rainbow," and "Love is a Many Splendored Thing." The Acca Temple Shrine Chanters also perform, including their rendition of "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny."
Promotional spots, recorded in 1959, to commemorate the 34th anniversary of WRVA. Included are birthday greetings from U.S. Rep. J. Vaughan Gary, Verbon E. Kemp of the Virginia State Chamber of Commerce, and Reverend A. Purnell Bailey.
Advertisements for the anniversary booklet produced by WRVA in celebration of its 35th anniversary. This recording is track 3 on WRVA - 464.
Recordings of a series of broadcasts of "Holiday in Hawaii," the trip taken to Hawaii in celebration of WRVA's 35th anniversary. These recordings include Alden Aaroe, the trip's host, interviewing various people going on the trip before departing from Byrd Field, reporting on the flight across the country, discussing the group's arrival in Honolulu, talking with his wife, Edna, about the Kookie-Moo and Hawaiian cloth, and interviewing Mrs. John L. Pulley about her trip to the island of Kauai. Also includes the presentation of gifts representative of Virginia and the reading of a proclamation by Virginia Governor J. Lindsay Almond, Jr., from the oldest state in the Union to the newest state, and the receiving of the proclamation and gifts by the Lieutenant-Governor of Hawaii, James Kimo Kealoha (1908-1985). Lieutenant Governor Kealoha sends thanks to Governor Almond, the people of Virginia, and the trip's participants. The recordings of the presentation of the gifts, the reading of the proclamation by Governor Almond, and Lieutenant Governor Kealoha's statement on WRVA - 459 are duplicated on WRVA - 460.
Lon Backman, WRVA broadcaster, interviews some of WRVA's Old Timers - J. Robert (Bob) Beadles, Bertha Hewlett, Walter Bishop, and C. T. Lucy. Bob Beadles discusses his long service with WRVA, the early days of the radio station, and his involvement with the Corn Cob Pipe Club. Bertha Hewlett discusses the various jobs she has held during her long service with WRVA. Walter Bishop discusses WRVA's political coverage and news broadcasts, and expresses his opinion on the 1960 presidential election. C. T. Lucy talks about the beginning of WRVA and his work as an announcer for special events during the station's early years. These recordings contain heavy static. Higher quality recordings of the interviews with Walter R. Bishop and Bertha Hewlett are available on WRVA - 462. This program is track 1-2 on WRVA - 463.
Lon Backman, WRVA broadcaster, interviews Bertha Hewlett, who discusses the various jobs she has held during her long service with WRVA. This recording is track 2 on WRVA - 462.
Lon Backman, WRVA broadcaster, interviews Walter R. Bishop, who discusses WRVA's political coverage and news broadcasts, and expresses his opinion on the 1960 presidential election. This recording is track 1 on WRVA - 462.
Recording of WRVA's 35th Anniversary program. Hosted by Robert Beadles, this program includes the following speeches and music: the Acca Temple Shrine Chanters, directed by Alton Howell, singing "The Winter Song"; greetings from Claude W. Woodward, the Mayor of Richmond, who participated in the inaugural broadcast as a member of the Acca Temple Shrine Chanters; Joseph I. Maust singing "My Wild Irish Rose"; C. T. Lucy, general manager of WRVA, speaking about his thirty-five years service with WRVA and the development of the radio station; William T. Reed, Jr., president of Larus and Brother Company, quoting the remarks his father made on the inaugural broadcast; Holland R. Wilkinson, Charlie Wakefield, and Harold Lawrence, accompanied by Bertha Hewlett on the organ, singing "Have Thine Own Way"; Mrs. Henry P. Garber singing the same song she sung on the inaugural broadcast, "Lack a Rose"; the Sabbath Glee Club, directed by Maurice Williams and including some of the same singers who participated in the inaugural broadcast, singing "Swing Low Sweet Chariot"; Reverend W. Taliaferro Thompson giving a prayer of dedication similar to the one he delivered on the inaugural program; and the Acca Temple Shrine Chanters closing the program by singing "Carry Me Back to Ol' Virginny." Produced by Lou Dean. This recording is track 1-2 on WRVA - 461 and also available as track 4-5 on WRVA - 464.
Contains various takes of numerous promotional spots, recorded on 1 November 1965, commemorating the 40th anniversary of WRVA.
This recording contains sound clips heard over WRVA of the following events, personalities, and radio programs: the dedication of WRVA's 50,000 watt transmitter in 1939; Adlai Stevenson's concession speech in 1952; a speech by Franklin Delano Roosevelt concerning World War II in 1942; music from the Hit Parade in 1956; Truman announcing the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945; Lum 'n' Abner in 1948; The Jack Benny Show in 1949; Art Linkletter's House Party in 1950; The Romance of Helen Trent in 1944; Amos 'n' Andy in 1940; the moon landings in 1969; the Nixon-Kennedy presidential election in 1960; Lou Gehrig's retirement speech in 1938; Jesse Owens winning three gold medals at the 1936 Olympics; Charles Lindbergh successfully flying non-stop over the Atlantic in 1927; the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Franklin Delano Roosevelt's declaration of war speech in 1941; Martin Luther King's speech on the step of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C. in 1963; the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963; the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968; the Wizard of Oz in 1939; Alden Aaroe reporting on the tornado that ripped through Monroe Park in 1951; the death of four boys trapped in an abandoned ice box in 1953; Bing Crosby in 1951; Willie Mays in 1951; the marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956; music clips from 1956 of the Planters, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra, Gogi Grant, Elvis Presley, and Morris Stoloff's Orchestra; the first American-manned space flight by Alan B. Shepherd in 1961; Joe Garagiola, Barry Tompkins, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and Edward Newman of NBC congratulating WRVA on fifty years of broadcasting; Sputnik in 1957; Ozzie and Harriet in 1947; and George Hicks reporting first hand on the Normandy invasion in 1944. With the exception of the congratulations from NBC radio personalities, each of these clips is prefaced with the statement, "The year was . . . and Virginians tuned to WRVA to hear . . . " After the clip is played, a narrator lists notable radio programs, popular music, and news events from the same year.
Hosted by Bob Keeton, this show features three different interviews with Alden Aaroe, Bertha Hewlett, and John Tansey, who offer their reminiscences of the station and people associated with it. The program also includes vintage clips from past shows and commercials. There are musical selections by Johnny Mathis, Patti Page, Nat King Cole, and others. Also featured are calls from listeners who offer their congratulations and recollections.
Jim Jacobs, WRVA broadcaster, talk with Bertha Hewlett, Alden Aaroe, and John Tansey on his afternoon show. They reminisce about the history of WRVA and their many years of service with the station. This program, interspersed with news, sports, traffic, and weather reports, and commercials, also includes a phone call from Calvin T. Lucy, Jr., and sound clips from early WRVA broadcasts.
Hosted by Scott Stevens and Alden Aaroe, this show features calls from listeners offering their congratulations and reminiscences of WRVA, as well as a contest drawing, news, weather, and traffic reports. Stevens plays vintage clips of commercials and previous programs, including a clip from Alden Aaroe Day and a birthday phone call to Aaroe from President Ronald Reagan. There are also interviews with Lou Dean and Tim Farley. The exact date of broadcast is unknown.
Hosted by Scott Stevens and Tim Timberlake, this show features calls from listeners offering their congratulations and reminiscences of WRVA, as well as a contest drawing, news, weather, and traffic reports, vintage clips of commercials and previous programs, and an interview with John Harding. The exact date of broadcast is unknown.
Recording of the program broadcast to dedicate WRVA's new studios in the Hotel Richmond, 23 May 1933. Includes music from the Richmond Light Infantry Blues Band, Acca Temple Shrine Chanters, Hotel Richmond Orchestra, and Art Brown, the organist for Byrd Theatre, and speeches by Lieutenant Governor James H. Price and Colonel Thad H. Brown, member of the Federal Radio Commission.
Sounds clips used for WRVA's 50th anniversary album including: Ted Kennedy eulogizing his brother Robert in 1968; George Hicks reporting first hand during the invasion of Normandy in 1944; the announcement of Charles Lindbergh's successful flight across the Atlantic in 1927; Governor Mills E. Godwin, Jr., speaking at the dedication of WRVA's new studios on Church Hill in 1968; Alden Aaroe reporting on the tornado that ripped through Monroe Park in 1951; Bertha Hewlett talking about the early days of WRVA; Pat Binford and the Corn Cob Pipe Club; news reports on the flooding of the James River because of Hurricane Camille; Amos 'n' Andy in 1940; Millard the Mallard; miscellaneous network programs; the opening for the Silver Stars Quartet (9:07-9:46); and Sunshine Sue (Mary Higdon Workman) and the Old Dominion Barn Dance (9:53-15:00).
Contains multiple recordings of two different musical promotions for WRVA Radio. The first set of recordings begin at 0:04 and the second set of recordings begin at 3:18.
Part I contains clips of news broadcasts from WRVA and NBC concerning the assassination of President Kennedy. These clips covers the president's condition, the wounding of Governor John Connally, and the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald. Part II contains clips from a campaign speech Kennedy delivered in Norfolk during the 1960 presidential election and his inaugural address, statements by prominent Virginians, including Governor Harrison and Senators Byrd and Robertson, prayers and eulogies from Richmond's clergy, and a list of meetings canceled because of the assassination. This part also includes interviews WRVA conducted with various people on the streets of Richmond about their feelings on President Kennedy's death.
WBT Radio of Charlotte, North Carolina, salutes WRVA for increasing its transmitting power to 50,000 watts. Program includes music from Johnny McAllister, the Texas Rangers, Jane Bartlett, the Golden Gate Jubilee Singers, and Fred Kirby, and a speech from Mayor Ben E. Douglas of Charlotte.
Recording of the dedication ceremonies for the new WRVA-AM and FM transmitters, located thirteen miles southeast of Richmond. The program is hosted by Alden Aaroe, and includes the invocation by Reverend Joseph T. Heistand of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Richmond, and remarks by Samuel M. Bemiss (1894-1966), William T. Reed, Jr. (1904-1966), Rosel H. Hyde (1900-1992) of the Federal Communications Commission, and Governor-elect Albertis S. Harrison (1907-1995). The recording also contains remarks by WRVA employees Walter R. Bishop, Jack Clements, and Dick Gillis.
Program, 6 January 1949, at the completion of the WRVB transmitter tower. Alden Aaroe reports from the site of the tower. C. T. Lucy, general manager of the Edgeworth Broadcasting Service, is interviewed about the purpose of the tower, cost, use, and the status of the station's application for a television license. The tower's physical characteristics are described, including its height, base, and other construction details.
Recording of a presentation of WRVA Radio news entitled, "1963, Year of Contrasts." This program recaps the major stories of 1963 in Virginia, including the establishment of the cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, the white-fringed beetle infestation in Norfolk and the concern over the use of the chemical dieldrin to combat the insect, flooding in Southwest Virginia, the missing University of Richmond students feared drowned during a canoe trip down the James River, WRVA's call for help for the people affected by the floods in Southwest Virginia, drought, Prince Edward County public schools, Richmond and Henrico County annexation, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference held in Richmond, the 24th amendment outlawing the poll tax in federal elections, the purchase of the Richmond Virginians baseball team by a businessman from Manchester, New Hampshire, high school and college sports, and the assassination of President Kennedy. The Prince Edward County public schools segment includes excerpts of statements by Governor Albertis S. Harrison and the Reverend L. Francis Griffin. Governor Harrison responds to criticism of his and the state's inaction in reopening the closed schools by stating that he has no constitutional authority to reopen the schools. Reverend Griffin talks about the opening of the Free School system, the Prince Edward Free School Association, and the impact of the school closings on the children. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference segment includes excerpts of speeches by Martin Luther King, Roy Wilkins of the NAACP, Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, and Dick Gregory. King refers to recent civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama, and Danville, Virginia. This program was written by Ed Whitehead and produced by Brick Rider.
This is a recording of the Businessmen's Bible Class of the YMCA. Walter Bishop, the special guest speaker, delivers a speech entitled "Seed Time and Harvest," a lesson provided in celebration of Thanksgiving Day. The program opens with a group sing of "America the Beautiful." The recording ends before Bishop completes delivering his lesson.
Interview with Dr. John H. Yoe, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Virginia, regarding the first atomic bomb test on Bikini Atoll. Yoe discusses his observations after the test, the ship's role during the test, the cruise around the South Pacific, and the impact of naval bombardment on these islands during the war. Interviewed by Lieutenant Commander Walter R. Bishop, WRVA Public Relations director.
Film footage of the dedication of WRVA's New Studio on Church Hill. Includes speeches by Governor Mills E. Godwin, W. Brooks George, president of Larus & Brother, and Alden Aaroe. Also includes music by the Bellevue Elementary School Choir. This DVD was created from a 16mm film. A BetacamSP tape was created for preservation.
This video was created to educate employees on Clear Channel's history and mission.
This video was created to encourage businesses to advertise over WRVA.
This video was created to encourage businesses to advertise over Sports Radio 910.
This series contains WRVA local and statewide news reports from 1 January 1980-31 December 1999. Available in digital format upon request. A printed multi-volume chronological inventory by year is available for use in the Library.
Chronological
This series contains snippets of Virginia news reported by WRVA from 1 January 1981 - 31 December 1999. Highlights include election coverage and political activities in the state as well as significant local and statewide events such as floods, snowstorms, hurricanes, fires, major traffic accidents, among others. Also includes occasional in-depth looks at significant newsworthy events and anniversary programs and miscellaneous recordings including AP Award entries, and tribute programs. Series is available in digital format upon request. A printed single-volume chronological inventory to the series is available for use in the Library.