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Guy Lombardo's 100th Anniversary Recalls the Golden Age of Radio in London At Western Fair September 6 to 15, 2002

The Western Fair's Museum and Archives is celebrating  London's connections to the Golden Age of Radio through display featuring bandleader Guy Lombardo, and Canadian Radio Pioneer Ted Rogers Sr. Vintage radios built in London and an operating radio station on site: Amateur Radio Special Event Station VA3GLM, are included in the Museum's presentation.

At the invitation of the Western Fair, bandleader Guy Lombardo will  again take to the airwaves through the effort of local amateur radio
operators, from the Fair s Museum and Archives Building. Amateur radio station VA3GLM is a compliment to the Museum's photography exhibit that documents Guy s London home coming for the 1955 City Centennial. The Royal Canadians played at the Fair Grounds before 8,000 of their London fans. ( Lombardo's very first radio broadcast was made here in London in 1922.)

Several vintage radios, provided by the London Vintage Radio Club and the Hammond Museum of Radio, celebrate Guy Lombardo s
accomplishments as a pioneer broadcaster in radio s golden age. Featured are two radios built at the Sparton of Canada plant located in
London East. Samples of records pressed at Spartons are in the Museum's Collection.

An outstanding radio set, The Canadian , built by Mr. Hobbs Langford, of London is on public display in London for the first
time. This mid 20's vintage battery set with matching horn speaker was donated to the Hammond Museum by the Estate of the late Dr. Charles Fisher of this city. These radios, with examples from other manufacturers provide a comprehensive selection of models from 1924 to the 1950's for visitors to appreciate.

Station VA3GLM will contact other Guy Lombardo enthusiasts using amateur frequencies on the short wave bands. (On June 19, Guy's Birthday, VA3GLM went on the air from Parkwood Hospital, and made contact with over 100 amateur radio operators who shared their memories of the bandleader and the big band era.) Visitors to the Museum will be encouraged to go on the air under the supervision of the station's operators. The station will be activated by local radio amateurs for a portion of each day during the Fair, from Sept. 6 - 15.

Extensive display space in the station has been devoted to Ted Rogers Sr., a very accomplished radio amateur who went on to become a pioneer in Canadian broadcasting and radio manufacturing. Rogers invented the circuits and tubes that made it possible to plug radios
into the 110 volt house current, freeing radio enthusiasts from using expensive batteries to power their sets. Three examples of radios
manufactured at the Rogers-Majestic plant in Toronto are on display in the operating area, with pictures of the factory and other artifacts
relating to the Rogers-Majestic Company. Museum visitors will also appreciate a display which celebrates the career of Ann May Dingwall, London s Queen of the Cowgirls, featuring her saddle, riding costumes and some of the many awards won by this
fascinating rodeo star and her animal friends.

A collection of archival material including: photographs, posters, and other artifacts relating to steam railroading and Locomotive 86, (the CNR s 2-6-0 steam engine on permanent display), completes the Museum's program. This installation features a large interactive area where children can actually touch and handle a variety of railway artifacts.

Inge Sanmiya, the Historical Projects Co-ordinator for the Western Fair can provide further information about the Museum and the displays. Please call Inge at 438-7203 Ext. 216.

Stephen Harding, VA3NSD, is managing Station VA3GLM for the London Radio Amateur Clubs.Telephone Stephen at: (res.): 451-8252, ( work): 661 2111 ext. 84813 email: sharding@uwo.ca