Large Crowd Gathered to Listen to Performers Underneath Copious Amount of Wheeling Steel Advertisements at National Cornhusking Championship, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
These performers were likely musicians on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. This radio broadcast was created by John L. Grimes, advertising executive at Wheeling Steel Corporation. The broadcast was ran exclusively by employees and family members of the Wheeling Steel Corporation. This excursion to Missouri was used to spread the name of the growing broadcast as well as to promote their products, including COP-R-LOY.
'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast Musicians Playing Outside of Train, to or From National Cornusking Championship, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
The group of musicians is likely the Rhythm Rangers. These musicians, like all employees of the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast, were either employees or family members of employees of the Wheeling Steel Corporation. This radio broadcast was company advertising executive John L. Grimes idea to promote both the company's product and its employees. It began broadcasting in 1936 and ended in 1944.
'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast Musicians Playing at National Cornhusking Championship, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
The group of musicians is likely the Rhythm Rangers. These musicians, like all employees of the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast, were either employees or family members of employees of the Wheeling Steel Corporation. This radio broadcast was company advertising executive John L. Grimes idea to promote both the company's product and its employees. It began broadcasting in 1936 and ended in 1944.
'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast Musicians Playing Outside of Train to or From National Cornhusking Championship, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
Group of musicians are likely members of the Rhythm Rangers, performers on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. This broadcast began in 1936 as a way to promote both Wheeling Steel Corporation's products and their employees who exclusively ran and performed on the broadcasts.
Crowd Outside of Wheeling Corrugating Co. Tent Listening to Rhythm Rangers Performance at National Cornhusking Championship, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
The Rhythm Rangers were radio stars on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast, which was created in 1936 by Wheeling Steel Corporation advertising executive John L. Grimes. The radio broadcast was ran and operated by company employees and family members, the first of it's kind to utilize this model. This free, live performance, at the National Cornhusking Championship in Marshall, Missouri was a way to advertise the broadcast to a broader audience as well as to promote their products to farmers in the area.
J.L. Grimes and Wheeling Steel Corporation Staff in Production Meeting
Date:
1941/08/18
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Music and scripts are carefully checked for audience pleasure as J.L. Grimes, general advertising manager for the Wheeling Steel Corporation (in center) and his staff hold a production confab in preparation for the return to the air October 5 of the tuneful "Wheeling Steelmakers" over the NBC-Blue Network." Production staff from left to right: Orchestra leader Tommy Whitley, Maury Longfellow, Ardenne White, Unknown, John Grimes, Unknown, Unknown.
Mr. M.E. Marsh, General Manager of the Wheeling Plant of Wheeling Corrugating Co., Officially Accepts the Army-Navy 'E' Award, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
1942
Description:
Photo taken during the Army-Navy Award presentation inside of the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia. The presentation was broadcast on over 127 radio stations of NBC's Blue Network, including the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program. The "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast was moved to the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1939 as production became more polished and more and more listeners tuned in.
Color Guard of Wheeling Post No. 1 of the American Legion Raising the Pennant During Program, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
1942
Description:
Photo taken during the Army-Navy Award presentation inside of the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia. The presentation was broadcast on over 127 radio stations of NBC's Blue Network, including the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program. The "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast was moved to the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1939 as production became more polished and more and more listeners tuned in.
Lt. Col. Thomas H. Eddy Presenting the Army Navy Production Award Pennant to the Wheeling Plant, Which Was Accepted by Mr. M.E. Marsh, General Manager, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
1942
Description:
Photo taken during the Army-Navy Award presentation inside of the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia. The presentation was broadcast on over 127 radio stations of NBC's Blue Network, including the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program. The "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast was moved to the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1939 as production became more polished and more and more listeners tuned in.
Close Up of Lt. Col. Thomas H. Eddy, Presenting Pennant, and Mr. M.E. Marsh, Accepting, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
1942
Description:
Photo taken during the Army-Navy Award presentation inside of the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia. The presentation was broadcast on over 127 radio stations of NBC's Blue Network, including the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program. The "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast was moved to the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1939 as production became more polished and more and more listeners tuned in.
Master of Ceremonies, Howard D. Matthews, Opening the Program Which Was Broadcast Over 127 Stations of the Blue Network, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
1942
Description:
Photo taken during the Army-Navy Award presentation inside of the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia. The presentation was broadcast on over 127 radio stations of NBC's Blue Network, including the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program. The "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast was moved to the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1939 as production became more polished and more and more listeners tuned in.
The Musical Steelmakers Practicing Before Performance on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Program
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Here's the same quintet on Sunday, running over a number before air time. Lew Davies is the conductor of the program's 23 piece orchestra of mill, plant, and office workers."
The Musical Steelmakers Accompany Tom Care During a Trumpet Solo
Date:
Undated
Description:
"The Steelmakers accompany Tom Care, employee from the Steubenville Works, as he headlines with a trumpet solo. Tom played "At The End Of a Perfect Day", which appealed to a great number of Wheeling Steel's nation-wide family."
Several People Waiting to Audition for 'It's Wheeling Steel' Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "For headlining appearances, auditions for mill workers and members of their immediate families are held every few weeks at the studios of WWVA. Of course, due to the standard set for our program, all that are auditioned can not be presented. The standard set is inferred to be that of the broadcasting station's, thereby relieving the corporation of discrimination."
Ed Kostillo Headlining 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Ed Kostillo from the pipe mills of the Benwood Works started playing his harmonica to entertain his fellow mill men during lunch hour. Later he won a headliner appearance on the family broadcast with the entire steelmakers orchestra accompanying him.
Frank Nalepa, Deep Bass of the Millmen Quartette Working With Coal at Steubenville Works
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Frank Nalepa deep bass of the Millmen Quartette works every day with coal and scales at the Steubenville Works, rushes to the studio four times a week to rehearse, and found time to regularly visit Pittsburgh for voice lessons to improve his broadcast. Quit for Mit Show." The Millmen Quartette were regulars on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast.
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "John Wisvari is a pipe-threader from the Benwood Works, plays violin, and directs his "family" orchestra which he calls "The Polka Kings"." They would perform on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast.
Walter Schane, Member of 'Singing Millmen', on Phone in Benwood Works Office
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Walter Schane from the office of the Benwood Works has been a Wheeling Steelmaker for 18 years. His is the fine baritone voice of the Singing Millmen, who sing on the family broadcast every Sunday. On Show since 1936, now in Singing Millmen 1943." The Singing Millmen were performers on the "Wheeling Musical Steelmakers" radio broadcast.
Walter Schane, Member of 'Singing Millmen', at Microphone on 'It's Wheeling Steel'
Date:
Undated
Description:
Walter Schane was the baritone voice of the Singing Millmen and also worked in the office of the Benwood Works. Like all who participated on the radio broadcast, you needed to be an employee or immediate family member of Wheeling Steel.
Verdi Howells Operating Machinery in Yorkville, OH
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Verdi Howells is a machinist at Yorkville, is first saxophonist of The Musical Steelmakers Orchestra, has saved the money made while broadcasting for the corporation, and will go home to visit his mother in Wales this summer." He was an orchestra member since 1936 to November 1943. All participants on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast were required to be employees of Wheeling Steel Corporation or immediate family members.
Dave Kemp Singing Bass on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Like all who perform or worked on the "It's Wheeling Steel" Radio Broadcast, Dave Kemp was employed by the company at the Steubenville Works. It was a requirement to be employed or to be an immediate family member of the Wheeling Steel Corporation in order to work on the radio broadcast. This way they could advertise both the company's products as well as it's employees talents, which created a family environment.
Portsmouth Works Male Chorus, Headliners on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Here is the Portsmouth Works Male chorus who headline on the family broadcast now from their home town. Organized about the time the family broadcast started, interest has increased due to the opportunity of a nation wide outlet for their talent."
Parade Car Driving Walter 'Pat' Patterson, Maury Longfellow, and the Old Timer, All Performers on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast, at Parade in Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
The Old Timer was a character on the radio broadcast who introduced the acts and provided banter in between music. Maury Longfellow was a member of broadcast's production staff, he also assisted in writing musical arrange for the The Wheeling Musical Steelmakers, the broadcasts orchestra.
W. Va. Governor Homer Holt Rides in 'It's Wheeling Steel' Parade, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
It's Wheeling Steel was a radio broadcast started in 1936 by Wheeling Steel Corporation advertising executive John L. Grimes. He wanted to advertise both the company's products and it's talented employees.
The Evans Sisters Washing Dishes Before 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "They may be network radio stars (heard with the "Musical Steelmakers" each Sunday on the Blue network at 5:30 pm, e.w.t.), but to Mom Evans they are also three mighty good dishwasher who must do their job before going to the broadcast. From left to right are: Janet Jean, Betty Jane, and Margaret June, the singing Evans Sisters."
Evans Sisters and Other Girls Posing for Photograph
Date:
Undated
Description:
The Evans Sisters were three sisters who sang on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. The three sisters are: Janet Jean, Betty Jane, and Margaret June.
Sara Rehm, Soprano Soloist on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption for photograph reads: "The star of the show is Sara Rehm, 19 year old soprano soloist. Miss Rehm qualifies for the show because she works occasionally in the Wheeling office, stuffing envelopes, and has a cousin in the Yorkville Works."
Singing Mill Men, Stay In's of "It's Wheeling Steel" Radio Broadcast, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
Two of the mill men share coffee, still in their work clothes, after receiving a call to come from the mill to the main office for rehearsal right away. They were preparing to go to Chicago for a war bond program. See original photograph for further description.
Bill Griffiths of Singing Millmen, Making Miniature Military Equipment
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Bill Griffiths makes military equipment during working hours, relaxes in his spare time by duplicating his day's work in miniature. he built the model guns and tanks shown here, and the train that carries them. On Sundays, he's one of the famed "Singing Millmen"." The Singing Millmen were regulars on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast.
Erma Ellis and Mary Visnick Leading Martins Ferry Band on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Erma Ellis and Mary Visnick are employed at the Martins Ferry Factory. When dressed in their uniforms these two comely drum majors lead the way when the Martins Ferry Band marches to the broadcast of "It's Wheeling Steel"."
Yorkville Works Brass Band Preparing to Perform on 'It's Wheeling Steel'
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "The Yorkville Works Brass Band has made several pleasing headliner appearances of the family broadcast. All in their snappy uniforms, thus adding color for the visible audience of "It's Wheeling Steel"."
Yorkville High School Girls' Glee Club Preparing for Easter Performance on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "The Yorkville High School Girls' Glee Club, 40 in all added to the enjoyment of the Easter broadcast. All 40 girls have at least one immediate family relationship with corporation employees. Many can claim as many as four immediate family relatives who are Wheeling Steelmakers." The entire broadcast was operated and performed by employees or family members of Wheeling Steel throughout the program's entire duration.
John Wisvari Threading Pipes at Benwood Works, Benwood, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photo reads: "John Wisvari is a pipe-threader from the Benwood Works, plays violin, and directs his "Family" orchestra which he calls "The Polka Kings"." The Polka Kings were musicians who played on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast.
Lew Davies, Conductor and Composer of the Musical Steelmarkers Orchestra
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Lew Davies, conductor of the "Musical Steelmakers" orchestra and chorus, writes most of the musical arrangements himself. Helping him in this department are John Hahle, guitarist; Maury Longfellow of the production staff; and Gene Ahlers, trumpeter." The Musical Steelmakers were the orchestra who performed on Wheeling Steel Co.'s radio broadcast "It's Wheeling Steel", an all employee broadcast used to advertise both Wheeling Steel's product offerings as well as their large staff.
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Typical Wheeling family, the Evans household has an extra incentive to keep war production rolling. Brother Bill is in the Navy, serving in the South Pacific, and the arrival of a letter from him is a big event in the Evans home. The father, has been a steel roller for 29 years."
Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Riding in Truck During Parade, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
Orchestra leader Tom Whitley is the man wearing glasses on far left pointing forward. The orchestra was the primary performer on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. The show was eventually taken to the road, as evident by the "coast to coast" sign.
Performers Dressed as Candy Stripers Preparing to Perform With the Musical Steelmakers Orchestra
Date:
Undated
Description:
The Musical Steelmakers were the orchestra that performed on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast on NBC's Blue Network. Note the flag behind the performers on stage. The blue stars represented people who were serving in the war, and a gold star represented those who died in service.
Margaret June Evans, Performer on 'It's Wheeling Steel', Seated at Piano
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Shown seated at the piano during a rehearsal of the "Musical Steelmakers", heard Sundays on the Blue network at 5:30 pm, e.w.t., is Margaret June Evans, eldest member of the three Evans Sisters, vocal trio heard during each broadcast of the program. Miss Evans, whose father has worked for the sponsoring company as a steel roller for 29 years, was recently crowned "Miss West Va." by Carl C. Wayman, Commander of the nation's first American Legion Post, located in Wheeling."
John L. Grimes, Man Behind 'Musical Steelmakers', Playing Piano
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Man behind the "Musical Steelmakers" is J.L. Grimes, advertising manager of Wheeling Steel. He thought of the program in the first place, and is in active charge now, producing the show, choosing the music, and auditioning talent from the ranks of the employees and their families." It was a requirement to be an employee or immediate family member of Wheeling Steel Corporation in order to perform or work on the radio broadcast.
Evans Sisters and Others Enjoying the Outdoors, Ohio River in Background
Date:
Undated
Description:
The Evans Sisters were three sisters who sang on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. The three sisters are: Janet Jean, Betty Jane, and Margaret June.
Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Band Performing Behind Soloist Sara Rehm on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption with photograph reads: "The show goes on the air. Variety calls it "the capitalistic Pins and Needles" after the Broadway show of the Ladies Garment Workers' Union (LIFE, Dec. 27). Steelworkers seem to enjoy this company show as much as the garment workers enjoy their union show."
Tony Biacco, Musician on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast Playing Accordion With Band Accompaniment
Date:
Undated
Description:
"Tony Biacco, steelmaker from Yorkville possesses two strong hands with which he capably handles ductillite and his accordion. His appearances on the family broadcast have been highly commendable. Now a regular in orchestra in 1943."
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Molly Staten and Eleanor Bowman Lynn rehearsed several weeks on their piano duet. They are stenographers from the main office of Wheeling Steel Company." Like all performers and employees on the "It's Wheeling Steel" broadcast, all were also employees or family members of the Wheeling Steel Corporation. They were radio's first all employee only broadcast.
Group of Musicians Auditioning for 'It's Wheeling Steel' Program
Date:
Undated
Description:
Everyone pictured is either an employee of the Wheeling Steel Corporation or is an immediate family member of someone who works for them. This family owned and operated broadcast was the first of it's kind and this policy was maintained throughout the broadcast's existence.
Ed Kostillo Playing Harmonica for Fellow Mill Men, Benwood, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
Ed Kostillo from the pipe mills of the Benwood Works started playing his harmonica to entertain his fellow mill men during lunch hour. Later he won a headliner appearance on the family broadcast with the entire steelmakers orchestra accompanying him.
Four Ladies Playing Accordion on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Something unique for any broadcast is an accordion quartet of young ladies. The first is Nancy Row, granddaughter of a founder of Wheeling Corrugating, next is a young lady who, together with her brother is employed at Yorkville. Third's father was employed by the corporation. Fourth is a teacher."
Croatian Tambouritza Orchestra Playing on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "The Croatian Tambouritza Orchestra numbers six youthful members, two of whom work for the corporation, the remaining four being children of mill employees." Like all who worked for the broadcast, it was required to be an employee of Wheeling Steel or an immediate family member of an employee.
Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Orchestra Leader Tom Whitley, Seated on Right, During Parade, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
The Musical Steelmakers were the orchestra for the Wheeling Steel Corporation owned "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. It was made up of multi-talented employees of the company who also performed on the broadcast.
Sara Rehm Working at Desk in Wheeling Steel Co. Office, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
Sara Rehm was a soloist on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. Caption with photograph reads: "Back in Wheeling after less than two days as Cinderella, Sara was greeted by the same home-town band, same cheering citizenry, and at the office, same desk!"
'Singing Secretary' Regina Colbert Catching Up on Correspondence at Her Desk
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Part of Regina Colbert's lunch hour is devoted to catching up on correspondence with service men at home and overseas. The "Singing Secretary" writes weekly to a number of men in uniform." Regina Colbert was a performer on the "It's Wheeling Steel" Radio broadcast. This broadcast was ran exclusively by Wheeling Steel Corp. employees and family members, but as the program grew in popularity they began to hire performers with professional backgrounds, like Regina Colbert. However, in order to comply with his rule of an all employee only run program, he would hire these professionals to work in the offices for a period of time. In Colbert's case, she was hired to work as a secretary in the advertising department.
John Wisvari, Violin Player for Wheeling Musical Steelmakers
Date:
Undated
Description:
The Wheeling Musical Steelmakers were a group that would regularly perform on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast, created in 1936 by John L. Grimes who wanted to promote both Wheeling Steel Corporations products and their employees. John Wisvari's day job was a pipe-threader at the Benwood Works.
Caption on back of photograph reads: "When the Musical Steelmakers are heard each Sunday, starting October 5, over at Station ___ at ___ o'clock these three pretty singers, the Steel Sisters, will help add to the gaiety and tunefulness of the programs. They are, from the left, Lois Mae Nolte, Harriet Drake, and Lucille Bell. Like other members Musical Steelmakers troupe they are either employees in the steel industry or members of employee families." The first all employee broadcast. The Steel Sisters eventually gained so much recognition that they went on tour with Horace Heidt and his orchestra.
Bud Dicarlo Warming Up on Accordion With Wheeling Steelmakers Band
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Bud Dicarlo's father is a steelmaker from the Benwood Works and Bud worked hard on his accordion solo to please his dad and Wheeling Steel's Nation Wide Family."
'Old Timer' John Wincholl and Nicky Conti With Accordion
Date:
Undated
Description:
John Wincholl, Wheeling Steel Co. auditor played the role of the "Old Timer" who became a popular character on the "It's Wheeling Steel" broadcast. He would introduce acts and provide small talk.
Will Stevenson, Top Tenor of 'The Millmen Quartette', Working at Steubenville Works
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Will Stevenson, top tenor of The Millmen Quartette is also employed at the Steubenville Works. Like Frank Nalepa, Will had never sung on a radio network before the family broadcast gave him the opportunity." The Millmen Quartette were regular performers on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast from it's start in 1936.
Val Konyha Playing the Hungarian Cymbalum on Wheeling Steel's Family Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Val Konyha, a steelmaker from the Yorkville Works brings something unique and different to the family broadcast. Val plays the Hungarian cymbalum, or dulcimer, as we know it, and plays it as well as he handles tin plates."
Verdi Gwynn Howell, Machinist in Wheeling's Tin Mill, and Saxophonist in Steelmaker's Orchestra
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photograph reads: "Verdi Gwynn Howell, machinist in Wheeling's tin mill at Yorkville, Ohio. Howell, born in Wales came to the U.S. in 1926. He was the first saxophonist in the Steelmaker's Orchestra. Howell played a solo on one "It's Wheeling Steel" broadcast which his mother in Wales listened to over a U.S. station."
'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast Performer, Regina Colbert, Singing at the Microphone
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Regina Colbert is the program's "Singing Secretary", and she lives up to both halves of the title. Featured soloist on Sundays, she is part of the company's secretarial staff weekdays." It was a requirement set by Wheeling Steel Corporation advertising executive John L. Grimes, that the radio broadcast stay an exclusively all employee program. Therefore, Colbert who was not at the time an employee or immediate family member, was hired to work as secretary in the advertising department to maintain this rule.
Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Backing Up Performer on Stage Holding Beat Up Horned Instrument
Date:
Undated
Description:
Notice the flag in the background with 13 stars, this was displayed commonly during World War 2 to show how many people who were serving. Gold stars would represent those who died in the war.
Lois Mae Nolte of Steel Sisters With Unidentified Dance Partner
Date:
Undated
Description:
The Steel Sisters (Lois Mae Nolte, Harriet Drake, and Lucille Bell) were regular performers on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. They eventually left the broadcast to tour with Horace Heidt and his orchestra.
'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Show Producer Maury Longfellow
Date:
Undated
Description:
"It's Wheeling Steel" was a radio broadcast used to advertise Wheeling Steel Corporation products and their talented employees. The entire operation was ran by employees or immediate family members of the company, the first all employee broadcast.
'The Old Timer' John Winchcoll and Lois Mae Nolte, Host and Performer on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "John Winchcoll, the "Old Timer", and Lois Mae Nolte, singing mistress of ceremonies, have been with the "Musical Steelmakers" series from the start. Winchcoll, an auditor with the company, is a veteran employee, who was chosen as representative of the typical Wheeling employee. Miss Nolte, though only 19, has been on the show in all its seven years, first as one of the Steel Sisters, later as a soloist."
Wheeling Steel Corporation Advertising Executive John L. Grimes at Microphone With Unidentified Man at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
John L. Grimes was advertising executive of Wheeling Steel Corporation and was responsible for the creation of the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast in 1936. In 1941 the show was picked up by the National Broadcasting Company's Blue Network, as it grew in popularity, evident on the microphone stand. In 1943 the show took to the road throughout several cities in West Virginia to put on "Buy a Bomber" themed shows, where the host cities were challenged to buy enough enough Defense Bonds to purchase a medium or large sized bomber. Cities who accomplished the challenge would get their name placed on the plane as it flew to battle.
WVU ROTC Members and Others Enjoying 'It's Wheeling Steel' Show at Field House, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
Picture taken during Wheeling Musical Steelmakers performance at WVU Field House, which was part of their "Buy a Bomber" series, where communities were challenged to buy enough Defense Bonds to purchase a bomber. The money raised in this circumstance exceeded all expectations and was the largest such fundraiser in Monongalia County, West Virginia.
