'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."
Evans Sisters at Microphone, Harmonizing a Number for Listeners to Musical Steelmakers
Date:
ca. 1944
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Here are the Evans Sisters at the microphone, harmonizing a number for listeners to the "Musical Steelmakers". Betty Jane, left, is a receptionist for the company. Margaret June was recently crowned "Miss Steelmaker 1944". Janet Jean, right, age 15, is the youngest member of the trio."
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."
Wheeling Steel Corporation Advertising Executive John L. Grimes at Microphone
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
John L. Grimes was the creator of "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast in 1936. He wanted a means to advertise both the company products and it's talented employees. Therefore it was a requirement to be an employee or immediate family member of the company in order to perform on or work the broadcast. Note the "Buy War Bonds" banner hanging on wall. This photo was likely taken during their "Buy a Bomber" series which began in 1943. The broadcast took to the road throughout various cities in West Virginia to encourage communities to purchase war bonds in order to buy bombers. Cities who raised enough money would get their name on the side of the bomber it bought.
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.
