'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.
Crowd Outside of Wheeling Corrugating Co. Tent at National Cornhusking Championship, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
Wheeling Steelmakers broadcast traveled to this competition to spread word about their weekly radio broadcast as well as to promote Wheeling Steel's COP-R-LOY farm fencing and other products, as seen on the signs in foreground of photograph.
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.
Group is likely the Rhythm Rangers and it appears they are playing inside of a hotel, possibly in Marshall, Missouri during their stay for the National Cornhusking Championship, or somewhere else along the route from Wheeling, West Virginia to the competition. These musicians, like all who worked on the radio broadcast, were employees or immediate family members of the Wheeling Steel Corporation.
'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast Musicians Playing at Dennison, OH Train Station, 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.
Man Observes Wheeling Hinge Joint Fence Display at National Cornhusking Championship, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
Caption on back of postcard reads: "Eight large exhibits showed our products to the farmers." Wheeling Steel Corporation brought their family show on the road to the National Cornhusking Championship where performers on their radio broadcast played in front of the crowd, as well as to show off their extensive line of product offerings. This radio broadcast program began in 1936, 6 years after company executive John L. Grimes realized he could produce his own show at the same cost of advertising in a nationally known media. The broadcast was ran and operated entirely by Wheeling Steel Corporation employees and immediate family members, the first of its kind.
'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.
Wheeling Metalware Display Inside of Wheeling Corrugating Co. Tent at National Cornhusking Championship, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
Wheeling Steel Corporation brought their family show on the road to the National Cornhusking Championship where performers on their radio broadcast played in front of the crowd, as well as to show off their extensive line of product offerings, including eight different displays. This radio broadcast program began in 1936, 6 years after company executive John L. Grimes realized he could produce his own show at the same cost of advertising in a nationally known media. The broadcast was ran and operated entirely by Wheeling Steel Corporation employees and immediate family members, the first of its kind.
Wheeling Corrugating Co. Show Train at Dennison, OH Station, En Route to National Cornhusking Contest, Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
Wheeling Corrugating Co. is a Wheeling Steel Corp. owned company of which produced their own radio broadcast called "It's Wheeling Steel" from 1936 to 1944. This broadcast was ran and operate exclusively by Wheeling Steel Corp. employees and family members, the first radio program to ever do such a thing. Wheeling Corrugating Co. brought their products to the National Cornhusking Competition to show to attending farmers. They also traveled with employee musicians to play for the crowd to help spread the word of the radio broadcast to a larger audience.
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.
Lt. Col. Thomas H. Eddy of the United States Army Addressing the Employees of the Wheeling Plant of the Wheeling Corrugating Co., 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 Wheeling Steelmakers radio program. The Wheeling Steelmakers 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. Commander Charles M. Royal, Who Represented the U.S. Navy, Addressing the Employees Prior to the Presentation of the Army-Navy 'E' Pins, 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 Wheeling Steelmakers radio program. The Wheeling Steelmakers 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.
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.
Mr. Henry D. Clouse, President Local Union 248 U.S.W. of A, Delivering Acceptance Speech For the Employees of Wheeling Plant, 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 Wheeling Steelmakers radio program. The Wheeling Steelmakers 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.
Employee Color Guards Form Outside Capitol Theatre Before Employee Parade is Formed to Return to Wheeling Factory, 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 Wheeling Steelmakers radio program. The Wheeling Steelmakers 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.
Lt. Commander Charles M. Royal, Presenting Army-Naby 'E' Pines to Mr. M.E. Marsh, Mr. A.K. Monroe, Mr. Henry D. Clouse, and Mr. John R. Grundy, 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 Wheeling Steelmakers radio program. The Wheeling Steelmakers 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.
