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COLLEGES
Intercollegiate debates were arranged by the Chicago Kent College of Law and broadcast over WLS in cooperation with Northwestern, Chicago, Indiana, Marquette and DePaul Universities. Important national questions were argued.


CHEER
Cheer-dispensing appearances of WLS, boys and girls were made at the U.S. Veterans' Hospital, Hines, Illinois; the Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium, and other hospitals throughout the Middle West. A show by Barn Dance stars in Lane Tech High School provided the milk fund for the Chicago Boys Club summer camp.





STATE FAIRS
The National Barn Dance was broadcast before great crowds of corn belt folks on the opening nights of both the Illinois and Indiana State Fairs. Dinnerbell Time was presented from Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana fairs. Thousands crowded into Prairie Farmer headquarters to make first-hand friendships. Special broadcasts were brought from the Chicago Food Show, Chicago Automobile Show, Midwest Poultry Exposition, and, for the 14th consecutive year the International Live Stock and Grain Show and National 4-H Club Congress.





COAST-TO-COAST
Many famous celebrities shared the spotlight with Uncle Ezra, Lulu Belle and Scotty, Henry Burr, Maple City Four and the Hoosier Hot Shots on the National Barn Dance. WLS entertainers are heard each week by listeners of over 60 NBC stations. Thus one of the largest network programs originates in the Eighth Street Theater hayloft.







RESPONSIBILITY
Placed in our hands is the vast power of radio, which touches the heartstrings and reaches the minds of millions. That power, and the responsibility that goes with it, would be too great for any man except for the supporting hands of a million friends and neighbors.

While it is common to say that the executives and the program staff direct the radio station, they in turn are directed largely by the listeners. Careful study of the million letters a year received by by WLS gives us insight and understanding, so that we become actually a part of your lives. We are able to enter into your joys and sorrows, know your problems, share the happiness of your success.

 

There is always something mystic in this great work of radio. Far beyond the mechanical equipment of microphones, vacuum tubes, dynamos and rheostats comes the feeling that we deal with a spiritual thing. As we sense the heart throbs and the longings of our people, it is as if we walked on holy ground. We are humble in the thought that through us many flow the power to build lives, to lift communities, to hold high the light for the advancement of humanity.

You are an essential part of this work. We count on you.
Burrridge D. Butler,
President, Prairie Farmer-Radio Station WLS




This picture of Mr. Butler was taken during the presentation of watches to Announcer Morrison and Engineer Nehlsen for their work in the Hindenburg disaster. Above, on this page, presenting a dinnerbell to the Agricultural Club of Chicago.

Located approximately 30 miles south of downtown Chicago,
this served as the WLS transmitter site from 1924 to 1938.



"As I remember, the call letters "WLS,"were not definitely selected until that afternoon (of April 12th). Much consideration had been given  to other call letters, among them, WBBX, WJR and WES."
  -George C. Biggar
Farm and Market Director, later Program Director of WLS



On that first official night
... numerous officials and luminaries attended a gala banquet from it's new main studio site on the mezzanine floor in the Sherman House Hotel.  Many executives from Sears were on hand for the big night including Edgar Bill, director and program manager of the new station and Samuel R. Guard, director of the Sears Roebuck Agricultural Foundation.  Shortly after 6:00 pm, renowned dramatic actress Ethyl Barrymore was introduced to begin the broadcast.  However, upon seeing the new-fangled microphone, she froze up and exclaimed "Turn that damned thing off!"  With those words, station WLS was off and running!  Ford and Glenn appeared on the inaugural night as well as Grace Wilson, who sang "At The End Of The Sunset Trail" in addition to a new song by station organist Ralph Waldo Emerson.  Movie cowboy hero William Hart recited a powerful rendition of "Invictus" with his eyes shut, fists clenched and perspiration pouring down his face!  Notable speakers on hand included Chicago Mayor William E. Dever, Jane Addams of the Hull House; H.W. Mumford of the Illinois College of Agriculture and E.T. Meredith, former US Secretary of Agriculture among others.  According to Edgar Bill, "It was a grand opening, never to be forgotten by those in attendance."

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