Cast Member of the 'Its Wheeling Steel' Radio Program, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1939
Description:
'The Old Timer' from the 'Its Wheeling Steel' radio program reads his latest script while relaxing near the Ohio river. Wheeling Suspension bridge is visibl in the background.
Regina Colbert Singing on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Program
Date:
1941/07/25
Description:
It's Wheeling Steel was a musical radio program created by John L. Grimes in 1936 after 6 prior years of planning and persuading company executives. The program was monumental because it was ran fully by the talents of employees or family members of employees. The broadcast promoted both Wheeling Steel's product as well as it's employees who assisted in creating the product. As the program became more and more successful, Grimes 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.
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.
Group of Men Holding Wheeling Flags Standing Outside of Wheeling Corrugating Co. Tent 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.
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.
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.
Musicians Playing Outside of Wheeling, W. Va. Train Traveling to or From National Cornhusking Championship in Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Music was played in every station where the train stopped long enough for the purpose." These musicians are likely the Rhythm Rangers, performers on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program which was created in 1936 by Wheeling Steel advertising executive John L. Grimes. The program was ran and operated exclusively by employees and immediate family members of the Wheeling Steel Corporation, the first radio broadcast to use this model. The program was used to promote both the company's product as well as it's employees.
Musicians Playing Outside of Wheeling, W. Va. Train Traveling to or From National Cornhusking Championship in Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
These musicians are likely the Rhythm Rangers, performers on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program which was created in 1936 by Wheeling Steel advertising executive John L. Grimes. The program was ran and operated exclusively by employees and immediate family members of the Wheeling Steel Corporation, the first radio broadcast to use this model. The program was used to promote both the company's product as well as it's employees.
Crowd at Train Station Listening to Musicians From Wheeling, W. Va. in Midst of Traveling to or From National Cornhusking Championship in Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
These musicians are likely the Rhythm Rangers, performers on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program which was created in 1936 by Wheeling Steel advertising executive John L. Grimes. The program was ran and operated exclusively by employees and immediate family members of the Wheeling Steel Corporation, the first radio broadcast to use this model. The program was used to promote both the company's product as well as it's employees.
Child Wearing Wheeling, W. Va. Hat at National Cornhusking Championship in Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
Wheeling Steel Corporation brought performers and company products to this event to help promote their "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast to a broader audience, as well as to show off their farming equipment. This broadcast was ran and operated by company employees and family members, the first of its kind to utilize this model. It was used to promote both the company product and it's employees.
Group Boarding Wheeling, W. Va. Train Traveling to or From National Cornhusking Championship in Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
"It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast took their show on the road to this event to help raise awareness for their program as well as to promote the company's products to farmers at the event. The radio program began one year prior in 1936 because of company advertising executive John L. Grimes who wanted to create a program to advertise both the product and the employees who created the product. The program was operated exclusively by company employees and immediate family members, the first radio broadcast of this kind.
Wheeling Corrugating Co. Tent at National Cornhusking Championship in Marshall, MO
Date:
1937
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Some of these pictures were taken the day before the contest when exhibits were being arranged and the crowds hadn't arrived."
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
'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.
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 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.
Child Star Carolyn Lee, Guest on Wheeling Steelmakers Radio Program
Date:
Undated
Description:
Quote from a newspaper article reads: "Carolyn Lee, a successful star at four years of age, will have her own little sketch with the Old Timer who will try to induce her to sing the same song she sang with Madeleine Carroll and Fred MacMurray in the Paramount production, "Honeymoon in Bali". Wheeling's own little movie star is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Copp. Mr. Copp is a ceramic engineer and is employed by the Wheeling Steel corporation. The Copp child will share headline honors with another daughter of Wheeling Steel, Miss Betty Bromelow." The Old Timer was a character on the radio broadcast who provided banter and introductions. He was played by Wheeling Steel auditor, John Winchcoll.
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."
Tony Biacco Working With Ductillite at Wheeling Steel Corporation, Wheeling, W. Va.
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."
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."
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."
'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.
John L. Grimes Introducing the Steel Sisters, Performing With The Musical Steelmakers Band 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. The Steel Sisters and The Musical Steelmakers were regulars on the broadcast. The Steel Sisters became so popular that they eventually left the show to tour with Horace Heidt and his orchestra. 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.
John L. Grimes Introducing Three Young Boys on Stage With The Musical Steelmakers Band 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 (as evident by the microphone stands). 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.
Two Guest Performers of Wheeling Steel Family on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
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. All performers and crew members of the broadcast were Wheeling Steel Corporation employees or immediate family members.
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.
'It's Wheeling Steelmakers' Singer Regina Colbert Outside By Bus at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
Tom Whitley, orchestra leader of the Musical Steelmakers is behind Colbert, second man in from the right. "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast was started in 1936 by John L. Grimes who wanted to advertise the corporations product offerings while also promoting their employees. Throughout the entire life of the broadcast, only Wheeling Steel employees and immediate family members were allowed to participate. Including professional singers like Regina Colbert who was given a secretary position at the corporation. 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.
Regina Colbert and Tom Whitley Backstage at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
Center left: Tom Whitley, orchestra leader of the Musical Steelmakers of the Wheeling Steel Corporation. Center right: Regina Colbert, singer on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program and secretary in advertising office. In 1943 the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program 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.
The Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Reacting to Advertising Executive John L. Grimes at Microphone, 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. The Musical Steelmakers were regular performers on the broadcast. In 1941 the show was picked up by the National Broadcasting Company's Blue Network, as it grew in popularity. 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.
John L. Grimes Shaking Hands With Unidentified Man Before or After Musical Steelmakers Performance 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. 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.
Singing Millmen and Millmaids Performing for Studio Audience at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "This is what the Singing Millmen and Millmaids look like to the studio audience. The group is conducted by Lew Davies, and is composed entirely of steel workers and their families." This group was a performer on the Wheeling Steelmakers radio broadcast, which was ran entirely by Wheeling Steel Corporation employees and family members, the first all employee radio broadcast. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Crowd Enjoying 'It's Wheeling Steel' Show Inside 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.
Crowd Enjoying 'It's Wheeling Steel' Show Inside 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Performance at WVU Field House, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
Picture taken of performance inside of WVU Field House, which was part of the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio program's "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.
'It's Wheeling Steel' Cast Including Steel Sisters and WVU ROTC in Front of Boreman Hall, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
From left to right: (?), Margie Greig, Regina Colbert, B.J. Evans, Lois Mae Nolte, Harriet Drake, M.J. Evans, (?), Tommy Whitley, and (?). Picture taken before or after the 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.
"It's Wheeling Steel" Cast Including Steel Sisters and WVU ROTC in Front of Boreman Hall, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
From left to right: (?), Margie Greig, Regina Colbert, B.J. Evans, Lois Mae Nolte, Harriet Drake, M.J. Evans, (?), Tommy Whitley, and (?). Picture taken before or after the 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.
"It's Wheeling Steel" Cast on Street in Front of Boreman Hall, Morgantown, W. Va.
Date:
ca. 1943
Description:
Picture taken before or after the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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 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.
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.
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"."
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
