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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. Tom Whitley, the man hunched over, is the orchestra leader of the Musical Steelmakers of the Wheeling Steel Corporation. 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.

1. Little Girl On Stage With John L. Grimes and Tom Whitley With The Musical Steelmakers Band at Bond Drive in Fairmont, W. Va.

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.

2. Two Guest Performers of Wheeling Steel Family on 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.

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.

3. John L. Grimes at Microphone With Unidentified Man In Front of The Musical Steelmakers Band at Bond Drive, Fairmont, W. Va.

4. Nicky Conti Playing Accordion With Wheeling Musical Steelmakers

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.

5. Ed Kostillo Headlining 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast

6. Tom Whitley, Band Director of the Musical Steelmakers Orchestra of the 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast, Playing Piano With Unidentified Woman

7. Crowd Applauds 'The Wheeling Musical Steelmakers' Performance, Orchestra for 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast

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.

8. Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Orchestra Leader Tom Whitley, Seated on Right, During Parade, Wheeling, W. Va.

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.

9. Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Riding in Truck During Parade, Wheeling, W. Va.

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.

10. Performers Dressed as Candy Stripers Preparing to Perform With the Musical Steelmakers Orchestra

Performance was part of a "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast.

11. Musical Steelmakers Orchestra Performing With The Millmen, The Steel Sisters, and The Evans Sisters

12. Bass Player for Musical Steelmakers, Orchestra for 'It's Wheeling Steel' Radio Broadcast