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.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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"."
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.
John Wisvari Threading Pipes at Benwood Works, Benwood, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption accompanying photo reads: "John Wisvari is a pipe-threader from the Benwood Works, plays violin, and directs his "Family" orchestra which he calls "The Polka Kings"." The Polka Kings were musicians who played on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast.
Lew Davies, Conductor and Composer of the Musical Steelmarkers Orchestra
Date:
Undated
Description:
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Lew Davies, conductor of the "Musical Steelmakers" orchestra and chorus, writes most of the musical arrangements himself. Helping him in this department are John Hahle, guitarist; Maury Longfellow of the production staff; and Gene Ahlers, trumpeter." The Musical Steelmakers were the orchestra who performed on Wheeling Steel Co.'s radio broadcast "It's Wheeling Steel", an all employee broadcast used to advertise both Wheeling Steel's product offerings as well as their large staff.
Caption on back of photograph reads: "Typical Wheeling family, the Evans household has an extra incentive to keep war production rolling. Brother Bill is in the Navy, serving in the South Pacific, and the arrival of a letter from him is a big event in the Evans home. The father, has been a steel roller for 29 years."
Wheeling Musical Steelmakers Riding in Truck During Parade, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
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.
Performers Dressed as Candy Stripers Preparing to Perform With the Musical Steelmakers Orchestra
Date:
Undated
Description:
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.
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."
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.
Evans Sisters and Others Enjoying the Outdoors, Ohio River in Background
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.
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."
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.
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 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.
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."
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.
Lamonte O'Brien was a musician who played on "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. He was well known for his unique ability to mimic the sound of a trumpet using only his hands, which he would often use to solo.
Sara Rehm Working at Desk in Wheeling Steel Co. Office, Wheeling, W. Va.
Date:
Undated
Description:
Sara Rehm was a soloist on the "It's Wheeling Steel" radio broadcast. Caption with photograph reads: "Back in Wheeling after less than two days as Cinderella, Sara was greeted by the same home-town band, same cheering citizenry, and at the office, same desk!"
'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.
