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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.

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

Identifier:
048550
Collection Number:
A&M 3470
Title:
Little Girl On Stage With John L. Grimes and Tom Whitley With The Musical Steelmakers Band at Bond Drive in 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. 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.
Acquisition Source:
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation. Stoll, Richard E.
Acquisition Method:
Gift
Medium:
print
Projects:
West Virginia History OnView