|
LCARC History |
The Beginnings of the LCARC
|
LCARC History Lesson By
Joe Cress, W9GRA (SK) Back in the late forties, right after the conflicts of that time, John Macnac of Whiting formed a radio club. It consisted of many radio operators who had been trained in the service, eager to get their amateur radio licenses. The FCC had licensed some while in the service. They had an advantage over the others that had to apply through the usual channels. The plethora of surplus electronic equipment was a ham’s dreams come true. Good, inexpensive radio equipment was available for the ham in quantities and prices never experienced before or since. It didn’t take long for the hams in the area to quickly form an organization of men and women with a common interest in radio. From John Macnac’s Whiting club grew an organization that was second to none in the state. Over the years, high-speed C.W. operators like Kenny Monroe, and organizational types like Chuck Rebert, and Bill DeGeer sparked interest in many a fledgling radio ham in the area. I made my first radio contact as a civilian in the fall of 1949. It was at that time that I talked to a couple of hams named Herb Brier and Roy Hulvey. They told me of a club that met at the Coast Guard station in Miller. In the years that followed, there were many places where the club held their meetings. For a time we met in Gil Galumbus’s basement. Gil’s basement was used whenever other accommodations could not be found. One meeting place in particular was a challenge. It was nothing but an excavation with four walls and a roof. The low ceiling and lack o circulation caused a bit of a problem. The members who were addicted to tobacco had little pity for their non-smoking brethren. Normal breathing in these restricted quarters became a problem. The room was so thick with smoke you didn’t know whether to breathe it or chew it! You could always tell a member who attended club meetings. They smelled of stale tobacco smoke and looked at you through red, blood-shot eyes. Those who were members in another era can only appreciate today’s meeting place and parking accommodations. As the membership and interest grew, it was inevitable that to protect the club and its membership, incorporation was necessary, and to keep the members informed a monthly newsletter was published. To break the winter doldrums an annual installation banquette was initiated. Because of its popularity and large attendance, tickets were sold out far in advance. This, more often than not, cause some consternation for those who failed to purchase their tickets in time. When Master of ceremonies, Chuck Reberg, opened the banquet in his distinctive booming voice by saying: “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s eat” it was to an eager audience that needed no encouragement. They were all anxious and ready to enjoy the cuisine of Teilbel’s restaurant. To this day the prize table and special awards have never been equaled. Many speakers such as Leo Myers, of World Radio Labs and others often honored the club with their presence. Those in attendance always thought that it was an experience well worth the small charge of admission. 
2019: LCARC amateur radio demonstration for a Boy Scout event at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
|
1942: Gary Civil Defense Network
1950s: LCARC members Doc (W9WJU) and Jack (W9DDA) Miner working on a television.
1957: Paraplegic LCARC member Herb Brier, W9EGQ operates from his bed. Herb was a popular writer for CQ and Popular Electronics magazines. The ARRL Herb S. Brier Instructor of the Year award is sponsored by the LCARC in his memory.
1996: After, American Eagle Flight #4184 crashes in Roselawn, the LCARC constructs a 150ft PiRod tower in Merrillville to increase coverage of our repeater systems for emergency communications. Nick Cominos, W9UM is wiring rebar at the base of the tower.
2012: Celebrating our 60th anniversary as the Lake County Amateur Radio Club.
|
Club Callsign - W9LJ History
Thanks to Mark, K9MQ for doing some research regarding the club call W9LJ. Mark found:
9LJ was held by Edwin W. Gould of Norfolk, Nebraska (this was prior to the 0 call district) according to the 1920 callbook. At this time all amateur calls began with a number.
The next entry Mark found was for Glenn Imler of Gary, Indiana. Glenn held W9LJ up until April 5, 1967 when he became a silent key. Mark also found Glenn held W9LJ in the 1954 callbook, so he held the call prior to 1954, how long he could not determine.
Glenn was a transmitter engineer at WIND (see his obit on this page). Glenn was also a charter member of QCWA Chapter 36. It appears the club obtained the W9LJ call after Glenn became a Silent Key.
The first time W9LJ showed up as assigned to the LCARC was in the Summer 1968 issue of the Callbook.
The LCARC also held special repeater callsign WR9AMU when the FCC required special repeater callsigns Mark could not determine when the call was first obtained, but the club held the call until they stopped renewing them in 1983.
This information was obtained through callsign historian, W3HF, as well as, hamcall.net's historical callsign databases from 1921, 1954, 1960, 1969, 1983, and 1995 and from the 1920 Callbook on Google Books.
9LJ was held by Edwin W. Gould of Norfolk, Nebraska (this was prior to the 0 call district) according to the 1920 callbook. At this time all amateur calls began with a number.
The next entry Mark found was for Glenn Imler of Gary, Indiana. Glenn held W9LJ up until April 5, 1967 when he became a silent key. Mark also found Glenn held W9LJ in the 1954 callbook, so he held the call prior to 1954, how long he could not determine.
Glenn was a transmitter engineer at WIND (see his obit on this page). Glenn was also a charter member of QCWA Chapter 36. It appears the club obtained the W9LJ call after Glenn became a Silent Key.
The first time W9LJ showed up as assigned to the LCARC was in the Summer 1968 issue of the Callbook.
The LCARC also held special repeater callsign WR9AMU when the FCC required special repeater callsigns Mark could not determine when the call was first obtained, but the club held the call until they stopped renewing them in 1983.
This information was obtained through callsign historian, W3HF, as well as, hamcall.net's historical callsign databases from 1921, 1954, 1960, 1969, 1983, and 1995 and from the 1920 Callbook on Google Books.
