KHQ's INAUGURAL BROADCAST IN SPOKANE
KHQ's inaugural broadcast in Spokane on 30
October 1925, which began at 8 PM, was marked by
"elaborate dedication ceremonies" according
to the Spokane Chronicle. For some time, radio
technicians from Seattle's Brott Laboratories,
led by F. J. Brott, had been preparing the
transmitter located on top of the Peyton Building for
this occasion. On the day of the broadcast, the
Spokesman-Review declared that "radio fans from
near and far will turn their dials to a 273-meter
wave-length (or 1100 kHz) at 8 o'clock."
Officials from the Inland Empire Broadcasting
Association hoped "to change this to a longer
wave length in the immediate future."
Mr. Louis Wasmer, president of the Inland Empire
Broadcasting Association, noted that "the same
amplification equipment is being installed that is
used on all the later San Francisco and Seattle
stations."
At the inaugural ceremonies, Rev. Dr. Louis Magin of
St. Paul's Methodist Church and president of the
Spokane Ministerial Association and Rev. Father
Fitzgerald "pronounced the dedication
invocation." An address by Lt. Governor Lon
Johnson was given.
Greetings from the "Friendly City" (a
nickname for Spokane) were given by Mr. Harlan I.
Peyton, president of the Spokane Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. R. L. Rutter, president of the Northwest Indian
Congress and Mr. Charles Hebbard also spoke.
Various groups sang musical numbers and performed
vaudeville acts. Mr. Frank A. Buhlert, director of
KHQ, was at the microphone in the studio in the
Davenport Hotel for this special broadcast which
concluded at 12 Midnight.
The Spokesman-Review noted that "the first 500
listeners who send telegrams or phone in that they
have heard the program will receive a souvenir bag of
ore from the world's largest lead mine, the
Bunker Hill and Sullivan, Kellogg, Idaho."
Compiled and edited by Bill Harms - updated 5 May 2005
SOURCES:
- "Ceremonies Will Mark Opening of New Radio Plant."Spokane Chronicle, Spokane, Washington, 30 October 1925.
- "Commerical Radio Station List." Radio Service Bulletin, 30 January 1926, #106, Pages 8-20, Department of Commerce, Washingon, DC
- "KHQ Goes On Air Here." Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, 30 October 1925.
