1915: A Very Early Amateur Radio Operator

As a licensed amateur radio operator carrying the call sign WA2RVU, I naturally have created a "RADIO" folder in the Hamilton Township Public Library's Local History Collection. These early radio pioneers never cease to amaze me with their exploits of building radio transmitting and receiving equipment before the advent of "hi tech" communications equipment.

From my fellow amateur operator and friend Sid Deitz call sign W2FDE, this information is added to this post. "BB" Wetzel was a Trenton area amateur radio pioneer, and officer in the office of emergency management. The "73's signature Sid signs of with is ham radio speak for "regards," "sincerely," etc. When signing off with a female ham, instead of 73's, the signature is "88's;" love and kisses:

Hi Tom.; Washington Market – I think I once heard from BB, that it was located on Lafayette Street & also had a rear entrance on Front Street, so the building ran between these two streets – between Warren Street & South Broad Street. Don’t know if the building I’m, thinking of is still standing or has been demolished & replaced with a newer building – kind of think its gone & replaced with a state office building. On Front Street near where this building was located was a restaurant called Commini’s Restaurant & it was still standing as of 5 or so years ago. The “TRS” (Trenton Radio Society) used to meet there for dinner and chit-chat conversation after their meal. Members that I knew or heard of who were members are: BB Wentzel W2HX, Hy Siegel (don’t remember his call). Jack Power W2AXU, Pete Loser W2RNX (son of Dr. Paul Loser, PhD Trenton Schools Superintendent for many years – perhaps 1930 to 1960 ??) They were the more affluent hams around town, in my opinion.
BB once said, the Washington Market, was like an indoor “farmer’s Market” – so you may be able to discover some details about it & hope this little bit of “trivia” is of some use to you. Thanks & I always enjoy your newspaper column & your internet “Blog” too.

73’s Sid.

MANY THANKS SID FOR YOUR VALUABLE ADDITION TO OUR LOCAL HISTORICAL HERITAGE.

And this from another of my fellow DVRA amateur operators, Bob Schroeder, call sign N2HX;
Very good Tom. I attended Ewing HS with one of his great great relatives, Martin K. Pillsbury (Class of '69). The "K" stands for Kugler, by the way.
N2HX

DVRA TO THE RESCUE! These guys and gals are a font of technical and historical information. Check out the DVRA website. Go to www.W2ZQ.com. You will find it a very interesting site. Make sure you check out the date for our annual flea market.