WIBJ

WIBJ. One of the early RADIO stations in Dubuque, WIBJ, sponsored by the TELEGRAPH HERALD operated for one week from the GRAND OPERA HOUSE. When it signed off with a simple "Goodbye" on March 7, 1926 a week of unique entertainment was brought to an end. The station was brought to Dubuque by the management of the Grand, the Telegraph Herald, and the management of several Dubuque companies including MCFADDEN COFFEE AND SPICE COMPANY, IOWA OIL COMPANY, KASSLER MOTOR COMPANY, APPEL-HIGLEY ELECTRICAL SHOP, RENIER MUSIC HOUSE, and the J. F. STAMPFER COMPANY. It began broadcasting at noon on March 1, 1926 with an address by Mayor James ALDERSON. (1) On Sunday, March 7, 1926 the station was dismantled and transported to other city in the Midwest with broadcasts of local talent.

The week-long programming gave listeners an opportunity to enjoy. Those willing to visit the Grand witnessed how broadcasting was done as it was carried out on the stage in full view of the audience. (2)

The noon hour program on Friday featured piano duet selections by Ethel Gassman, the organist at the Grand, and Horteuse Platt, pianist. Beatrice Connolly sang requested songs and Al Heer, an employee of the JULIEN DUBUQUE HOTEL performed solos. (3)

The evening program, sponsored by the J. J. Stampfer Company, began with several selection of the DUBUQUE HIGH SCHOOL band. They were followed by the Radio State Quartet and the J. F. Stampfer Company quartet. Listeners then heard D. J. Wallis and John T. Neu, old time fiddlers, and the program closed with selections by an orchestra led by Ralph Abbatto, harpist. Another evening program opened by selections sung by the male choir of ST. RAPHAEL'S CATHEDRAL. These were followed by solos by Elsy Hoefflin, pianist and George Saffran, vocalist. McPartland's nine piece orchestra from COLUMBIA COLLEGE performed next. At midnight, Clem Boland's Orchestra and Don and His Ragtime Pals, played request numbers as did Ethel Gassman and Elsy Hoefflin. The program lasted until late the next morning. (4)

Other local talent performing during the week included a harmonic quartet from the DUBUQUE BOYS' CLUB; Harold Collins, pianist; Irving Burt, pianist; Ludwina Jungferman, vocalist; Dubuque Fireman's Band; Clifford Avery and his Orchestra; Mabel Rich Cottingham and Professor Franz Otto, operatic selections; Oxus Grotto Band; Ben Richards, accordian; Conn's Melody Monarchs; and Vincent CHEWNING and his WIBJ Orchestra. (5)

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Source:

1. "Dubuque Station WIBJ Says Goodbye," Telegraph-Herald, March 7, 1926, p. 24

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

Image courtesy: Paul Hemmer

Image courtesy: Paul Hemmer