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Description

WLBZ radio evolved from the passion of Thompson Guernsey, an amateur radio buff from Dover-Foxcroft who began experimenting with radio at the age of thirteen. As noted in a piece written by Fred Thompson in The History of Broadcasting in Maine: the First Fifty Years, Guernsey, considered by some to be an eccentric genius, began with homemade receivers and transmitters and an amateur license granted in 1921. After graduating from the University of Maine in 1926, Guernsey began operating WLBZ as a commercial broadcast station from Dover-Foxcroft.

In 1928, he moved his studio to the back of the Andrews Music House at 100 Main Street in Bangor and connected to a transmitter located at 861 Broadway. According to Thompson, "Radio was new to everyone in 1926, and aside from WCSH in Portland, his was the only commercial radio station in the state."

Subsequent WLBZ general managers were Edward Guernsey, (1934-1974), Irving Hunter (1974-1976), Edward Owen, (1976-1978) and Barry Darling (1978-1983).

WLBZ Bangor was purchased by Acton Communications in 1978 and became WACZ. In 1983, the station was purchased again and became WZON, Zone Radio.

The collection includes administrative and marketing-related documents dated 1926 through the 1970s. Photographs and publications also document the station's history. A bulk of the records are station traffic logs dating 1931-1957, providing information about programming, promotions, music, and technical data related to operation of the station's transmitter.

Publication Date

2023

Keywords

Business and Industry, Performing Arts, Social Life and Customs, Science and Technology

Disciplines

Mass Communication | Radio | United States History

Size of Collection

88 boxes (48 linear feet)

Dates of Collection

1926-2015

Manuscript Number

SpC MS 0608

WLBZ Radio Station Records, 1926-2015

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