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 with an A. B. in electronic engineering, 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).
The WLBZ station records and audio recordings at the University of Maine's Raymond H. Fogler Library Special Collections Department reflect rapid growth and evolution of the station from the 1930s to the 1970s. Materials include station logs, items related to licensing and operations, and many audio recordings of locally recorded programming. This digital collection makes several of these audio recordings available along with accompanying transcribed text.
For more information about files included in this collection or other materials in the station records, contact Special Collections, 5729 Raymond H. Fogler Library, Orono, ME 04469-5729, 207.581.1686, um.library.spc @ maine.edu.
-
Interview with Professor Clarence E. Bennett, Head of the Physics Department
WLBZ Radio
Bill Mincher interviews Clarence E. Bennett, Head of the Physics Department at the University of Maine. Recorded May 24, 1955.
-
President Eisenhower’s Address at Skowhegan, Maine
WLBZ Radio
An audio recording of the events of United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower's visit to Skowhegan, Maine in the summer of 1955. Includes the remarks of Senator Margaret Chase Smith, Governor Edmund Muskie, President Eisenhower, and several members of the community. Eisenhower emphasizes that to be able to protect the right of individuals and allow for society to prosper, it is important to maintain peace. Senator Smith refers to the President as "the greatest man of peace in the world."
-
Maine Industry in a New England Survey
WLBZ Radio
A series of audio clips from a program on New England, where the commentator says they decided to go "back to Maine and listen finally to some sounds and voices that say more about New England and its people than any further recital of facts and figures." Included are comments of Lucia Cormier of Rumford, Robert N. Haskell, Maine Senate President, and James L. Reid of Hallowell. Aired August 16, 1955.
-
Interview with Carl J. Broggi, Department of Development of Industry and Commerce
WLBZ Radio
A very brief interview with Carl J. Broggi, then Head of the Department of Development of Industry and Commerce.
-
Advertisements for Penobscot Savings Bank
WLBZ Radio
Advertisements for Penobscot Savings Bank on 74 Hammond Street in Bangor, Maine, recorded in December, 1955.
-
Remarks of John T. Barry at the Democratic State Convention in Brewer
WLBZ Radio
Excerpts from remarks of Bangor City Councilor, John T. Barry, at the Democratic State Convention held in Brewer, Maine, in the spring of 1956. Barry shares his gratitude that Democrats can hold their heads high in the state of Maine. While he does not mention him by name, it is clear that a significant portion of his remarks are a tribute to the tremendous success of Maine Governor Edmund Muskie.
-
Nissen Bakery Open House, Interviews with Several Area Residents
WLBZ Radio
Paul Ford and Bill Mincher of WLBZ interview several residents at an open house of the John J. Nissen Baking Corporation's new plant on Abbott Street in Brewer, Maine. Some of those interviewed were from as far away as Cape Cod, Massachusetts and New Brunswick, Canada. The sounds of the operation of the factory can be heard in the background.
-
Dot Campbell Interview with Patrick Dickinson, Exchange Teacher from England, Part 1
WLBZ Radio
Aroostook County Reporter Dot Campbell interviews Patrick Dickinson, an exchange teacher from New Castle, England, in 1956. They discuss how he came to be here in Maine, all about the exchange program and some of the differences between England and America.
-
Dot Campbell Interview with Patrick Dickinson, Exchange Teacher from England, Part 2
WLBZ Radio
The second part of a two part interview with Patrick Dickinson by Dot Campbell in 1956. The pair discusses some differences between the United States and England and what Mr. Dickinson wants to be doing and what he will be doing in his spare time.
-
Interview at the Kennebunkport Streetcar Museum
WLBZ Radio
An interview with the director, Pat Butler, New England Electric Railway Historical Society, in Kennebunkport in 1956. Includes the sounds of the cars, and comments from a society board member, Barbara Lee.
-
Story of Seth Noble and the Naming of Bangor, and Several Performances of the Hymn
WLBZ Radio
Paul Ford of WLBZ Radio narrates a program where Minister of the Hammond Street Congregational Church in Bangor, Reverend Edward G. Ernst, explains how Bangor got its name, by mistake, when Seth Noble mistakenly thought a clerk was asking the name of the hymn he was humming. WLBZ asked several area vocalists to perform the hymn. Recorded August 20, 1956.
-
Mrs. Dodge's Spanking Service
WLBZ Radio
An advertisement in the Boothbay Harbor, Maine, newspaper leads WLBZ to contact Mrs. Frances Dodge to ask her for the details on her unusual business, that of an" old fashioned mother" willing to spank children who need it.
-
Maine Supreme Court Justice Raymond Fellows on His Retirement
WLBZ Radio
An interview recorded by telephone on September 23rd 1956 after Chief Justice Raymond Fellows of the Maine Supreme Court had been retired for just a week.
-
Hoffman Television Advertisements
WLBZ Radio
Four short advertisements for Hoffman television sets from 1956.
-
Kenneth C. Colbath Political Statement
WLBZ Radio
Candidate Kenneth Colbath explains that inspired by the election of Edmund Muskie to Governor, he is running to help restore a truly two-party government to Maine, where Republicans have dominated.
-
Interview with Captain Farnsworth About Hurricane Warning Systems
WLBZ Radio
Captain Farnsworth of Jonesport, Maine, explains his involvement in the development of hurricane early warning systems when he was stationed as a Reserve Officer in the U. S. Navy in Galveston, Texas.
-
Minerva Cutler Interviewed about David’s Folly Guest House and Earthworm Business
WLBZ Radio
Miss Minerva Cutler of West Brooksville, Maine, is interviewed about David's Folly Farm and her earthworm business. Cutler explains that the earthworms were bred to help build healthy soil and serve as an alternative to the use of chemical fertilizer and sprays. Recorded in 1957.
-
Prince Rainier of Monaco Announces the Birth of a Daughter to Princess Grace
WLBZ Radio
Prince Rainier of Monaco addresses the public to announce that Princess Grace is in good health after the birth of a daughter, Caroline Louise Marguerite.
-
Northeast Airlines DC-6B Scenic Flight Over Northern and Eastern Maine
WLBZ Radio
Bill Mincher broadcasts from a familiarization flight hosted by Northeast Airlines. The group travels in the new DC-6B airplane over Mount Katahdin, the Grand Lakes area, Machias, and Bar Harbor. Includes interviews with Operations Manager George Steers, Captain W. J. Dunn, Stewardess Ann Burke, and area city managers Joseph Coupal, Norbert Dowd, Ralph Eye, and Donald Waring. Recorded in March, 1957.
-
Finnish Sauna or Steam Bath Explained by Alfred Erickson and Arne Johnson
WLBZ Radio
Bill Mincher interviews two members of the Finnish community in Maine, Arne Johnson of Warren and Alfred Erickson of Thomaston, about the tradition of the sauna or steam bath. Recorded in April, 1957.
-
Interview with Joe Culligan of NBC on the Concept of Imagery Transfer
WLBZ Radio
Matthew J. "Joe" Culligan explains how sounds trigger memory and the engagement of listeners, a human phenomenon referred to as imagery transfer, a concept that could be applied to advertising and radio programming.
He illustrates the point by playing four sounds with which listeners of 1957 would readily identify, the sound of a train whistle, an audio clip of the quote “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away," a bit of the song “Some of These Days,” and the quote “The hand that held the dagger has struck it into the back of its neighbor.” The radio announcer easily identifies all four, and admits he has significant memories associated particularly with one of them.
-
Log Drive, St. Regis Paper Company, Machias River
WLBZ Radio
An edited, shortened version of the visit to a St. Regis Paper Company log drive recorded on Tape 33. Bill Mincher provides background on the tradition of log drives on the Machias River and includes comments from Byron McPheters, Bob Wright, and Francis Haley. (This record and the transcript reflect the spelling found on the station log; state records seem to have alternate spellings of Francis Healy and Francis Healey as well). Interviews recorded May 8, 1957.
-
St. Regis Paper Company Log Drive
WLBZ Radio
Bill Mincher interviews several members of the crew on a St. Regis Paper Company log drive on the Machias River. Includes Byron McPheters, Bob Wright, Boyd Kilton, and Francis Haley. (This record and the transcript reflect the spelling found on the station log; state records seem to have alternate spellings of Francis Healy and Francis Healey as well). Recorded May 8, 1957.
-
Emma Gatewood Following Her Second Hike of the Appalachian Trail
WLBZ Radio
A brief interview with Emma Gatewood of Gallipolis, Ohio, before she heads home after successfully completing her second hike of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Mount Katahdin at the age of 69. Recorded September 18, 1957.
-
The Candidate Speaks: Remarks of Edward I. Gross, Carl E. Delano, and Robert E. Baldacci
WLBZ Radio
A program featuring brief remarks of three candidates for Bangor City Council in October, 1957.
-
Cross Country Canoeists in Old Town at the End of 5,000 Mile Trip
WLBZ Radio
Bill Mincher interviews four canoeists, Red Soderstrom, Earl Rikers, Ed Vestal, and Gerry Hewey, in Old Town at the end of a trip that began in Denver, Colorado.
-
Excerpts of Speeches of Dr. Hauck and Governor Muskie at Hauck's Retirement Convocation
WLBZ Radio
Excerpts of speeches of Dr. Arthur Hauck and Governor Edmund S. Muskie at a special University of Maine Convocation honoring Dr. Hauck on his retirement as University President. Recorded March 27, 1958.
-
Hotel Bellevue Advertisements
WLBZ Radio
Three advertisements encouraging Maine residents to consider a family trip to Boston to stay at the Hotel Bellevue on Beacon Hill. Recorded in 1958.
-
Promotional Spot for Bob Day Country Music Show and Hanson’s Depart Mart, South Brewer
WLBZ Radio
A short announcement encouraging listeners to tune in to listen to country music on the the Bob Day Show on Saturday mornings and an upcoming show about Hanson's Depart Mart on Main Street in South Brewer, Maine. Recorded August 20, 1958.
-
Edward H. Keith for City Councilman, Political Annoucements
WLBZ Radio
Short announcements encouraging Bangor voters to elect Edward H. Keith City Councilman in October, 1958.
-
Bowl Mor Lanes Advertisements
WLBZ Radio
Two 1958 advertisements for Bowl Mor Lanes on Hildreth Road next to Pilot's Grill in Bangor. The ads mention that Bowl Mor Lanes featured 20 alleys, ten candle-pin lanes and ten 10-pin lanes, the first official 10-pin alleys in Maine.
-
March of Dimes Fundraiser, Bob Day Show
WLBZ Radio
Radio host Bob Day asks the audience to send a dime with their requests for songs and dedications on his Saturday music show featuring country, Western, and hillbilly music.
-
United States Department of Agriculture Egg Promotion Spots
WLBZ Radio
Short radio announcements encouraging listeners to add tasty, nutritious eggs to their menus at bargain prices.
-
William J. Carney, Bangor City Health Officer, Encourages Polio Vaccination
WLBZ Radio
Bangor City Health Officer, William J. Carney, makes several pleas to make sure all family members are vaccinated against polio. Recorded in June, 1959.
-
TIMCO Pet Food Commercials
WLBZ Radio
Commercials for TIMCO dog and cat food recorded in 1959.
Only the first track is included in streaming audio. Both are included in the transcript.
-
Operation Progress: History of WLBZ and the Move from Main Street to Broadway
WLBZ Radio
A program highlighting 33 years of WLBZ radio station history and celebrating the move to new, modern offices on outer Broadway. Produced in 1960.
-
The Eisenhower Years: a Chronicle the Eight Years of the Administration
WLBZ Radio
A documentary featuring audio clips of highlights of the 1950s, including Eisenhower's farewell statement. Aired on January 19, 1961, his final day of Eisenhower's Presidency, the day before the inauguration of John F. Kennedy.
-
Salute to Dow Air Force Base
WLBZ Radio
A program on the history of Dow Air Force Base in Bangor and coverage of events on the day it closed, April 5, 1968. Includes audio clips from events in the base's history, including a visit of President John F. Kennedy. Includes remarks of Mrs. Richard K. Warren, Lady Bird Johnson, Edmund S. Muskie, Peter D'Errico, and Colonel James L. Flanigan.
-
The Man from Maine: a Special WLBZ Documentary on Edmund S. Muskie
WLBZ Radio
A documentary covering the life and career of Edmund S. Muskie as he becomes one of the most prominent politicians in the United States. Includes several audio clips of Muskie speaking, as well as those of Frederick Payne, Lyndon Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, and other political figures to highlight points of Muskie's career. Recorded after the loss of the Humphrey-Muskie ticket to Nixon-Agnew in November, 1968.
-
The Sounds of the Sixties: the Events and People that Shaped the Decade
WLBZ News
A documentary reflecting on political and social events that would be most memorable to Maine residents from the 1960s. Includes many short audio clips of national and local news stories from the decade. Aired on New Years Day, 1970.
-
Maine News and Let’s Talk It Over
WLBZ Radio
Mike McCarty reports the 10 o'clock news and weather, then transitions to Don Clark as he hosts a call-in radio show, Let's Talk It Over. Near the end of the broadcast, Clark summarizes the main topics of the day as "everything from gas to the gay convention, from the national police state to the typical politicians." Several callers express strong views opposed to the decision of the Trustees of the University of Maine to allow a meeting for homosexual students on the campus. (This audio begins at 26:25). Not dated. Based on news events reported, appears to have been Monday, February 11, 1974.
-
Maine News and Let's Talk It Over, Day 2
WLBZ Radio
After the 10 o'clock news and weather, John Wellington hosts a call-in radio show, Let's Talk It Over. The main topic of discussion for the full program is the gay conference being organized by the University of Maine's Wilde Stein Club. Not dated, but from topics discussed, appears to have been February 12, 1974.
-
Maine News and Let's Talk It Over, Day 3
WLBZ Radio
After the 10 o'clock news and weather report, John Wellington hosts a call-in radio show where callers express views on Bangor City spending and dog policies, President Nixon, foreign policy with Cuba and Russia, and several additional calls about homosexuality, gay liberation, and the conference planned at the University of Maine. Not dated; topics suggest the date was February 13, 1974.
-
Oral History Interview with Irving Hunter
Northeast Archives of Folklore and Oral History
Copies of audio recordings in the WBLZ collection of oral history interviews with Irving Hunter, conducted by Sandy Ives and Lisa Feldman on behalf of the Northeast Archives of Folklore and Oral History in the spring of 1975. The first interview is in Hunter's office just before his retirement as station manager. The second session was a class visit to AY 123, Folklore Fieldwork, on the campus of the University of Maine. Hunter is asked about his recollections of early days of radio in Bangor, the economics of the station, remote broadcasts, and several specific artists, particularly the Western or "Hillbilly" music groups that played in the region. Recorded March 12 and April 13, 1975.
-
Oral History Interview with Norm Lambert
Northeast Archives of Folklore and Oral History
A copy of an oral history interview conducted by Mark Lafond on behalf of the Northeast Archives of Folklore and Oral History with Norman Lambert, former Musical Director at WLBZ Radio. Lambert shares his recollections on Waity Aikens, using telephone lines for remote broadcasts, Lone Pine Mountaineer (Harold Breau), Uncle Ezra a.k.a. Uncle Hezzie, Ray Little, Maine Central Railroad Hour, jazz orchestras and Bangor area music venues.
-
President Jimmy Carter Town Meeting, Bangor, Maine
WLBZ Radio
Audio recording of the Town Meeting held in Bangor, Maine, during the visit of U. S. President Carter. After opening remarks on the topic of his comprehensive national energy plan, in which the President indicates that reliance on oil and the resulting high heating costs may ultimately cost Maine jobs, audience members ask questions.
Area residents ask the President about the regulation of business, his stance on the proposed Dickey Lincoln Hydroelectric Project, progress toward national health insurance, mental health care, funding to parochial schools, the platform of the Democratic Party in protecting the underprivileged, wood energy sources, the plan of creating a separate Department of Education, appointment of women to decision-making positions, the Federal Reserve Board, plans for Loring Air Force Base, abortion, Indian Land Claims, the Equal Rights Amendment, student loan default, the job of the President, programs for the handicapped, arms sales in the Middle East, the impact of malpractice insurance on the health care industry, Cyprus, and steps taken to prevent another oil embargo in the United States.
-
President Jimmy Carter at Fundraising Breakfast and Commentary Following the President’s Visit
WLBZ Radio
Coverage of President Carter's speech at a fundraising breakfast hosted by the Maine Democratic Party, and the comments of News Center's Harry Gordon, Brian Naylor, and Mal Leary following the President's departure. Recorded February 18, 1978.
-
Maine Association of Broadcasters Oral History Interview, Early Days of WLBZ-Radio
Norman Gallant
A transcript of an oral history interview conducted by Norman Gallant on behalf of the Maine Association of Broadcasters at the WLBZ-TV Studios on Mt. Hope Avenue in Bangor, Maine, March 27, 1985. Gallant talks with Ed Guernsey, Irving Hunter, Eddie Owen, Norm Lambert, Joe Eaton, John MacRae and Walter Dickson about the early days of radio in the State of Maine and the programs on WLBZ-Radio.
Handwritten notes and corrections were added by Barry Darling.
