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).
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.
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Station Log, March 5-11, 1931
WLBZ Radio
The operating log for WLBZ Radio in Bangor, Maine, for the dates of March 5 to 11, 1931. The log notes the time the carrier goes on, the time program begins, the time program ends, and the time the carrier wave goes off. Columns provide places to note the time, plate voltage, plate current, antenna current, frequency check, temperature, and interruptions during the broadcast day.
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Station Log, January 19-February 4, 1932
WLBZ Radio
Log sheets and operating logs for WLBZ Radio in Bangor, Maine, for the dates of January 29 to February 4, 1932. Log sheets include notes on programs that aired. The operating log includes the time the carrier goes on, the time program begins, the time program ends, and the time the carrier wave goes off. Columns provided places to note the time, plate number, plate voltage, plate current, antenna current, frequency check, temperature, and interruptions during the broadcast day.
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Broadcast with Admiral Byrd from Bangor to Little America, Antarctic Exploration Base
WLBZ Radio
One of a series of programs produced for members of the Byrd Expedition stationed at Little America, an Antarctic research station at the South Pole. Admiral Byrd, in Maine for the summer, addresses those who remain at the station. He describes daily life in Antarctica and thanks the person who developed the broadcasts, Clyde Wagoner, head of the General Electric Company News Bureau. Sponsored by the Bangor Daily News, whose editor, Monte Bourjaily, addresses the audience. Also features Stuart Mosher, Doc Rockwell, performers from the Lakewood Playhouse in Skowhegan and several area musical performers. Recorded August 2, 1940.
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Wired for Sound
American Telephone and Telegraph Company
A pamphlet on radio, broadcasting, wire networks, and telephone engineering in the United States circa 1941. Includes a summary of milestones in the transmission of radio programs by wire from 1922 to 1936.
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Description of President Roosevelt’s Arrival in Rockland, Maine, After the Atlantic Conference
WLBZ Radio
Description of the scene at Rockland, Maine, as reporters and members of the community await the docking of the USS Potomac and the return of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to U. S. soil following thirteen days at sea to meet with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. NBC presidential correspondent, Carleton Smith, relays the points made by the President during a brief press conference held aboard the boat. (The voice of the President is not captured within the audio.) Recorded August 16, 1941.
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Mass Launch of Eight Ships from Maine, Coverage from Todd-Bath Shipbuilding Corporation, South Portland
WLBZ Radio
Coverage from the Todd-Bath Shipyard in South Portland, Maine, of eight ships being launched as a part of the U.S. war effort. Includes three speeches delivered by Maine Governor Sumner Sewall, Senator Harry S. Truman, and Admiral Emory S. "Jerry" Land, Chairman of the Maritime Commission. Recorded August 16, 1942.
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Blue Ribbon Minstrels Anniversary Broadcast
WLBZ Radio
The first anniversary broadcast, recorded in 1945, of a locally produced program known as the Blue Ribbon Minstrels. Everett Colman, interlocutor; Irv Hunter, announcer; Nissen Blue Ribbon Bread, sponsor. Also featuring the following cast: Don Holmes, Mr. Bones; [Leman?] Betts, Rufus the Clown; Norm Lambert, band leader; Bobby Jones, drums; Sam Viner, banjo; Stan Ivers, trumpet; Lanky Lancaster, sax; Dick Snare, trombone; Morris Shafmaster, Snowball; Gene Lewis, Sambo; Charlie Lancaster, Appleton B. Jones; Felix and Philip Veilleaux, Biloxi Brothers; Bob Beverly, Montague J. Bowerbank; Louis Pearson, Shuffling Joe Brown, Senior; John McLeod, Waldo W. Whuffletree.
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Memorial Day Dedication of the Bangor Book of Honor, Part 1
WLBZ Radio
The first portion of a live broadcast narrated by Irving Hunter of the ceremony held at Bangor Auditorium May 30, 1947 to present the Book of Honor, a volume compiled as a memorial to the 110 men from Bangor who died during World War II. Includes the remarks of City Manager Horace Etsey, Vice Admiral Carleton F. Bryant, Dr. Henry C. Knowlton, and the beginning of the remarks by Senator Owen Brewster.
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Memorial Day Dedication of the Bangor Book of Honor, Part 2
WLBZ Radio
The second portion of a live broadcast narrated by Irving Hunter of the ceremony held at Bangor Auditorium May 30, 1947 to present the Book of Honor, a volume compiled as a memorial to the 110 men from Bangor who died during World War II. Includes the remainder of remarks by Senator Owen Brewster and continues with Rabbi Moses Zuckor, Governor Horace Hildreth, Reverend Louis M. Brehaut, librarian L. Felix Ranlett, and Frederick M. Meek.
This is the portion of the audio that includes the reading of the names in the Book of Honor, beginning at 24:39.
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Console and Keyboard Melodies Featuring Norm Lambert
WLBZ Radio
A musical performance featuring Norman Lambert playing popular tunes on the organ and piano, sponsored by Maine Central, "the complete transportation system serving all of Maine by train and by highway bus." This recording featured the songs I Never Knew by Ted Fio Rito, Paradise in Waltz Time, That Little Dream Got Nowhere by Jimmy Van Heusen, and Paper Doll. Recorded to be broadcast in July, 1947.
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Console and Keyboard Melodies Featuring Norm Lambert
WLBZ Radio
A musical performance featuring Norman Lambert playing popular tunes on the organ and piano, sponsored by Maine Central, "the complete transportation system serving all of Maine by train and by highway bus." This recording featured the songs Linda, The Mexican Hat Dance, My Pretty Girl and Linger Awhile. Recorded to be broadcast in July, 1947.
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Coverage of Maine Forest Fires, October, 1947
WCSH Radio
W. W. Chaplin on NBC's News of the World with several reports of the 1947 Maine Forest Fires. His final report describes the situation in Bar Harbor, shared from Ellsworth over the facilities of WLBZ.
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Interviews at Jackson Laboratory Following Bar Harbor Fire
WLBZ Radio
WLBZ reporter Irving Hunter interviews several research assistants, including Richard Desjardins, John Lardman, Bill Stone, and Tote Parsons, about items lost and what was saved at Jackson Memorial Laboratory during the Bar Harbor fire in 1947. Hunter also speaks with Dr. Jason Scott of the Division of Behavior Studies at Hamilton Station, a branch laboratory of Jackson Lab.
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Coverage of Bar Harbor Fire of 1947
WLBZ Radio
WLBZ announcers John Wellington and Ellis O'Brien interview several individuals involved in disaster recovery efforts toward the end of the Bar Harbor fire of 1947. Wellington interviews Mr. Zwickert, Deputy Manager of the North Atlantic Area for the Red Cross. O'Brien interviews Deputy Fire Chief Asa Wasgatt, New England Telephone and Telegraph Company Manager John Conte, Bar Harbor resident Maurice Gilley, and chairman of the Bar Harbor Board of Selectmen Seth E. Libby.
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Forest Commissioner Rendall Calls for Volunteers for Bar Harbor Fire Patrol
WLBZ Radio
Maine State Forest Commissioner Raymond E. Rendall explains that fire-fighters are exhausted and there is a need for volunteers to assist with patrol of the area of the Bar Harbor fire of 1947. He provides a list of clothing to gather and explains how to report for volunteer duty.
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Budweiser Horses Visit Bangor, Part 1
WLBZ Radio
WLBZ's Irving Hunter interviews several people associated with a visit of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales to Bangor, Maine. The exact date of the broadcast was not noted. Circa 1948.
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Budweiser Horses Visit Bangor, Part 2
WLBZ Radio
WLBZ's Irving Hunter interviews several people associated with a visit of the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales to Bangor, Maine and rides along as the horses make their way around town. Irving explains to the general public how the radio station is able to capture the live broadcast using roving microphones and antennas. The exact date of the broadcast was not noted. Circa 1948.
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Theodore N. Vail Memorial Award Given For Bravery in Bar Harbor Fire of 1947
WLBZ Radio
The Theodore N. Vail Award is given to the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company for their bravery during the Bar Harbor Fire of October 1947. Recorded in 1948.
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Bangor Male Chorus Performance
WLBZ Radio
A musical performance by the Bangor Male Chorus, October 12, 1948, sponsored by the Eastern Trust and Banking Company. John Wellington is noted as having been the announcer; William Cupp, director; Harold Annis, accompanist. The group sings There's Music in the Air, Vienna Dreams, Sourwood Mountain, and Lost Chord.
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The Nature of America by Dr. Milton M. McGorrill, Orono Church of Universal Fellowship
WLBZ Radio
A brief sermon / talk on the Nature of America by Dr. Milton M. McGorrill of Orono, Maine, and the Church of Universal Fellowship. Recorded November 19, 1948.
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Christmas Story, a University of Maine Radio Guild Program
WLBZ Radio
Part of the "University Town" series, a performance of a script written by Mrs. Arthur Stevens, who also read the part of the mother. A family is trimming the Christmas tree and singing carols while also coping with the anniversary of the death of a family member.
Station notes mention that the announcer (Mr. University) was played by George Gonyar, Paul Payson played the character Paul and the organ, Priscilla Goggin played the sister, and Wendell Hodgkins played Bobby. Dated December 17, 1948.
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ESSO Reporter's 10th Anniversary on WLBZ
WLBZ Radio
Irv Hunter emceeing a review of ten years of the ESSO Reporter program on WLBZ Radio. Anthony Morin, Jr., of Bangor, a 10-year-old-boy (helped by his brother, Robert) reviews major events of the past ten years. WLBZ is congratulated by several ESSO officials on bringing up-to-the-minute news to the listening audience several times each day. Speakers include Verne Carrier, June Richdale, R. M. Gray, and A. E. Webber and Edward E. Guernsey. Recorded in 1949.
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Console and Keyboard Melodies Broadcast from the Bangor Sportsmen's Show
WLBZ Radio
Irving Hunter announces as Norm Lambert takes requests for songs to play on their show Console and Keyboard Melodies in a special, live broadcast from the Bangor Sportsmen's Show at the Bangor Auditorium March 18, 1949. Hunter speaks briefly with several show attendees and organizers, including Carl Lowe of the Thomas Rod Company, Maine Fisheries Warden Lester Stubbs, Mrs. George Wilson of Newport, Chief Crazy Bull, and Show Manager Howard Bond.
The original WLBZ station log indicated that this was the first use of the station's "new" roving microphone at the Bangor Auditorium.
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Maine Sports with John McKernan for March 29, 1949
WLBZ Radio
This 1949 edition of Maine Sports with John McKernan, Sr., discusses the upcoming opening of the fishing season, the tradition of sharing the first salmon caught at the Bangor Salmon Pool with the president of the United States, and the dwindling salmon population. McKernan next covers the sport of boxing, particularly an upcoming bout organized by the Bangor Boxing Club between Hermie Freeman (known as the Eagle Lake Assassin) and Tommy "Red" Wells of Manchester, New Hampshire. Finally, the program provides coverage of awarding the Bill Stern Athlete of the Year Award to Raymond A. Cox of Bangor High School. His coaches, Cy Perkins and Red Barry, both speak.
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Maine Broiler Day, Part 1
WLBZ Radio
A live broadcast of activities associated with the second annual Maine Broiler Day held at the Belfast City Park in 1949. The festival, featuring a chicken barbecue that served 4,000 people, was planned as a celebration of the Maine poultry industry and research being conducted at Highmoor Farm. The broadcast included remarks of several individuals associated with Maine agriculture, including Jake Brofee, A. K. Gardiner, Dr. Howard C. Pierce, Waldo Chick, Jim Coleman, and Frank Reed.
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Maine Broiler Day, Part 2
WLBZ Radio
Commentators Jack Atwood and Jake Brofee continue coverage of the second annual Maine Broiler Day festival in Belfast City Park in 1949. The organizer of coronation ceremonies, Laurel Clements, gives a few, brief remarks, and then Maine Governor Frederick G. Payne announces the winner of the Maine Poultry Queen contest, Betty Perry of Lincolnville Beach. Atwood and Brofee continue to discuss the methods for preparing a large barbecue to feed 4,000 attendees.
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Jean Murray's Memo (Pilot Program?)
WLBZ Radio
Jean Murray introduces herself and plans for a new daily radio program in 1949 to cover subjects of interest in the world of women. Murray explains her background and interest in the projects of local women's clubs. The program continues with suggestions for a week's worth of menu ideas and sewing tips for giving dresses a new look to fit the current season's styles.
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Jean Murray's Memo Sponsored by the W. T. Grant Store
WLBZ Radio
Jean Murray offers information about her background and plans for a daily radio program in 1949 on topics of interest in the world of women. The opening section is nearly identical to a previous recording, as Murray tells about herself and her interest in what's happening at local women's clubs. From there, this edition, sponsored by the W. T. Grant department store at the corner of Hammond and Central streets in Bangor, discusses the store's sweater and fur coat sections and the fall fashion line of international designer Madame Schiaparelli.
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Docking the ESSO Bridgeport
WLBZ Radio
Irv Hunter of WLBZ Radio in Bangor, Maine, describes the docking of the tanker Esso Bridgeport, as assisted by the tug boat Walter Ross in 1949. The tanker was arriving at Webber Oil Company's new tank facility in Bucksport, Maine.
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Docking the ESSO Bridgeport at the Webber Oil Company's Ocean Terminal at Bucksport
WLBZ Radio
Irv Hunter, serving as the ESSO Reporter, describes the 1949 docking of the tanker ESSO Bridgeport, assisted by the tug Walter Ross, at the Webber Oil Company's ocean terminal in Bucksport, Maine. Hunter checks in with captains Harold Spurling and Merle Abbot.
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Webber Oil Company's Redgate Ocean Terminal Opening, Part 1
WLBZ Radio
Part one of Irving Hunter's broadcasting of the 1949 opening of Webber Oil Company's Redgate Ocean Terminal in Bucksport, Maine.
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Webber Oil Company's Redgate Ocean Terminal Opening, Part 2
WLBZ Radio
Part two of Irving Hunter's broadcast of the 1949 opening of Webber Oil Company's Redgate Ocean Terminal in Bucksport, Maine.
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Hillman's Musical Milkmen Accompanied by Norm Lambert
WLBZ Radio
A musical program featuring the vocal harmony of Gene Hammons and Hugh Davis, accompanied by Norm Lambert on the organ. Sponsored by Hillman's Dairy and recorded to air in June, 1950.
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Console and Keyboard Melodies Featuring Norm Lambert
WLBZ Radio
A musical performance featuring Norman Lambert playing popular tunes on the organ and piano, sponsored by Maine Central. This program, recorded to air in July, 1950, featured the songs Dark Eyes, Do You Ever Think of Me?, Donkey Serenade, For Me and My Gal, I'll Get By, and How Come You Do Me Like You Do?
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Going Places with Jean Murray
WLBZ Radio
A recording of a program geared toward women in the area of Bangor, Maine, known as Going Places hosted by Jean Murray and sponsored by the W. T. Grant department store. Murray explains that this edition was pre-recorded so that she would be able to take advantage of the long holiday weekend for the 4th of July in 1950. Murray mentions many special holiday events listeners could consider attending and traditions and history associated with the Independence Day holiday.
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Hillman's Musical Milkmen Accompanied by Norm Lambert
WLBZ Radio
A musical program featuring the vocal harmony of Gene Hammons and Hugh Davis, accompanied by Norm Lambert on the organ. Sponsored by Hillman's Dairy and recorded to air in December, 1950.
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Memorial Program for United States Congressman Frank Fellows
WLBZ Radio
Bill Mincher narrates a program following the sudden passing of United States Representative Frank Fellows of Bangor, Maine. The program includes recorded comments of Robert Hale, Senator Margaret Chase Smith, Governor Frederick G. Payne and excerpts of speeched by Frank Fellows. Aired at 7 p.m., August 27, 1951.
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Chauncey Robbins, Candidate for Republican Nomination
WLBZ Radio
Chauncey Robbins explains his background and reasons for seeking the Republican nomination for Congress in Maine's 3rd district September 21, 1951.
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Chauncey Robbins Political Announcement
WLBZ Radio
A short, 20 second paid announcement encouraging listeners to vote for candidate Chauncey Robbins in 1951.
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Chauncey Robbins Political Announcement
WLBZ Radio
A short political announcement from 1951 encouraging listeners to vote for candidate Chauncey Robbins. This spot emphasizes his Navy service during World War II.
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Chauncey Robbins Political Spot
WLBZ Radio
A short political announcement encouraging listeners to vote for candidate Chauncey Robbins in 1951.
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Chauncey Robbins Political Spot
WLBZ Radio
A short political announcement from 1951 encouraging listeners to vote for candidate Chauncey Robbins. This spot emphasizes that he is under no obligation to special groups or special interests and gets things done.
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Eddie Owen Interviews Captain John Pyre About Oil Tanker Explosion
WLBZ Radio
Broadcaster Eddie Owen interviews Captain John M. Pyre of Brewer about a 1951 explosion in Chelsea, Massachusetts of the oil tanker Harold Reinauer.
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Shell Oil Terminal Dedicated at Searsport
WLBZ Radio
A live broadcast from the Shell Oil Terminal dedication in Searsport, Maine, October 17, 1951. Several representatives of the Shell Oil Company offer remarks, including Charles Tremble, William Ramsay and James Jordan. These representatives mention that events are a part of Oil Progress Week, and offer the slogan, "Petroleum Means Progress."
Maine Senator Owen Brewster was in attendance and was asked for comments on the oil industry and for his opinion on what some political observers had described as Taft's premature announcement of his candidacy for president.
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Campus Wheels, a University of Maine Radio Guild Program
WLBZ Radio
A University of Maine Radio Guild production in a series called "University Town." In this episode, titled "Campus Wheels," a new student, Joan Ramsay, is guided around campus to learn about clubs, activities, and opportunities for things to do besides studying. Campus leaders, also known as Campus Wheels, who played their own parts included Jean Frye, Greg McFarland, Walt Sherman, Marguerite "Flutter" Floyd, Jean McIntyre, Jan Pratt, Connie Berry, and Bob Ellingwood. The show was written by Larry Jenness, directed by Faith Taylor, and assisted by Carol Prentiss. Joan Ramsay was played by Sally Small and Sue by Joan Jackson. Joan Mason and Al Boulier also contributed to this 1951 production.
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Christmas and New Year Greetings from Area Business Owners
WLBZ Radio
Short station identification announcements recorded by area business owners to wish listeners a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in 1952. Announcers include area residents Ayer Suthers, Tom Largay, Joe Fleming, Charlie McInich, Winslow Grant, Bob Basbas, Bert Trainor, Shirley Footman and Frank W. Frye.
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Doris Chase, Brownville Telephone Operator, Awarded Vail Medal, Part 1
WLBZ Radio
Part 1 of a live broadcast where Mr. Doris Chase is recognized for heroism in response to a fire in Brownville, Maine, that destroyed the Masonic building February 4, 1951.
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Doris Chase, Brownville Telephone Operator, Awarded Vail Medal, Part 2
WLBZ Radio
Part 2 of a live broadcast where Mrs. Doris Chase of Brownville, Maine, is recognized for heroism in her role as night telephone operator for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company in her response to a fire at the Masonic Building on February 4, 1951.
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Pierre Monteux at the Domaine School for Conductors, Hancock, Maine
WLBZ Radio
Bill Mincher conducts several interviews and captures a few minutes of daily rehearsal at the Domaine School for Conductors in Hancock, Maine. Those interviewed include school director, Joseph Barone, school founder, Pierre Monteux, and students Clinton Graffam, Willis Page, Detlev Anders, Thomas Baldner, and Madeleine Menten. The student conductor during the session recorded was Gideon Grau. Recorded in 1952.
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Ruppert Light Ale Commercial
WLBZ Radio
A short commercial highlighting the distinctive qualities of Ruppert Light Ale, circa 1952.