[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE SOUTH JERSEY RADIO ASSOCIATION

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 1996

  Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the 
South Jersey Radio Association [SJRA], which is celebrating its 80th 
anniversary this year. The importance of radio in this society is 
intangible. From reporting news stories at critical moments to 
stretching our mental capabilities with thoughtful commentary, the 
radio has played an integral role in the development of this Nation. As 
the oldest active amateur radio club in the United States, the South 
Jersey Radio Association built the foundation of the radio industry.
  The SJRA, originally known as the South Jersey Wireless Association, 
first met on June 12, 1916 at the home of William G. Phillips in 
Collingswood, NJ. The meeting was composed of 13 ambitious individuals 
who were eager to learn more about the technical development and 
operation of wireless communication. Harry William Densham presided at 
this historic meeting which was attended by William G. Phillips, George 
Haldeman, C. Waldo Batchelor, Leon W. Ashton, William A.F. Pyle, Gordon 
Kressel, William L. Kirby, Edward B. Patterson, Henry Wetzel, Henry S. 
Byam, Taylor Stokes, and Roger W. Barrington. The South Jersey Wireless 
Association grew in size to 40 individuals by the time World War I 
began. The group responded to the growing need of wireless operators 
brought about by the war by conducting a wireless school in the physics 
lab of the Collingswood High School. After the course, many members of 
the club went on to advanced training at the Harvard University Radio 
School. Soon after the war, the activity of the association declined 
because of the rise in broadcasting and neighborhood annoyance over 
interference from local wireless telegraph stations. However, a small 
group of dedicated pioneers still met at each others homes to continue 
their pursuit. During this time, Normal Wible, a member of the SJRA, 
gained national prominence by being the first North American amateur to 
communicate with a South American over shortwave and vacuum tube 
transmitters. This event rejuvenated the club and gave rise to what is 
now known as amateur radio. On March 17, 1932, the SJRA received a 
station license with the call number W3CTV. Twenty-one years after its 
inception, the association became incorporated under New Jersey law on 
March 17, 1932.
  Over the past 80 years, the SJRA has taken the initiative to promote 
amateur radio. In 1993, they developed a special program to introduce 
amateur radio to over 2,000 fourth, fifth and sixth graders. The 
program set up an amateur station in each classroom and encouraged the 
students to talk with amateurs through the various pieces of equipment 
such as the SJRA repeater. SJRA members have also assisted in many 
special events such as the New Jersey Fall Festival, the New Jersey 
Apple Festival, and the New Jersey Cranberry Festival. The service of 
the SJRA to the community makes them worthy of special recognition.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the South Jersey Radio 
Association, an organization which has devoted its time and energy to 
the promotion of radio in the United States. With over 250 current 
members, the association has come a long way since its humble beginning 
back in 1916. I applaud the dedication of such an outstanding 
organization and I wish them continued success in the future.

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