Findlay Radio Club

The first individuals who were also amateur radio operators were first noted on the local scene around 1922. Early amateurs met in the garage of Roger Day, WYAA. Several of the operators formed the beginning of the Findlay Radio Club in 1925. Shortly thereafter they opened their first club house on West McPherson Street in a converted voting cabin. Later, in order to sustain the club, members organized the Findlay Hamfest in 1942. The Hamfest, where amateur operators purchase and swap radio equipment, has run every year since that time.

Some of the early amateurs were Don Daymon, W8QC; Bart Geib, W8WE; Wally Seaman, W9DP; Clark Foltz, W8UN; Lynn Schubert, W8OMN; Fred Flowers, W8NL; Dr. Thomas Shoupe, W8QP; and Dick Corbin, W8IYC, who still lives in Findlay.

Beyond amateur radio, club members helped in the membership drives of WBGU-TV. They also visited the studios of WTOL-TV, the Cooper Tire and Rubber company, and the local printing plant of The Wall Street Journal in Bowling Green. They also visited the multi-transmitter installation of the Voice of America in Mason. Ohio.

In the 1950's, Clark Foltz seized the opportunity of purchasing approximately five acres of land off Totten Avenue on the west side of Findlay—which is the current site of the clubhouse and antenna farm.

Today the clubhouse has a meeting room, radio room, kitchen, and rest rooms. The radio room contains many radios from various manufacturers, and allows radio communication in almost all modes. Its antenna farm has many towers which contain antennas for optimal radio sending and reception. For all amateurs in the area and passing through, the club offers two repeaters—one on 440MHz and one on two-meters. The club participates in the ARRL's Field Day each year which allows the membership to contact many other amateurs from many different regions.

 

  •             It conducts examinations for those wishing to obtain an amateur license each month.

 

  •             It helps to fund the Findlay Safety Town which teaches area youngsters to respect and cope with vehicular traffic.

 

  •             The club has purchased a communications trailer which is used by the local ARES group in emergency situations.

 

  •             The Findlay Radio Club continues to provide the venue for the Findlay Hamfest, which is held in September each year.

 

  •             Members meet twice a month for business, socializing, and training.