[GreenKeys] Father "RTTY"

[John Beckman]

Maybe I've missed it, or maybe it doesn't matter anymore - but some of 
the newcomers to RTTY might be interested in the man commonly credited 
with starting and encouraging  RTTY, the best of all modes. We've seen 
references to Irv Hoff and Wayne Green, and certainly they made 
contributions and encouragement, but nothing has been mentioned (to my 
knowledge) about  W2BFD, John Williams, "The old maestro of RTTY."

John started the first RTTY "net" in 1946 with 30 printers in the New 
York City area. John gave lectures and demonstrations at tons of ham 
club meetings during the following two years, including participation in 
an ARRL Convention. Articles about this new mode began appearing in ham 
magazines in 1948 (Wayne Green, W2NSD. then Editor of "CQ" magazine was 
an avid  RTTY enthusiast and he continued that support as publisher of 
"73" magazine.).

By 1949 RTTY stations were popping up from coast to coast, but had it 
not been for pioneers like John Williams, W2BFD, who knows how long it 
might have been before someone else discovered this notable addition to 
the enjoyment of our wonderful hobby.

Perhaps some of the "oldest" old-timers on this list may have known John 
and can share some more insight into this remarkable ham.

John W4BTX