[Hallicrafters] (no subject)

[Larry Woodworth]

Hi to all,

Just had to weigh in on the "Learning CW" thread. The radio oriented museum I manage here in Olathe, KS. is the old Dairy Farm home of Marshall Ensor, 9BSP, who as W9BSP back in 1929 answered the ARRL QST request for volunteer hams to use their equipment to do over the air training of would-be hams listening to the 200 to 600 meter band for any such help.

Marshall had learned CW at age 15 using an Omnigraph.  CW cut on the edge of turning platters. The model he used was made about 1909. It still works. He modified it to include a hand key so that he had a real tutor on the tabletop. After mastering CW he used the the mode to communicate for the first time using a hand built Spark Gap / Crystal detector 2-way rig.

Unlike several others who volunteered for short times, Marshall at age 18 became a teacher of manual arts at Olathe High School where held that position for 46 yrs. Anyway, Marshalls on air training proceeded until 1941 and we have post cards, QSL cards, and letters from many thousands of thankful hams for his professional teaching methods. We use Marshall's W9BSP call today from his wonderful old radio room un-changed since he used it from 1930s. We have restored his 1937 AM/CW killowatt rig and SX-16 however.

Personally, The boy scout Morse Code Merit badge was my start in this wonderful hobby.

Larry W0HXS
Ensor Park & Museum

larryw0hxsat yahoo.com