[Hallicrafters] Hallicrafters Digest, Vol 115, Issue 25

[TC Dailey]

I've known Larry for some time, and have visited the W9BSP station - if 
you're EVER in the KC area, be sure to take it in - Marshall was quite a 
guy.. as was his SISTER.

Tom- W0EAJ (originally FROM KC)
>
> 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