[NJARC] Radio request for The War of the Worlds

[Alex Magoun]

    First, since I neglected to say this in July (. . . ), thanks to everyone from radio
experts to exhibitors to jacks of all trades for doing so much to make the last Hands-on
Radio History and repair clinic the best ever.  Over 150 people visited during the day,
and there was no let up in the clinic or the museum over six hours.
    Second, you'll be pleased to hear that Sarnoff Corporation finally committed itself
last week to opening the Library regularly to school field trips and tourists if the
non-profit DS Collection can obtain the funding for a professional and ADA-compliant
museum.  We took the first step with a project grant application to the state historical
commission for the redesign of the Library and access to it, and will follow up with an
application to the NJ Council for the Humanities.
    Since grants are not givens, we are also taking advantage of Sarnoff Corporation's
additional go-ahead with a reprise of The War of the Worlds broadcast on Friday and
Saturday, Oct. 28-29.  I'll pass on the press release later, but the Institute for Arts
and Humanities Education will provide a more professional cast, Friday's event will be
similar to last year's, and Saturday will be a $75/ticket fundraiser to help underwrite
the $20,000 design fee for the Library.  We have also contacted NJN's Tiz Christopherson
about broadcasting Saturday night beyond the confines of the auditorium as she was
interested in the possibility last year.
    I'd like to call on fellow club members to once again loan their 1930s radios for
two nights.  Last year showed that the four consoles in the front provided ample sound,
but for the mono surround effect having at least four working tabletop receivers would
be necessary.  Thanks to Marty and Sal and a third club member whose name also needs to
be on a tag, the Library has a working RCA Victor console, and Ray Chase has donated an
RCA console that needs sound restoration.  So overall we're looking for 2 more working
consoles, repairs to a third, and 8 tabletop radios, at least 4 of which should provide
that rich 30s sound.
    Now, here's the complication: at the next NJARC meeting, I'll be giving a paper on
RCA and Stalin's TV in Amsterdam.  Scott Marshall, who'll be speaking that night, has
agreed to act as Library host.  If you're willing to loan one or some receivers, please
let me know and I'll work with him on arranging for storage of radios in the office
suite.
    Thanks, everyone,
Alex