Answers provided by Bob Reynolds and Hoyt Griffith

Name of organization

WCCR Old-time Radio Club

Years of operation

2004 to present

Current membership

Approximately 20 on the club’s email list.  Usually seven to 12 attend.

Current leadership

Officially, the club operates without a president, chairman or other officers. There are no bylaws and no dues or fees. Newcomers are welcome to attend meetings and, if desired, get on the club’s email list to learn about upcoming programs. In the club’s current membership are Bob Reynolds (one of the club’s founders) and Hoyt Griffith (who usually selects and presents the programs).   

How to join

Simply come to a meeting. They are held on the third Monday of the month at the Isothermal College in Columbus, beginning at 3 p.m. Meetings usually last a little over an hour.

What is the primary mission of your organization?

To meet together to enjoy and appreciate audio recordings of old radio programs from the golden age of radio broadcasting, between 1925 and 1950. In addition, by watching old video recordings, attendees also appreciate radio stars and programs that made the transition from radio to television.  

What are the main causes the organization is involved with?

Development of interest in and knowledge of old-time radio, including radio’s influence on early television.  

How long have you been a member? How did you first get involved?

Bob Reynolds, since 2004. Hoyt Griffith, since 2005.  

The idea of the club began in 2002 when Hugh Anderson ran a series of articles in the Tryon Daily Bulletin dealing with old time radio.  One of the readers was Bob Reynolds. The two got together and formed the club, which began meeting in 2004. 

How does the organization make the Foothills a better place?

By being a unique organization in the western Carolinas, the WCCR Old Time Radio Club contributes to the diversity of interests in the Foothills area. Senior citizens in particular find the club’s presentations a way to reminisce about the time when radio was the dominant source of entertainment and news in the home.  Younger people can develop an historical perspective by hearing programs and events of the past and also appreciating the advancement of mass media through the years.

What is the main thing members get out of joining?

Members benefit by learning about and enjoying the early days of radio and television in a pleasant social atmosphere in a college setting.