CJCE June 1922

A look back at various radio stations

CJCE June 1922

Postby cart_machine » Wed Jun 01, 2022 8:32 am

Only a few months into its operation, the Vancouver Sun was referring to its radio station as the “Sprott-Shaw Radio Company station.” From the paper’s newspaper stories, it’s unclear who held the license. In Los Angeles at this period, electrical companies were hired to operate stations for newspapers or department stores, most of which got out of the business after the novelty wore off and expenses mounted.

The Sun station seems to have been the only one in Vancouver at this time to broadcast something other than records.

A letter was received by the station by Vincent Kraft in Seattle. He was the founder of KJR; it was originally his amateur station, 7XC. The Rhodes Department Store station was KDZE, licensed in May 1922. You probably know it better as KOL.

The city directory reveals a Jim Davison working for Kelly-Douglas. Jack Slater was employed by a clothing wholesaler and Stuart Kyle sold ad space for the Sun.

Apologies for any uncorrected OCR errors.

Thursday, June 1, 1922
Sun Radio to Feature Programme at Opening
A SPECIALLY selected miscellaneous programme of music has been arranged for the official opening today of the Manufacturers’ Permanent Exhibition in the new home at 927 Granville Street, by The Sun Radio, and visitors to the building will listen to one of the best concerts yet produced over the radio.
The receiving set and loud talker will be set up on the main floor and the thousands of visitors who are expected to be given an exceptional opportunity to hear the music. Immediately after His Honour Lieutenant Governor Walter C. Nichol has declared the exhibition officially opened the visitors will be at liberty to examine the hundred and one interesting exhibits already in the place.
It is rare, indeed, that such a combination of industry, art and music can be found as will be discovered in the Manufacturers’ Building today. On the top floor, the B.C. Art League has a collection of pictures, some of which have been loaned by the National Gallery at Ottawa, and the whole of which forms an exhibition the like of which has never been seen before in this province.
With the presence of an orchestra, at least two soloists and a programme of music over the radio, the occasion promises to be one long to be remembered. In the afternoon the performance will be given between 3:30 and 5 o’clock, and in the evening between 8 and 10 o’clock.
Those attending in the afternoon are invited guests, but in the evening the building will be thrown open to the public from 6 o’clock until 10 o’clock.

Friday, June 2, 1922
Thousands Entertained by Radio Music Programme
The high-power Sprott Shaw Radio Co. station was put into operation again yesterday afternoon. In the evening, a specially selected programme of music and song entertained thousands at the official opening of the Manufacturers Permanent Exhibition in its new home at 927 Granville Street.
A radiophone receiver and loud talker was installed in the auditorium at the exhibition rooms and hundreds who loitered near the apparatus wondered at this new and great invention of the day. So sensitive is the apparatus used that radio waves so minute and electric current too weak to be able to light a flashlight globe may be amplified in such an extent so as to be audible at a distance of 200 feet or more from the outfit.
From Centralia comes the report that The Sun Radio programme is the best on the coast. The modulation is better and the speech is louder than any of the others, states V. I. Kraft.
The wireless operator on the “Venture” has copied the noonday broadcast from The Sun station at Alert Bay. This is an exceptional record, as the atmospheric conditions during the day do not permit the transmission of radiophone broadcasts over any great distances.
The Vancouver Sun and The Pacific Radio Supplies have arranged to feature the V. O. N. open-air fete at Brockton Point, today and Saturday, with four radiophone concerts. There will be two each day, one in the afternoon and one during the evening The Pacific Radio Supplies is installing a super sensitive receiver with a loud talker attachment and The Vancouver Sun has arranged for several excellent programmes to be broadcasted for the occasion. Many are expected to attend the fete and hear the radio concerts as well as the many other features.
Programme For Today
THE SUN Radio Programme to be broadcast by The Sprott-Shaw Radio Company on a 420-metre wave length today and tonight, is as follows:
12:30 p.m.—Latest news, market reports and concert numbers.
1:30 p.m.—Final news reports from all parts of the world.
3:30 p.m.—News digest and musical programme.
4:30 p.m.—Concert numbers.
5:00 p.m.—Final news flashes and market returns.
8:00 p.m.—Musical selections.
8:30 p.m.—Baseball results.
9:30 p.m.—Concert numbers.
10:00 p.m.—Final news flashes.
Musical selections are played on a Classic phonograph, and the records used are Columbia and Apex, by courtesy of local music houses.
Gerard Heintzman piano by courtesy of Fletcher Bros. Limited.

Saturday, June 3, 1922
Famous Zig-Zag Orchestra To Play on Radio Tonight
RADIO fans will hear the famous Zig Zag orchestra over the radiophone tonight.
They are from England and have toured the south of England as the Zig-Zag concert party.
As an opener they will play their favorite march, “Repaz,” followed by “Montana,” “Smilin’,” “The Old Swimming Hole,” “Wabash Blues” and “Granny.”
Jim Davison, a well-known local veteran, is a talented entertainer at the piano and will sing two of his old-time favorites, “Fritz,” and “Sing Us An Old Country Song.” The Benton Brothers, George Parker and C. Hinton for the rest of the orchestra which will please the radio fans tonight.
The V. O. N. Open Air Fete, which opened today at Brockton Point, was featured with two radio concerts, one in the afternoon and the other during the evening. The Canadian Radio Service Co. installed the radiophone receiver and a special programme was broadcasted by The Sun.

Sunday, June 4, 1922
Thousands of Fans Hear Zig-Zags on Radiophone
The original orchestra from the famous Zig-Zag Concert Party, a company of soldiers who during the war were famous for their playing in the south of England, last night gave to the radio fans a number of the latest selections of dance music.
Jim Davison, a well-known veteran who is a talented entertainer at the piano, rendered two of his old-time favorites, "Fritz" and "Sing Us an Old Country Song."
If any returned men were listening in last evening they will remember Jim Davidson's songs as the two which made the Zig Zag Concert Party famous.
Sunset Gables, near Bridal Veil, Oregon, on the Columbia River Highway, reports that The Sun Radio Programme is exceptionally good and that every evening at that point it has no trouble in tuning in The Sun. The broadcast is strong and clear and the programmes are well selected.
Today there will be no Sun Radio Programme. Monday night The Sun will have some special feature numbers included in the broadcast. Every night following for the remainder of the week during the evening broadcast there will be a special feature so radio fans nbe sure to be on the air. There have been some good numbers lined up.

Monday, June 5, 1922
Sun Radio Programme Heard Distinctly 700 Miles Away
Special orchestra selections will feature The Vancouver Sun radio programme tonight. Arrangements have been made with the Lee Deither dance orchestra to provide the radio fans with a number of the latest fox-trot and waltz hits of the season.
As part of the evening’s entertainment West Gilland, well-known for his ability on the saxophone, will provide some incidental jazz selections. Alex Denaghy (banjo), Percy Lee (piano), Rolland Tibb (mute trumpet), and Yank Deither (traps), complete the orchestra, which has delighted thousands during the past winter. Tonight they will have the syncopated strains from their orchestra broadcast to all within a thousand-mile radius.
Jack K. Maynard, a prominent radio amateur at Morse, Sask., reports to The Vancouver Sun that on the evening of May 30 he was able to hear The Vancouver Sun radio programme without a break. It was loud enough to hear all over the room, he states. Morse, Sask., is situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, a distance of 700 miles from Vancouver. The reception of The Vancouver Sun radio programme by Jack Maynard constitutes one of the best records ever made by The Sprott-Shaw Radio Company radiophone.

Tuesday, June 6, 1922
Soprano From Pantages Will Sing on Sun’s Radio Tonight
From Saskatchewan to the coast and from Prince Rupert to San Francisco, Miss Nada Norraine’s voice will be heard in the air tonight.
Nada Norraine, the talented soprano who is delighting thousands at the Pantages Theatre this week, has consented to sing over the radiophone tonight. At eight p.m., she will commence the feature of tonight’s Sun Radio programme with “O Sol Mio,” following which she will sing to music lovers who are on the air the well-known song, “Sleep, Baby, Sleep.” Miss Norraine will also sing, “Leave Me With a Smile.”
The Radio fans were treated to some of the best jazz music last night that has ever been heard over the radiophone. The Lee Deither Dance Orchestra rendered to the thousands of radio fans which have recently come into existence since The Sun opened the first broadcast station in Canada a number of the latest popular dance selections.
Those who contemplate the installation of a radio receiver with which to hear The Sun Radio programmes must first secure a licence to operate such a radio outfit. It may now be obtained at Wicket No. 6, Post office Building, upon payment of one dollar.
Programme For Today
THE SUN Radio Programme to be broadcast by The Sprot-Shaw [sic] Radio Company on a 420-metre wave length today and tonight, is as follows:
12:30 p.m.—Latest news, market reports and concert numbers.
1:30 p.m.—Final news reports from all parts of the world.
3:30 p.m.—News digest and musical programme.
4:30 p.m.—Concert numbers.
5:00 p.m.—Final news flashes and market returns.
8:00 p.m.—Selections by Miss Nada Norraine.
9:30 p.m.—Concert numbers.
10:00 p.m.—Final news flashes.
Musical selections are played on a Classic phonograph, and the records used are Columbia and Apex, by courtesy of local music houses.
Gerard Heintzman piano by courtesy of Fletcher Bros. Limited.

Wednesday, June 7, 1922
Monologues by Will Morris Features Sun’s Radio Tonight
Will Morris of the Pantages circuit, who is playing at the local theatre this week, will be the head-liner in The Sun radio programme tonight. Mr. Morris has been delighting thousands at the theatre with a number of good monologues and has consented to render several of them over the radiophone.
Jack Slater, talented local baritone, will sing to the thousands of radio fans tonight, “Madalay,” and several other baritone numbers. Mr. Stater will be accompanied by Miss E. Bryant at the piano.
Several piano solos are also to be given tonight to the vast number of listeners and Stuart Kyle has consented to play over the radio one or two classical selections, as [well] as several popular numbers.
All those who are not in possession of a radio receiver outfit will again have a chance to hear The Sun radio programme. Go to the Jericho Ten Gardens tonight. The Sun has arranged to have a radiophone receiver and loud talker installed there, and those who attend will have a chance to hear a well-selected and varied programme which will be broadcast from The Sprott Shaw high power radiophone station in the Tower Building. This is the station which is used by The Sun to transmit its programmes to the thousands who are within a thousand-mile radius.
Programme For Today
THE SUN Radio Programime be broadcast by The Sprot-Shaw Radio Company on a 420-metre wave length today and tonight, is as follows:
12:30 p.m.—Latest news, market reports and concert numbers.
1:30 p.m.—Final news reports from all parts of the world.
3:30 p.m.—News digest and musical programme.
4:30 p.m.—Concert numbers.
5:00 p.m.—Final news flashes and market returns.
8:00 p.m.—Selections by Will Morris.
8:30 p.m.—Songs by Jack Slater, accompanied by Miss E. Bryant.
9:30 p.m.—Concert numbers.
10:00 p.m.—Final news flashes.
Musical selections are played on a Classic phonograph, and the records used are Columbia and Apex, by courtesy of local music houses.
Gerard Heintzman piano by courtesy of Fletcher Bros. Limited.

Thursday, June 8, 1922
Gyro Orchestra to Be Heard On Sun Radiophone Tonight
Tonight the radio fans will be treated with some of the best local talent. The Gyro Orchestra will render a number of popular selections which have put them in demand in Vancouver of late. Included in their part of the programme will be “Tell Her at Twilight,” “Bow Wow Blues,” “Wabash Blues,” “On the Gin’ Gin’ Ginny Shore,” and other popular dance numbers.
Alex. Urquhart of the Gyro Club will give a short talk on the history of the potlatch in general and the Vancouver Tyee Potlatch in particular. All those who are listening in tonight will get their invitation to attend the Vancouver Tyee Potlatch.
Thousands were delighted at the programme which was broadcast from the Sun station last night, particularly with the baritone solos by Jack Slater, accompanied by Miss E. Bryant.
Hundreds attended The Sun Radio concert last night at the Jericho Tea Gardens. A special receive and loud talker was installed and all were able to hear.

Friday, June 9, 1922
Tenor Selections Will Be Heard on Sun Radio Tonight
F. Currie, well-known local tenor, will sing to those “listening in” tonight several selections as part of The Sun Radio Programme. His first number will be “The Magic of the Sunrise,” followed by “Smile Through Your Tears,” and “Vale.” Mr. Currie will be accompanied at the piano by Miss Ida Withers.
A very interesting address was given over the radiophone last night by Dr. R. C. Augustine, noted eye specialist, who is at present in Vancouver speaking on the care and conservation of the eyes. Alex. Urquhart, prominent Gyro Club member of this city, extended to all an invitation to visit Vancouver and the Tyee Potlatch. He outlined the history of the Potlatch in general and the Vancouver Tyee Potlatch in particular. Following this the well-known Gyro Club orchestra rendered several selections to the radio fans.
It has been estimated that there are nearly 2000 radio fans in and around Vancouver. Before radiophone broadcasting was introduced in the city by The Sun, three months ago, there were only about 300 amateur installations. So great was the rush on the sale of radios apparatus at first that the electrical dealers were unable to keep up with their orders.
The situation has been much improved lately and now there are many stores in the city which have at the disposal of radio fans a complete line of the best possible apparatus obtainable. The cost of a radio outfit with which to pick up The Sun broadcast is not prohibitive and you can buy raidio [sic] parts and get in on this great free service offered to the public by The Sun.

Saturday, June 10, 1922
Sun’s Radiophone Is Given Commendation
F.A. Dawley, Sequim, Washington, radio fan, has written to The Sun to say that for the past month he has been receiving without a break The Sun Radio Programme. He states that the broadcast comes in so strongly that it drowns out the Rhodes Department Store station at Seattle, although the distance from Sequim to Vancouver is twice as great.
The power of these two stations is the same, which is indication of the efficiency of The Sun station. This is not the only instance where reports have showed that The Sun station is stronger than any other on the coast. Port Angeles, Washington, and Glenwood, Oregon, have sent in similar reports.
The programme last evening proved very acceptable. F. Currie gave to the radio fans several tenor solos which seemed to please those listening in, judging from the reports received. He was accompanied by Miss Ida Withers at the piano. A special selection of records was broadcast last night. Many of these are not on sale yet, but by special arrangement with the dealers, they were allowed to be broadcast over the radiophone. Among them were several good fox trots and waltzes, which are sure to make a hit as soon as they come on sale.
“Leave Me With a Smile,” “Wabash Blues” and several other popular numbers were rendered last night by Miss Lillian Snider, saxophone, and Miss Nan Hadgkiss, piano.
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Re: CJCE June 1922

Postby jon » Wed Jun 01, 2022 4:59 pm

In 1992, Mary Vipond researched a complete list of broadcast licenses issued in Canada during the first month such licenses became available: April 1922.

According to her list, CJCE was licensed to the Vancouver Sun on 420 metres. This was not the case in other cities, such as Calgary, where CFAC was the only license issued that month, and it was to George Melrose Bell, but when it eventually signed on, it was the Calgary Herald's station.
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Re: CJCE June 1922

Postby cart_machine » Sat Jun 04, 2022 10:27 pm

jon wrote:In 1992, Mary Vipond researched a complete list of broadcast licenses issued in Canada during the first month such licenses became available: April 1922.

According to her list, CJCE was licensed to the Vancouver Sun on 420 metres. This was not the case in other cities, such as Calgary, where CFAC was the only license issued that month, and it was to George Melrose Bell, but when it eventually signed on, it was the Calgary Herald's station.


I guess I'm too lazy to look around, but either Sprott-Shaw acquired the license, or it got its own and CJCE kind of folded into it. Tracking radio in the early era gets a tad confusing, certainly what I've seen in various American cities that I've looked at.

cArtie.
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Re: CJCE June 1922

Postby cart_machine » Sun Jun 05, 2022 1:41 am

This post will conclude our look at the earliest days of Vancouver radio.
The Vancouver World stopped publishing stories about its station not long after it opened, the Daily Province's reports on its CFCB became limited to a general, standard announcement after the first few months and after the Vancouver Sun's station went off the air for repairs, there was no reporting on it until November 21, when the paper stated the Sun had resumed broadcasts, half an hour each day Monday through Saturday, some which consisted of a conversation with another radio station, which couldn't have been very entertaining. There was also some music (records, I suspect) and news.

CJNC went off the air in 1923. Remember, there was no advertiser so the station owner bore the costs of all expenses.

Fred Kelway, if you're wondering, was a waiter at the Good Eats Cafe.

Sunday, June 11, 1922
Sun Radio Will Attempt to Establish Communication With Prairies
Tests will be carried on shortly in an effort to get in communication with the Winnipeg Tribune broadcasting station.
Arrangements are being made with the Tribune to carry on a series of experiments with its broadcasting station C.J.N.C. and The Sun station C.J.C.E. An effort will be made to talk with the Winnipeg station on straight voice radiophone, and if that fails continuous wave transmission will be tried. If the tests are successful it will be possible to keep in touch with the prairie city through the medium of the radiophone.
The tests will be carried on within the next two weeks, as soon as The Tribune has installed its new station which will have four times the power of the old apparatus.
The new apparatus will be a 2 K.W. Marconi combination radiophone receiver and transmitter.
Thousands last night were treated to a varied programme from The Sun station. Many stated that the broadcast was the best yet and that every day shows an improvement at The Sprott Shaw station.
There will be no Sun radio programme broadcast today. Monday night will start off the week broadcasts with a big concert which is now being arranged.

Monday, June 12, 1922
Dance Selections to Go Out On Sun's Radio This Evening
There will be many good dance selections included in The Vancouver Sun radio programme tonight. The Hollyburn Pavilion dance orchestra de luxe has consented to play over the radio. This orchestra, one of the best In the city, will be remembered by all who have summer homes at Dundarave and other points in the municipality of West Vancouver as the one that pleases thousands of dancers every week at the Hollyburn open air dance pavilion. Included in their part of the programme will be "The Sheik," "Wabash Blues," "Pullman Porter Blues" and several other well. known dance hits of this season.
At first some trouble was experienced at the Sprott-Shaw radiophone station in transmitting orchestra numbers. It was found necessary to carry out a series of experiments on this subject in an effort to find the best possible means of picking up the orchestra selections. At last a successful means of doing this has been found, and the final tests were carried out on Friday night. They were successful in every way and reports stated that the modulation was perfect.
Prince Rupert hears The Vancouver Sun radio programme perfectly. At that point, during the evenings, there is no trouble in keeping in communication with the Sprott-Shaw station. Every word transmitted is perfect, as is each selection.

Tuesday, June 13, 1922
Talented Baritone to Sing on Sun's Radiophone Tonight
F. Kelway, the talented baritone, pupil of Miss Kathleen Beveridge, will feature tonight's Sun Radio programme with a number of solos. Mr. Kelway on many occasions has pleased thousands of music lovers at local entertainments. He will be accompanied by his teacher, Miss Beveridge, at the piano.
The selections arranged bv Miss Beveridge for Mr. Kelwav are in two parts, the first beginning al 8 p.m., and are as follows: "Flight of Ages,” "Little Mother of Mine'' and "Parted." The second part of Mr. Kelway’s programme is composed of the following: "Down the Vale," "hors" [?] and Tosti's "Goodbye."
Radio 7, H. D, whose name Is unknown, situated at Seaside, Oregon, reported to Mr. Wood. Jr., at the Barron Hotel just night by wireless that he has been receiving The Sun Radio programme regularly every evening during the past month He stated that at no time was he ever at a loss to entertain his friends with a radio concert while The Sun was broadcasting. Programme For Today
THE SUN Radio Programme to be broadcast by The Sprot-Shaw [sic] Radio Company on a 420-metre wave length today and tonight, is as follows:
12.30 p.m.—Latest news, market reports and concert numbers.
1:30 p.m.—Final news reports from all parts of the world.
3:30 p m.—News digest and musical programme.
4:30 p.m.—Concert numbers.
5:00 p.m.—Final news flashes and market returns.
8:00 p.m.—Baritone selections by F. Kelway.
8:30 p.m.—Baseball results and general sporting returns.
9:30 p.m.—Concert numbers.
10:00 p.m.—Final news flashes.
Musical selections are played on a classic phonograph, and the records used are Columbia, Victor and Apex, by courtesy of local music houses.
Gerhard Heintzman piano by courtesy of Fletcher Bros. Limited.

Wednesday, June 14, 1922
VALVE TROUBLE HOLD UP RADIO
Sun's Programme Will Have to Be Discontinued for a Few Days
Owing to the fact that on Monday night trouble was experienced with two of the transmitting valves at the broadcasting station The Sun Radlo Programme will be discontinued for several days until the necessary apparatus can be obtained to put the station into commission again.
Since radiophone broadcasting has come into vogue throughout the country, radio receiving stations have appeared on the map in countless numbers. In many places steps have been taken to see that the aerials and installation of the stations in general is properly carried out.
Radiophone aerials, if properly constructed, are a protection against electrical storms. Care should be taken, when erecting an aerial, with regard to the insulation of the lead-in and ground wire from the building
The aerial and ground system were the first to come under consideration. The aerial lead-in to the apparatus should be insulated from the adjacent buildings on proper insulated supports, five inches in length.
Before being brought into the operating room the lead-in circuit should be broken with a 100 ampere 600 volt lightning switch, or with a proper lightning arrester, with one side of the circuit going to ground through a wire of sufficient size to carry the amperes. The other side of the circuit makes up the remainder of the lead-in and should he brought into the building through a proper lead-in insulator.
Amateurs who have any doubt on this matter should consult the radio and electrical dealers who have the necessary apparatus on hand and who will be glad to tell the amateurs how to install the protecting devices.
Reports still continue to come in from the South stating that modulation of the voice and music from the Sprot-Shaw station is the best of any on the coast. This is largely due to the type of microphones which are used at the station. They are manufactured by the Wonderphone Company and are specially designed to work in conjunction with radiophone broadcasting apparatus.
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