Area Amateur Radio Operators Beginning History
Any good organization has a history to explain it's beginning. From written
notes, record dates, and personal recognition the birth of the Area Amateur
Radio Operators is as follows.
In the summer of 1977 William L. (Bill) Anderson WA9BA (WB9TEW), organized and
taught Novice Class amateur radio course which was held at the Galva Ambulance
Garage in Galva, Illinois. He was assisted by Dale DeSmith WB9WQJ, and the
class consisted of about 6 would be hams. Bill taught the glass with great
interest in radio theory and morse code but also implemented a group of
responsible ham radio operators. The class went well and the group gained a
combined interest in Amateur Radio.
After about 6 months, the radio class was ending but the members still met at
the Galva Ambulance Garage to continue the interest in Amateur Radio. At this
time, a radio club was formed with officers chosen. This time was about October
of 1977.
The name of the new organized amateur radio club was chosen, The Try - County
Amateur Radio Club. The club was new and it's purpose was to gain a 2 meter
repeater on the air. A lot of members Still needed to obtain an amateur radio
license. The small group new and encouraged each other but lacked a strong
foundation to exist as an organization. To have a 2 meter repeater was still a
strong wish of Bill Anderson, WA9BA (WB9TEW).
After a number of years Bill personally put the first 2 meter repeater on the
air in
About the same time the Knox County Radio Club was going strong in
With the interest and organization from Knox County Club and a strong need of
amateur radio operators to be storm spotters in the Henry county area, the
interest to organize a Henry County Club was strong.
An informal organizational meeting was called by David Peterson, KA9AEU, and
was held March 28, 1995 at the Kewanee, Illinois McDonalds at 6:30 p.m.
Officers were chosen in which Dale DeSmith, WB9WQJ was chosen president.
Approximately 6 hams were present. The name, propose, and interest of the new
club was discussed.
The starting interest of The Area Amateur Radio Operators Club was instigated
by Bill Anderson, WA9BA (WB9TEW), by organizing the first Amateur radio class
in the summer of 1977. Credit is given where credit is due. This is the history
of the Area Amateur Radio Operators Club which is on going.
Respectfully Submitted: David Peterson, KA9AEU