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 Galva, Illinois. This was truly a goal come true for him. The effort inserted interest back into forming a radio organization at the grass roots level.
About the same time the Knox County Radio Club was going strong in Galesburg, Illinois and had a fine 2 meter repeater on the air. Many amateur radio operators of the Henry county area were active members of this organization. This was forming the interest and foundation of the representation of the Amateur Radio Club in the Henry county area.
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