Area Amateur Radio Operators 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