Radio history — Boy Scouts read sports news

Several articulate Boy Scouts got the opportunity to read sports reports over the air when WWSC radio broadcast its 6:15 p.m. sports show on March 16, 1963 live from the Pioneer Scout-o-Rama at Glens Falls Armory.

WWSC announcer Ralph Romano had been auditioning scouts throughout the day in between his live updates from the Scout-o-Rama that began at 11 a.m.

In other radio news collected from historic newspapers of the region:

• WWSC radio of Glens Falls broadcast live from The Academy Ball in the Great Hall at St. Mary’s Academy on Jan. 11, 1948.

Bernie Collins and his orchestra provided the music.

About 100 couples attended the dance which the Senior Class sponsored, The Post-Star reported on Jan. 13.

“The Bells of St. Mary’s” was the theme.

• There was a studio audience at WWSC for Charley Featherstone’s live 40-minute interview of film star Freddie Bartholomew at 4:15 p.m. June 8, 1948 on the “1450 Club.”

Bartholomew was in Glens Falls to appear in the lead role of a Glens Falls Lions Club production of the comedy “The Hasty Heart.”

• WWSC radio of Glens Falls sponsored Explorer Post 202 in 1973, a scout group for teens interested in pursuing careers in radio, The Post-Star reported om Feb. 24, 1973.

Betsy Smith and Tim Webb were among the members.

• “WWSC Hitmakers” Dave Covey and Pete Cloutier emceed a spring break dance which the Glens Falls Police Benevolent Association held April 25, 1973 at the Knights of Columbus Hall to benefit Explorer Post 200, Police Cadets.

Local rock band Mumbleweed Express provided the music.

• WWSC was set to carry the Mutual Radio Network broadcast as former Middleweight champion Tony Zeale attempted to retake the title from current champion Rocky Graziano, scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.. The Post-Star reported on June 9, 1948.

“The fight is scheduled for 15 rounds, but few experts think it will last that long.”

• WWSC held a live broadcast from The Paramount Theatre from 9:30 to 9:45 a.m. June 5, 1948 of a performance on the organ by Arlene Challis, a member of the American Guild of Organists, The Post-Star reported.

“Miss Challis, well known as a musician, has appeared at Carnegie Hall with Robert Malone and his Choral group. Miss Challis has composed a number of works for piano and organ.”

• WWSC newscaster Fred Carota was elected commander of Glens Falls American Legion Post #233, The Post-Star reported on June 11, 1948.

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