590 MIGHTY MEMORY #353

SINATRA AND WARM

SINATRA @ 100 

Francis Albert Sinatra was born 100 years ago on this in an upstairs tenement at 415 Monroe Street in Hoboken, New Jersey. He was the only child of Italian immigrants Natalina "Dolly" Garaventa, the daughter of a lithographer from Genoa, and Antonino Martino "Marty" Sinatra, the son of grape growers from Lercara Friddi, near Palermo. The couple had eloped on Valentine's Day, 1913 and married in a civil ceremony in Jersey City, New Jersey. Sinatra weighed 13.5 pounds (6.1 kg) at birth and had to be delivered with the aid of forceps, which caused severe scarring to his left cheek, neck, and ear, and perforated his ear drum, damage that remained for life. Due to his injuries at birth, his baptism at St. Francis Church in Hoboken was delayed until April 2, 1916. A childhood operation on his mastoid bone left major scarring on his neck, and during adolescence he suffered from cystic acne that scarred his face and neck. Sinatra was raised Roman Catholic.
Through the years WARM Radio was right there with Frank Sinatra. If you listened to Sinatra in the early years of WARM you heard this song.
 
When the fifties came, WARM played this Sinatra song as well as promoted his movies on air. 
 
During the 60s, WARM used Sinatra's song "Dream" as a sign off song. 
 
When Ron Allen had his afternoon show on WARM, he loved to put an ID during the pause in the "Strangers In the Night" tune. 
 
During the move to more progressive rock in 1967, amidst the Beatles Sergeant Peppers songs was Frank's "The Summer Wind".
 
 During the 1990s, when both Ron Allen and George Gilbert returned to the airways for a short time, WARM played Frank's "Duets" Cds relentlessly. 
 
The Mighty 590 and WARM, music partners for a very long time. It is fitting that locally we remember WARM's role with Frank Sinatra on the 100th anniversary of his birth. 
 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #354

A SOFTBALL SOFTIE PASSES 

The WARM Softball Softies were a mainstay in the summer of many WARMlanders lives. The station’s softball team played games for various charities and did a lot of good work for the community. The team was buttressed by WARM staff but also friends of WARM who lent their athletic talents to the 590 Nine. One of them was “Fast Eddie”, Ed Egan. Egan always had a great sense of humor and from what I told could hit in the clutch. His friend Bobby Day posted the news on Facebook as well as this message from his brother. 
Sorry to relate to everyone that my brother Eddie joined a new team in heaven. My first "Best Friend". Thank you St. Jude for helping him the past week. Thank you also to everyone out there for your prayers. It will be a couple of difficult days ahead, but he will suffer no more. Thank you God for taking him with you. He loves singing the lead, and his comedy and wit are priceless. 

Below is a photo of the Softies with Ed Egan on the far right, front row. Always the front row for Eddie! 

 The WARM Softball Softies with "The King" Eddie Feigner in 1986. Front row, Mr.B , The King, Eddie Egan, 2nd Row, Jim Egan, Diane Wasta, El Rod Tannerhill, Standing Row, Wyoming County Commissioner Ron Williams, Bobby Day, Penn State Pete Ericson, Clark Kushkie and Emerson the Maintainace Man. (Photo: Bobby Day).

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #355

MOVE TO THE BOWMAN BUILDING 

Before there was the WARM Building between Wilkes Barre and Scranton in Avoca, there was the Bowman Building in Scranton. Here is an article from May 1946 about the lease of the structure by WARM. Thanks again to or friend Joe Klapatch fo the article.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #356

WARM ASKS FOR DIAL CHANGE 

Again our friend Joe Klapatch sent us this article from the Scranton Tribune. In this article from August 29,1946 the powers that be asked for the move on the dial that made WARM famous. 590! 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #357

OLD WARM RADIO SCHEDULES 

Our good friend Joe Klapatch sent us a few old WARM schedules. These were from September of 1947 when WARM was on the 1400 AM frequency. These were dated September 7th and 8th of 1946. (Click to enlarge).

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #358

JIM GANNON AIR CHECK, 1982 

Our friend Drew Techner sent us another WARM air check he did featuring JIm Gannon.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #359

ANOTHER POCONO DRAG LODGE REUNION IN THE BOOKS 

This weekend the Annual Pocono Drag Lodge Reunion was held on the grounds where the engines roared in the 1960s. Just as WARM played a role in the heyday of the Drag Lodge, it still participates in the reunions. This year both Tommy Woods and Joey Shaver attended. 

Here they are, Tommy Woods and Joey Shaver. 

Tommy poses with one of those classic cars from a bygone era. 

Joey does a meet and greet with one of the PDL movers and shakers.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #360

MICKEY MANTLE GONE @ 20 YEARS 

2015 marks the 20th anniversary of the death of the WARMland generation’s iconic baseball slugger Mickey Mantle. Mantle died on August 13th, 1995 after a battle with cancer. When WARM was the King of the airwaves in the 60s Mickey Mantle was essentially the King of baseball. 
Whenever Mantle hit big for the Yankees, WARM Radio’s Morning newscaster Jack Doniger made sure to highlight it in his news reports. When WARM turned into a Sports Talk Radio Station, Mantle was the subject of many comments on who was the best baseball players of the 50s and 60s.
Then, oin the 80s when Mantle visited Wilkes Barre WARM Radio made sure they were on hand t capture the moment. WARM at that time was a hybrid format but one of the cornerstone of the broadcast day was The Ron Allen Sports Line. Mantle held a press conference at The Station Hotel Complex (now in ruins due to neglect) talking baseball. 
In the photo below you’ll see former WARM Sensational 7 member Tommy Woods (who was at WTOP in Washington as well as Ron Allen. WARM Sports, representing the heavy hitter radio station always made sure they made an appearance when a sports heavy hitter had something to say. This year on August 13th, the 20th anniversary of Mantle’s death, WARM will be in the mix again as CBS Sports Radio now broadcasting on the former Mighty 590 will reflect on the slugger's life and career. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #361

WARM’S 5 TOWERS OF POWER 

One of the biggest facts of WARM, The Mighty 590 successes in the 60s and 70s was the power it used to reach a very large section of Pennsylvania and beyond. It was referred to often as the five towers of power and gave WARM coverage in Wyoming County and above, into southern New York state and even parts of Jersey. That did not happen overnight though. 
The application for an increase in power was sent to the FCC in 1949 and was approved. Shortly thereafter WARM started work on a project that would make it the most powerful radio station in the area. The GM and owner at the time was Martin Memolo and his foresight and reinvestment in his station laid the foundation for the mega success of the WARM we all know and remember. 
Here is the article from February 2nd, 1950. 

FCC PERMITS WARM TO BOOST POWER USAGE 

Station To Operate With 5,000 Watts; Plans Expansion 

The Federal Communications Commission at Washington granted the request of Radio Station WARM to increase its power from m 250 watts to 5,000 watts both day and night. The FCC at the same time allowed the station to change its position on the dial from 1400 to 590. 
The order yesterday makes final the proposed decision of March 29th, 1949. It is effective at once. 
The grant involved denial of a competing application by Station WBAX of Wilkes Barre to change from 1240 kilocycles to 590 kilocycles and to increase power from 250 watts to one kilowatt. 
With the receipt of the order the Union Broadcasting Company owners of the station announced plans for a $250,000 expansion program. The firm will build a transmitter house with living quarters for transmitter engineers and five steel towers, each 450 feet high in the vicinity of Falls, Wyoming County. 
It is hoped to have the building completed by June 19th which is the 10th anniversary of the station. 
The step up in power will make WARM the most powerful radio station in Northeastern Pennsylvania. According to FCC estimates, the station will be heard in an area of 8,031 square miles embracing a population of 1, 061, 962. 
It is estimated that the area will be bounded on the Northwest by Ithaca, Elmira, and Binghamton New York; on the Northeast by Narrowsburg, New York and on the Southwest by Schuylkill Haven and the Southeast by Doylestown. 
Studios of WARM are in the Bowman Building occupying two floors. With the changeover it is contemplated that an additional floor will be used and the personnel increased. The transmitter is on the O’Neill Highway in Dunmore. 
Martin f. Memolo is President and General Manager of the broadcasting company. 

 NEW TRANSMITTER HOUSE 

This is an architect’s drawing of the $250,000 transmitter house to be erected near Falls, Wyoming County by Radio Station WARM. It will have five steel towers, each 400 feet high as well as living quarters for transmitter engineers. The building is part of the expansion plan coincidental with the step up in power from 250 watts to 5,000 watts. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #362

WARM AND THE BIG BANDS 

When WARM Radio first started 75 years ago in 1940 the music of choice on American Airwaves was Big Band Music. It would not be uncommon for local bands to start up and tour the various dance halls in the Scranton area. WARM was known primarily then as a “Scranton” station and did its best to promote the entertainment concept of the day. Essentially the new station needed programming and the current music of the day was key. 
WARM had a twist on the big band offerings giving listeners a profile of the musical stars of the day. This ad was forwarded to us by our friend Joe Butash.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #363

WARM EARLY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE 

Here is a look at one of the WARM Radio programming schedules. This ad comes from our friend Joe Butash. 

FREQUENCY CHANGES AFFECTING WARM 

WARM was not always n the 590 dial. As a matter of fact WARM made a few migrations around the AM band as evidenced by this article in the Scranton newspapers of the day. From March 28th, 1941. 

795 RADIO STATIONS TO CHANGE DIAL LOCATIONS BEGINNING TOMORROW WQAN AND WGBI OPERATE 910 KILOCYCLES AND WARM ON 1400 

Wave lengths of 795 out of 883 broadcasting stations in the United States are to be changed tomorrow morning at 3 O’clock. The three Scranton stations, WQAN, WGBI and WARM are among the stations which will operate on changed frequency. WQAN and WGBI now operating on 880 kilocycles will operate on 910 kilocycles and WARM will go from 1370 to 1400 kilocycles. 
There is to be no general change in stations on channels from 550 to 720 kilocycles. Those which have been operating above 730 kilocycles will be received at slightly different places (usually higher) on the dial under the new allocations. With few exceptions, the present order of stations will remain the same. Their dial positions simply will be moved up a few notches. 
Push button sets will have to be readjusted for all stations higher than 730 kilocycles and government radio engineers are advising that these changes be made by radio technicians. 
The wave length changes, most sweeping since the big reallocation of 1928 when clear channels were set up, are expected to improve radio program reception generally. The principal aim of the commission in ordering the changes is to eliminate inter station interference. 
On the dials now, stations WQAN and WGBI come in at a setting of 88 or 880 dependent on whether there are two or three figures designating the wave length. On and after tomorrow they will be received at a setting of 91 or 910. WARM now received at 1370 or 137 will come in at 1400 or 140. Listeners to local stations will find that other stations now coming in close to those will continue their neighborly positions under the new arrangement. 
In general the frequency shifts will be along these lines: Stations now on Channel of 550 to 720 kilocycles are unchanged. 
Stations between 740 and 780 kilocycles will move up 10 kilocycles or one channel. 
Stations using 790 to 870 kilocycles will move up 20 kilocycles or one channel. (two channels). Stations between 880 and 1450 kilocycles will generally advance 30 kilocycles. (three channels). Clear channel stations will shift from 1469 to 1490 kilocycles to 1500-1530 kilocycles.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #364

WHEN KELLY MET "THE SNAKE" 

Kelly Reed was one of the premier Sports reporters in WARMland in the late 80s and 90s. Reed worked closely with the legendary Ron Allen when WARM had a hybrid format which concentrated on Sports in the evening. During the morning shows, Reed worked closely with Ken Westling. 
During a UNICO Dinner held in Wilkes Barre, Reed met Oakland Raiders legend Kenny Stabler. Stabler died Thursday at the age of 69. He was known for his competitive nature on the field, being the first left handed QB of consequence in the NFL and had the nickname, "The Snake". Stabler had been battling cancer for a while.

Below is Reed with Stabler. 

In this photo, Lou Michaels, Stabler, Reed and Greg Skrepenak share a moment at the UNICO Dinner. 

PHOTOS: Kelly Reed Facebook page.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #365

WARM AND THE RECORD HOP 

WARM Radio the Mighty 590 used to have a big presence at Record Hops for teenagers and in some cases even pre teens. Those personalities participating got a few hours to spend with the listeners. In the photo below Tommy Woods meets and greets the youngsters at Idetown with Newsman Jack Doniger. (Photo: Tommy Woods Face book page).

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #366

PLAY BALL 

As we approach The Major League baseball All Star Game we should remember one of the great teams of all time in broadcast history. The WARM Softball Softies. Here is a photo from Tom Woods Facebook page with some of “the players."
Photo: Tom Woods Facebook page.

The top pix from left to right, Jim Davies, Tom Woods, Bob Oliver (dec), Ron Allen (dec), George Gilbert (dec), jack Doninger (dec)

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #367

ROYAL CROWN SODA AND WARM 

WARM Radio was the place for advertising for soda companies like Coke, 7 UP  and Pepsi. But another advertiser that was prominent on WARM was the Royal Crown Soda Company. 
In the 1950s, Royal Crown Cola and moon pies were a popular "working man's lunch" in the American South. In 1954, Royal Crown was the first company to sell soft drinks in a can, and later the first company to sell a soft drink in an aluminum can. In 1958, the company introduced the first diet cola, Diet Rite, and in 1980, a caffeine-free cola, RC 100. In the mid-1990s, RC released Royal Crown Draft Cola, billed as a "premium" cola using pure cane sugar as a sweetener, rather than high fructose corn syrup. 
The company also released Cherry RC, a cherry-flavored version of the RC soft drink, to compete with Coca-Cola Cherry and Pepsi Wild Cherry. In October 2000, Royal Crown was acquired by Cadbury Schweppes plc through its acquisition of Snapple. Royal Crown operations were subsequently folded into Dr Pepper/Seven Up, a former subsidiary of Cadbury Schweppes. 
In 2001, all international RC-branded businesses were sold to Cott Beverages of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and are operated as Royal Crown Cola International, which handles RC Cola products outside the United States. In the US, distribution is handled by Dr Pepper Snapple Group. (wikipedia). 
But in the 60s RC Cola that brand that was then a little company urged WARMlanders to "Be smart........think big". 
Looks like they took their own advice. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #368

RYDER ROLLS INTO “WHAT’S HAPPENING” 

During the 60s and 70s there were various clubs dedicated to teens as well as those younger college students. WARM Radio advertising many of those events on the back of their survey sheets. This is from a 1968 May 5th survey sheet featuring Joey Shaver. 
The number one song was “My Forever Came Today” by the Supremes and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels were riding high with their 1967 hit “Sock It To Me Baby’. 
 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #369

OIL THAT “BOD” UP 

Anyone who grew up in the WARMland summers in the 60s and 70s tanned. One of the “burners” of choice was Johnson’s Baby Oil. Here’s how it went. You went to the beach and slabbed on the baby oil. You sat and burnt. First you got red as a lobster. Then you started to peel but then your were a bronzed tan. It went well with light summer clothing. If you didn’t get skin cancer, you’ll remember Johnson’s Baby oil and those hot summer days living for the sun.
 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #370

CALLING ALL SALES PEOPLE 

When WARM Radio was pulling a 60% share of the radio market, the best job anyone could have had in broadcasting was to be a sales representative for The Mighty 590. 
WARM had a boatload of national accounts as well as the largest radio audience in the Northeastern Pennsylvania metropolitan market. So it was surprising in March of 1972 that WARM was actually advertising for sales people. At one point WARM didn’t even consider sales reps from other stations but as the market started to change so did that policy. 
One of Dick Bolen’s big hires during that time was a Veteran named Tim Durkin who later went on to become Sales Manager at WARM, a General Manager at Rock 107 as well as a General Sales Manager. Both Bolen is alive and well at 75 years of age. Tim Durkin passed away in 2004.
Bolen helped Joey Shaver transition into sales after the "Nighthawk" left his night time program. Previously in this 590 Mighty Memory we reported that Bolen had passed away. We were thinking of Bert Miller who was one Bolen's top sales people and was a mainstay on the WARM staff.  
We thank Mr. Bolen for letting us know he was still within the mortal range of the 590 Forever blog and apologize for the error. 

We also want to thank his for sending us along his business card that he used when he was running the very successful and dominant WARM sales team.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #371

THE MORNING MAYOR 

While elections were held in WARMland just twice a year to pick elected officials, on the Mighty 590 Len Woloson was in a constant campaign to be known as The Morning Mayor. Woloson was featured n a button promotion that lasted nearly the time of his tenure when he returned the second time around on WARM. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #372

WARM AND FATHER’S DAY '70s STYLE

Back in the day, WARM Radio had a contest for everything. When June came before there was ever a Pocono Race, the Mighty 590 had a very popular Father’s Day contest. 

As indicated by this survey sheet featuring Len Woloson, a lucky dad could win a $200.00 wardrobe from WARM Radio. The survey sheet was dated May 31, 1970. The number one song was “American Woman” by The Guess Who. Clothing prices for men in 1970 were very low compared to today’s prices. A suit could run you $100.00 (and that was a good one) and two suits could be bought at outlets for about $125.00. Ties ran about ten bucks and belts and socks were in that price range. So $200.00 went a long way in getting a WARMland dad spruced up. Maybe he’s have enough left over to buy a little something for Junior. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #373

WARM ON AT 1370 

WARM started it's frequency at 1370 on the AM dial. Here is part of one of its first programming schedules that appeared in a Scranton newspaper.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #374

LOOKING FOR TALENT AT WARM 

Radio took out ads in local newspapers in the late winter and early spring of 1940 in hopes of getting local talent to staff its radio station. The ads worked and some of the WARM programming had local connections. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #375

1964 ALL OVER AGAIN 

If you were a listener to WARM in the year 1964 you knew that the Mighty 590 was Beatles central. As the survey sheet indicates the Fab Four were saturating the charts and WARM was a big, if not the biggest player in this area. 

I'm bringing this concert to readers of the 590 Forever blog so you might want to get a taste of 1964 The Tribute.

Rolling Stone Magazine calls 1964 the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”. Dick Clark said “1964 creates the Magic of The Beatles.” 
* They have performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City 12 times to sellout audiences. 
* They have performed at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado to sellout crowds of 10,000 people and this summer will be their 12th performance there. 
* They’ve performed at Shea Stadium, Busch Stadium and many other stadiums and arenas worldwide. * They perform in England, Ecuador, Chile, Austria, Germany, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Canada, and many other countries worldwide. 
* They have performed on numerous television shows including Fox News, The CBS Early Show, Imus in the Morning, PM Magazine, Telemundo, ABC Good Morning America, and many other shows worldwide. “1964 The Tribute” takes their audiences on a musical journey to an era in rock history that will live in all of our hearts forever. They are hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute in the world. Choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, “1964” astonishingly recreates an early 60’s live Beatles concert, with period instruments, clothing, even Beatle boots, hairstyles, and onstage banter. 
Come see why “1964 The Tribute” are masters of their craft and the definitive Beatles show. Saturday, June 6th, 8 PM The F.M. Kirby Center Wilkes-Barre, PA Tickets on sale April 15th at the Kirby Box Office (570-826-1100), kirbycenter.org and Ticketmaster.com Kirby members pre-sale April 13th. $35 & $39 plus fees. 
“1964 The Tribute” is being presented by EDD RAINERI, host of “The Beatledd Fab Four Hour” radio show.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #376

WARM @ 75 

When WARM was starting plans to go on the air, station owners decided to hire a Program Manager/Director who would be the person in charge of the overall operation. His main focus though was to acquire talent to fill air time. Even though there wasn't a lot on the local dial, the new outlet needed to compete with national broadcasts as well as the other local stations. Here is the story of the first Program Manager at WARM. 

PROGRAM CHIEF WARM SIGNS NATIONAL RADIO FIGURE 

CAPPS WILL BEGIN HOLDING AUDITIONS 

Selection of Charles R. Capps nationally known figure from the radio field as Program Director of Scranton’s new station WARM was announced yesterday by Martin F. Memelo President of The Union Broadcasting Company. 
Capps a native of New York City started as an architect and came into radio through an inherent love for the entertainment field back in 1924 with radio station WEAF now the National Broadcasting Company. His farewell bow as an architect and engineer was the famous 25 foot pool and recreation center in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with Keith Kiggins now Vice President of the NBC Blue Network and the late Amelia Earhart, famous aviatrix. 
In Hollywood Capps divided his attention between radio and the building of showplaces. His first association with radio was in the role o writer, director and actor. Being a technician at heart, Capps “wrote in” more sound effects than were available at that time. Consequently he had to design and build them himself. 
Turning to talent development, Capps served as Program and Production Manager at station WMCA New York for five of his seven years with that company. He has been associated with some of the foremost stars of stage, screen and radio including Dorothy McNulty, known as Penny Singleton, Beth Wilson of Warner Bros., and NBC, Jean Morgan of Columbia Pictures, Charles Martin writer, director of Hal Roach Studios, Don Costello of both networks and seen in the latest “Thin Man” picture, Joan Edwards of Paul Whiteman’s Orchestra, Alice Fost, Martin Gable and Betty Garde of CBS, Garson Kanin, Director with Columbia Pictures, Sam Levine. Capps also directed twenty six weeks of broadcasting starring Molly Picon who has appeared in Scranton. 
 Capp has already located here and will be in charge of the hu hundreds of auditions WARM will conduct as a result of a newspaper invitation issued at week. Pledged to the development of headliners he sincerely believes Scranton, Pa is as rich in talent as it is in anthracite. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #377

SAINT PATRICK'S DAY AND WARM RADIO

WARM Radio always had a very close promotional relationship with the festivities surrounding St. Patrick's Day. During the course of the broadcast day on March 17th, WARM actually played Irish favorites. One performer you always heard on WARM was Carmel Quinn. In the 60s the now famous Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade was just getting its start. WARM did a lot to promote it. During the early 70s WARM former a partnership with Lender's Bagels. Lenders made green bagels for the Mighty 590 to hand out at the parade and remotes. The station even sent Bill Kelly who was doing an air shift at the time to Harrisburg to show off a giant Lenders Green bagel to the number 2 official in the state at the time, Lt. Governor Ernest Kline. It proved to be a "Win Win" for the bagel company, WARM Radio and even Ernie Kline, an old broadcaster himself turned politician even seemed to enjoy the press event. 

The late Ernest Kline, Pennsylvania's 25th Lieutenant Governor, the iconic Lender giant green bagel and WARM personality Bill Kelly in Irish headgear. 

This St. Patrick's Day another WARM on air person had quite an honor. Former Mayor of Scranton Jim McNulty and also the host of "The Mayor of WARMland Show in the 90s is seen here interviewing WARM's Harry West in one of the live remotes he did. 

 Evie Refalko McNulty, Ian Murry and the former Mayor at the parade. In front is Sister Adrian Barrett who was also a familiar voice to WARM Radio listeners because of her charitable endeavors. . 

 The iconic WARM Lenders Green Bagel. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #378

"RAY MAGWYRE, WARM NEWS"

Those four words were said with so much authority back in the glory days of WARM Radio. They came from the voice of Ray Toro, aka Ray Magwyre. Magwyre’s voice and presentation was impeccable in its clarity and sound. The ultimate compliment any radio guy could get is this, “He has a great set of pipes”. Ray Magwyre did. 
Magwyre was the anchor of the afternoon newscasts on The Mighty 590. Working with News Director Jerry Heller, Ray was one of the most recognizable voices in local radio. I remember him wearing black horn rim glasses and always, perfectly using the right phrases that painted a picture for the listener. Magwyre also was a great reporter being on the scene for many stories of consequence during the heyday of WARM Radio. 
I had the pleasure of knowing Ray and working with him at WARM Radio when I was a student at King's College.  He was a true professional broadcaster. In addition to being a newsman he was quite the athlete playing for the Warm Softball softies as well as the Double Dribblers basketball team. His post game reports and promotions under the name of Coward Hosell brought a smile to many faces in WARMland. 
His real name was Ray Toro and he also worked later on at WEJL Radio. Magwyre, a native of the area has been regarded as one of the cornerstones of those great WARM News teams. Back in that era, TV and newspapers regularly monitored WARM to get the top stories and scoops. Magwyre contributed to many of them. 

L-R....Late Tim Karlson, Bobby Day, Paul Ciliberto, Ray Toro, Mr. B, R.J. Harkins. (Photo: Bobby Day Facebook). 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #379

WARM @75

SCRANTON TRIBUNE FEB. 17th, 1940 

STATION WARM PICKS TEMPORARY HEADQUARTERS HERE 

Confirmation that Scranton's new radio station, WARM. Would he located in a temporary home for upwards of six month was made yesterday by Lou. Poller, secretary of the newly authorized Union Broadcasting Company , which has been allotted 1375 kilocycles by the Federal Communications Commission. The entire second floor of the Select Building at 116 North Washington Avenue, covering 8,000 square' feet has been leased for this purpose Poller revealed.
Extensive alterations were started yesterday and include complete air conditioning of the studios. While the site will only be used for upwards of 6 months, according to present plans, it will include a viewing gallery as well as every other modern facility found in the style centers of the industry such as New York City’s “Radio City”. The temporary lease was decided on after a con conference between Martin F. Memelo and Alex I. Prawdzink who designed many of the Comerford Theatres of the East. 
The additional time it was decided will enable Prawdzink to study the trends in radio construction and other details expected to make WARM a showplace of the smartest character. A half dozen prospective locations are under consideration for the permanent home it was indicated. 
The Select Studios should be ready by March 15th if needed and the present headquarters of the Union Broadcasting Company located in the Lincoln Building will be moved there at the earliest opportunity Poller declared. 

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #380

WARM RADIO @ 75 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of WARM Radio. Not to sound egotistical here but most likely this will be one of the few places that will note the start of this landmark radio station. In the next few 590 Mighty Memories we will give you the progression through newspaper artiles on how WARM Radio went on the air. We offer special thanks to our friend Joe Klapatch, Klapatch is an area video journalist and found the articles on WARM while researching a book of his own on the Carbondale Fire Department. The "History of the Carbondale PA Fire Department 1843-2015" can be purchased at the Carbondale Public Library, Lackawanna Historical Society in Scranton and the Library Express in the Steamtown Mall. The book is $22.00 and is very good.

Klaptach'sradio career began back in high school working at WARD. also at WILK, WARM (primarily sports work with Ron Allen and Pete Erickson), WEJL, and WBQW. He also worked at WNEP and WYOU in their news and sports departments. Joe was the person who got "all the scores" during the Joe Zone and after years. Joe also was the person who had the idea of the "Super 16" (it was based on a top 10 he did at WARD and was a lot of math back then). For the last 20 years, he has been a 911 dispatch supervisor and trainer at Lackawanna 911. He have also trained and worked on conferences for dispatchers on the local, state and national levels. 

He is currently researching the histories of all of Lackawanna County's fire companies. I just had my first book published on the"History of the Carbondale Fire Department 1843-2015". I am finalizing a book to hopefully be released later this year on the volunteer firemen of Scranton which covers a period from 1854-1901 and also takes the department to present day.

He's a busy guy and we than him for the contributions to this 590 Forever blog.

Klapatch’s book. (Photo: Joe Klapatch Facebook). 

A HINT OF WARM 

The very first public announcement of a new radio station for Scranton came in an article in The Tribune on January 26th, 1940. Here is a copy of that article and underneath what the news piece reported about the new radio outlet. 

01-26-1940 

PERMIT FOR NEW RADIO STATION IN SCRANTON GRANTED 

Given 90 Days to Begin Broadcasts, Memelo Heads Firm Scranton is to have another broadcasting station within 90 days The federal Communications Commission in Washington yesterday authorized the Union Broadcasting Company to establish a station in the city. Officers of the new company are Martin L. Memelo, President, James Scandale, Secretary, And Lou Poller Treasurer. Mr. Memelo and Mr. Scandale are residents of the city and Mr. Poller is a well known Jessup businessman.                                                                                                 

The company petitioned the Federal Communications Commission for a station last April. Under the Commission’s authorization the company must be ready to operate within the next three months. The station is to operate on a frequency of 1370 kilocycles with night power f 00 watts and day power of 250 watts. 

 TO START SURVEYS 

Attorney John Memelo, Council for the company said last night that surveys are to be undertaken immediately for a power transmitting station. Several tentative sites already have been elected he said. 
The company, it is understood will devote its time to commercial and civic broadcasts. 
 It was reported unofficially last night that the station will request the call letters W-A-R-M this symbolizing the region’s basic industry anthracite. 
Mr. Memelo said that an organization already has been perfected in anticipation of favorable ruling by the Commission. 
Shortly after the Union Broadcasting Company filed its request for a permit, another group of Scranton men incorporated under the name of Anthracite Broadcasters asked for a similar concession. Attorney Frank Butler is counsel for this company. No mention was made of this company in the Federal Communication Commission announcement yesterday.

590 MIGHTY MEMORY #381

MAYOR McNULTY AND WARM RADIO 

During the late 80s and early 90s James B. McNulty the former Mayor of Scranton did a daily talk show on WARM Radio. The program started at noon and McNulty did his take on the issues of the day. McNulty had served as Deputy Mayor of Scranton in the 70s and then became Mayor in 1982. He lost re-election in 1985, ran again in ’89 and after a loss joined the Mighty 590 during its hybrid format days. 
WARM had the mainstay morning shows back then featuring music with Harry West and then later Terry McNulty. In the afternoon the station featured the Ron Allen Sports Line and then either Phillies baseball or Bruce Williams. McNulty held court every day as area WARMlanders who grew up to the beat of Rock and Roll now spoke to a member of their own generation on worldwide matters of concern. Sometimes McNulty took his show on the road especially during the nascent days of the Wilkes Barre Scranton Red Barons. 

Here is the Mayor of WARMland (on the right) with the late State Representative Joe Wargo. 
When WARM made a few changes McNulty retired his show and then went on to WYOU TV for a weekly Sunday Morning program. Jim McNulty was part of the history of the Mighty 590 and he is remembered fondly as a wealth of information as well as a booster for this region. Currently The Mayor is in a battle with colon cancer. This Friday February 27th there will be a celebration because Mr. McNulty hits 70! He’s actually 5 years younger than the radio station he was on. If you want to join his many friends, stop by at The Radisson March 27th. 

CELEBRATING WITH MAYOR MCNULTY 

Former Scranton Mayor James Barrett McNulty will be 70 on Feb. 27, and he’s planning to celebrate with as many of his friends as possible. Those friends are represented by a committee that includes, honorary chairmen U.S. Sen. Bob and Terese Casey, as well as Jimmy Barrett, Brenda Bistocchi, Brian Cali, Tracy Doherty, Eleanor Kerrigan, Todd O’Malley and Chuck Volpe, with an assist from Jim’s wife, Evie Rafalko McNulty, in planning “A Community Celebration of James Barrett McNulty’s 70th Birthday,” which is both a party, and a fundraiser. Jim is battling late stage colon cancer. 
As any family fighting the cancer fight knows, there are many expenses beyond what insurance covers. Event organizers wanted to help raise funds to defray treatments costs. But Jim, Scranton’s mayor of hope, wants an upbeat gathering with all the people who have been with him during his life and political career. So, anyone who wishes to attend the party on Friday night, Feb. 27, at the Radisson at Lackawanna Station hotel will be admitted by a birthday card containing just wishes, and/or including any monetary gifts they have to help with treatment expenses. 
Once inside the 6 to 9 p.m. event, Jim and his friends will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, appetizers and an open bar. There will be dancing to Kenny McGraw’s Brass and Ivory Orchestra, which is poised to add songs from Jim’s campaign days including “Rocky” and “The Best of Times” to its play list. Ever witty, eloquent and knowledgeable, Jim, who has a memory like a steel trap, will probably share some reminiscences and thoughts, as may some of his supporters — and there may be a video. The selection of the Radisson is special to Jim, who was mayor when the former train station opened as a hotel on New Year’s Eve, 1983. Jim was joined by his friend, then bishop of Scranton, the late Cardinal John J. O’Connor, in cutting the ribbon. While he only served one term as mayor, (1982-86) James Barrett McNulty, a lifelong Scranton enthusiast and ambassador, left his mark on the city from his days as Deputy Mayor in Mayor Gene Peters’ administration, to his years as a talk show host and political consultant. 
Jim always emphasizes the positive, even through his illness, says Lackawanna County’s Recorder of Deeds, Evie, who married him in 1991, adding that Jim is looking forward to partying with his friends on his birthday. Evie also wanted to set the record straight on two things. First she is not 70, and on the contrary “much” younger than her husband. And, she shares in his hopeful attitude. The day after the party, “we’ll be planning his 71st,” she said, noting that she’s looking at having it on Scranton’s “showmobile which he got as deputy mayor.” It will, Evie said, be second only to the “highlight of his life -- his wedding.” Meanwhile Jim’s having his 70th his way, Thanks to a group led by Todd and Chuck, who are seeking sponsors to underwrite the admission by birthday card event. For details on underwriting and sponsorship, as well as donating to a fund being set up, call Todd’s office at 570-344-2667.