klb@att.att.com (08/07/89)
Since the posting on the WEAF history, I have been thinking about it. Someone, (I don't recall who) made the comment about women and employment with WEAF. That jarred my memory and so I thought I would do a little research on the subject. This is what I found with respect to women and WEAF's early years: Quoting Banning, W. P., "Commercial Broadcasting Pioneer: The WEAF Experiment, 1922-1926". Cambridge, Mass, Harvard University Press, 1946, Pg. 110; "A History of Engineering and Science in the Bell System: The Early Years (1875-1925)", (C) Bell Telephone Laboratories, 1975 states, "Miss Helen Hann of the American Telephone and Telegraph Co., Long Lines Department was WEAF's first studio hostess and announcer". (Page 423) Therefore, at least one woman was deeply involved in the success of the first radio station beyond that of just a secretary. Kevin L. Blatter AT&T - Bell Laboratories Disclaimer - My employer wrote the book. Hey, I hope it's their opinion!