John Sledge Brought Television to County

Advertisement from July 21, 1949
Transylvania Times.

Television, like radio had previously, opened up the world to people across America by providing quick access to news and events.  Television added images to the experience.  The first television station in the world was W2XB in Schenectady, NY, which began operation in 1928.

North Carolina saw its first two commercial television stations in July 1949 when WBTV in Charlotte and WFMY-TV in Greensboro went on the air.  Within days people in Brevard were able to view Charlotte programming each weekday evening.  Brevard businessman John Sledge had been experimenting with radio and television for over 20 years.  Sledge operated a radio sales and service shop on Caldwell Street.  He invited everyone to come by and watch from 7:00 p.m. until signoff.  Sledge also sold Motorola televisions, “for as low as $190.”  By 1953 Sledge had competition in the radio and television market from Brevard Radio & TV and Pearlman’s.

Sledge was considered a pioneer in radio and television across Western North Carolina.  He demonstrated his hand-built television for the Asheville Amateur Radio Club on February 28, 1938.  This was the first showing of a televised picture in Asheville.  The image was sent by radio from one location to another, in this case just across the room.  In Brevard, Sledge had a transmitter and other equipment to send images across town.  He was also able to receive images from television stations throughout the U.S. on his home-made television.

Byron Olney and John Sledge experiment with
radio equipment on Caesar's Head, circa 1934-35.

Sledge, along with Bryon Olney, Frank Bridges and Jim Winget, would occasionally take his equipment to Rich Mountain where they were able to clearly receive an Atlanta station.  Large crowds would turn out to view the shows when they set up on the mountain.

John Reese Sledge died March 19, 1970.  He had begun experimenting with radio and television as a youth and operated Sledge Radio & Television for 35 years.

Photographs and information for this column are provided by the Rowell Bosse North Carolina Room, Transylvania County Library.  Visit the NC Room during regular library hours (Monday-Friday) to learn more about our history and see additional photographs.  For more information, comments or suggestions contact Marcy at marcy.thompson@transylvaniacounty.org or 828-884-3151 X242.