WWNC Radio Hosted Brevard In 1927

WWNC hosted Brevard’s first night on the air on Thursday, May 19, 1927 in their Asheville radio studio.  The hour long program sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce was comprised of local musical talent and two addresses about Transylvania County.

Misses Adelaide and Dorothy Silversteen, accompanied by Miss Marguerite Robertson on the piano, led off the program with a duet of Frederic Knight Logan’s “Hush-A-Bye, Ma Baby.”  Calls immediately came into the station requesting they sing again, which they did later in the evening.

Adelaide Sivlersteen

Dorothy Silversteen

They were followed by a violin solo, “A Hungarian Dance” composed and played by Mr. A.B. Carter, a noted musician who resided in Brevard for many years.  Miss Elizabeth Hanaman also played a violin solo.  A duet by the two violinists was on the program as well.

Former Brevard Mayor, William E. Breese urged listeners to visit Transylvania County and enjoy its wondrous beauty.  Letters from as far away as Florida stated, “The program was distinct in their cities and people were keenly interested in the things he (Breese) said about Brevard, the Beautiful.”

The second address was presented by Brevard News editor, James F. Barrett on a vital piece of attracting tourists to the county, “Good Roads in Transylvania.”

Additional musical numbers were presented by Mrs. Mary Jane Walker and by both men’s and ladies' quartets.  Mrs. Walker sang, “Can’t You Hear Me Calling, Carolina” composed by Caro Roma with lyrics by William Henry Gardner.  She was accompanied by pianist, Miss Marguerite Robertson.  Ray Lyon, Walter Duckworth, Dr. Carl Hardin, J.O. Barrett made up the men’s quartet.  The ladies' quartet, consisting of Miss Helen James, Mrs. Mollie Allison, Mrs. Dorothy Kizer and Mrs. Elsie King, shared “Medley From the South” by H.H. Pike.

Telephone calls and telegraph messages from local folks and people throughout the listening area from Nashville, Tennessee to South Carolina poured into the station with praise for all.  The ladies' quartet in particular received a large amount of flattering feedback from listeners and were asked for an encore.

Brevard musicians were featured on WWNC again on February 16, 1928.

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 828-884-1820.