Chatham in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Historic Receiving Antennas
Chatham Radio WCC – Receiving Station – Antenna Field Trail
— Chatham Marconi Maritime Center —
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, October 6, 2020
1. Historic Receiving Antennas Marker
Six 350-foot masts were built by the Marconi Company to support a mile long horizontal antenna, intended to receive radio signals from a sister station in Norway. Five masts were removed in 1919. The remaining mast and several 100-foot steel lattice towers, shown in the background of this sign, were used by RCA to support a variety of antennas. Rendered obsolete by advances in antenna technology, this mast was razed in 1954. The steel and concrete base of the mast located ahead of you.
The tall wooden poles along the trail supported other RCA antennas, most notably the rhombic wire antennas were diamond shaped, typically several hundred feet on a side, and oriented to receive signals from around the world. Transmission lines carried radio signals received by the antennas to the operating building where operators selected antennas with the best reception.
The station’s coastal location and sophisticated antennas contributed to its world-renowned reputation.
At 11:37 a.m. on August 27, 1954, the remaining Marconi mast crashed to the ground, rendered obsolete by advances in antenna technology.
Erected by Chatham Marconi Maritime Center.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Aerial View of the Marconi-RCA Complex, circa 1930 (within shouting distance of this marker); Antenna Trail Exhibits (within shouting distance of this marker); The 1914 Marconi Radio Station Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); Operations Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chatham Radio/WCC (about 400 feet away); “Marconi T” Antenna (about 400 feet away); Employee Residence (about 500 feet away); The Nickerson Family (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.
Also see . . . Chatham Marconi Maritime Center. Website homepage (Submitted on November 7, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida.)
Photographed By Brandon D Cross, October 6, 2020
2. Historic Receiving Antennas Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2020, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
