Athens in McMinn County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

WLAR

110 N. Jackson St.

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, July 17, 2021

1. WLAR Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In May of 1946, WLAR 1450 opened on the second floor of this building as one of only two radio stations between Knoxville and Chattanooga.

On August 1, 1946, announcer C.C. (Chuck) Redfern, took the photo of the two GI poll watchers escaping Precinct 11 across the street. That night, as he gave the call sign and slogan of the station, "WLAR, The Friendly Voice of the Friendly City," gun shots could be heard in the background. As Redfern broadcast through the night, the Battle of Athens was rebroadcast by Knoxville and Chattanooga radio stations.

Erected by Main Street Athens Project.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1946.

Location. 35° 26.606′ N, 84° 35.593′ W. Marker is in Athens, Tennessee, in McMinn County. Marker is on North Jackson Street (Business U.S. 11) just south of East Hornsby Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 N Jackson St, Athens TN 37303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, July 17, 2021

2. WLAR Marker

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of this marker. First National Bank (here, next to this marker); Athens Water Works Precinct 11 (a few steps from this marker); Fire Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Daily Post-Athenian (within shouting distance of this marker); Hitching Rings (within shouting distance of this marker); McGaughey Corner (within shouting distance of this marker); Hotel Magill (within shouting distance of this marker); From Furs to Factories (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 115 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.