Livingston in Park County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)

KPRK Radio

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 24, 2021

1. KPRK Radio Marker

Inscription. World War II put a damper on the growth of radio broadcasting by freezing expansion of existing stations and disallowing the licensing of new stations. When the freeze finally lifted, KPRK Radio in Livingston was one of the first new postwar stations to sign on in Montana. At 8:00 P.M. on January 9, 1947, more than twenty prominent local residents representing a broad spectrum of interests participated in the opening ceremonies with organizer/owner Paul McAdam and general manager Walter Carle. KPRK’s new facility was completed in time for the premier broadcast. Missoula architect William Fox designed the futuristic Art Moderne style station in 1946 to contrast with the town’s many turn-of-the-twentieth-century brick buildings and affirm Livingston’s connection with the latest technology. Its streamlined presence reflects the era’s appreciation for technological progress. Horizontal banding, a rounded vestibule, and glass blocks highlight the striking façade, while a whimsical radio tower in miniature crowns the entry. KPRK’s stylized call letters accented by lightning bolts were prominently featured on the front. Jack Hinman

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joined the station two weeks after its opening. Hinman, a familiar voice to Livingston residents, owned KPRK from 1963 until his death in 1977. His widow, Roberta, sold the station in 1978 to veteran Montana broadcaster Bill Holter whose daughter, Jann, became owner-operator in 1985. The station changed hands again in 2008 and all KPRK broadcasts are fed from studios in Bozeman.

Erected by Montana Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Montana National Register Sign Program series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 9, 1947.

Location. 45° 40.37′ N, 110° 32.449′ W. Marker is in Livingston, Montana, in Park County. It is on U.S. 89 near Bennett Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5576 US Highway 89, Livingston MT 59047, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Yellowstone Country

and in Greater Bozeman.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally,

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 24, 2021

2. KPRK Radio Marker

it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Heading down the Yellowstone (approx. half a mile away); 810 East Callender Street (approx. 0.7 miles away); 802 East Callender Street (approx. ¾ mile away); Livingston Eastside Residential Historic District (approx. 0.9 miles away); A Civil War Cannon: (approx. one mile away); Grabow Hotel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Livingston City Hall and Fire Station (approx. 1.2 miles away); Livingston B Street Historic District (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Livingston.

KPRK Radio Station Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 24, 2021

3. KPRK Radio Station Building

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 10, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 362 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 10, 2022, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.