Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Rhythm of Radio
in Dearborn
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 7, 2017
1. Rhythm of Radio in Dearborn Marker
Radio has a strong tradition in Dearborn.
In 1934, Henry Ford inspired the "Ford Sunday Evening Hour" on Detroit's WWJ - AM radio. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra appeared on the broadcast regularly and became the nation's first radio broadcast orchestra. Henry Ford, an avid dancer, established "The Early American Dance Music Program" and broadcast the show from the Ford Engineering Laboratory on Oakwood Boulevard.
WKMH - AM first broadcast in 1946
from the attic of Gagnon Fine Furniture on Michigan Avenue. In 1963, the failing station re-branded itself WKNR, and the legendary Keener 13 was born.
"We at Dearborn feel that industry is a symphony-the symphony of Nature, Labor and Mind."
Edsel Ford (on "Ford Sunday Evening Hour")
You Auto Know
Henry Ford's Dance Orchestra made several records featuring early American music.
Erected by Motorcities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.
Location. 42° 18.295′ N, 83° 14.942′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bryant Branch Library (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Westward Welcome (approx. 0.2 miles away); Business Pioneers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Charles A. Kandt House (approx. 0.2 miles away); U.S. Arsenal 1833 - 1875 (approx. ¼ mile away); U.S. Arsenal Officers' - Surgeons' Quarters and Barracks 1833 - 1875 (approx. ¼ mile away); Commandant's Quarters (approx. 0.3 miles away); Michigan Soldiers Trained at U.S. Arsenal During Civil War (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dearborn.
Also see . . .
1. The Ford Sunday Evening Hour. Wikipedia article (Submitted on October 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. WDTW (am). Wikipedia article that includes the history of WKMH and WKNR radio stations. (Submitted on October 7, 2016.)
3. Keener13.com. Website devoted to Keener 13 radio station. (Submitted on October 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
4. Happy anniversary, Lovett Hall. (Submitted on October 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 7, 2017
2. Left image
"Ford Sunday Evening Hour" broadcast in 1937, with Rex Chandler and his orchestra. From the collection of The Henry Ford.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 7, 2017
3. Middle image
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 7, 2017
4. Right image
WKMH - AM was broadcast from the attice of Gagnon Fine Furniture. Photo courtesy of the Dearborn Historical Museum.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, October 7, 2017
5. Rhythm of Radio in Dearborn Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 421 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
