Downtown San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station

Photographed By Craig Baker, September 22, 2021

1. Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station Marker

Inscription.
Charles Herrold, a pioneer in radio, was the first person to transmit radio programs of music and news to a listening audience. Beginning in 1909, three years before Congress’ Radio Act of 1912, Herrold broadcast from his College of Engineering and Wireless located in the Garden City Bank Building at First and San Fernando Streets. His first wife, Sybil, was the first woman disc jockey in the country; together they initiated commercial radio advertising. A tireless experimenter, Charles Herrold developed more than fifty radio-related inventions.

Erected by City of San Jose.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 37° 20.046′ N, 121° 53.372′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in Downtown San Jose. Marker is on West San Fernando Street near South 1st Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is mounted on a pole on the sidewalk in front of the 50 West / KQED building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 W San Fernando St, San Jose CA 95113, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of World’s First Broadcasting Station (a few steps from this marker); World’s First Broadcasting Station (a

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few steps from this marker); Centennial Commemoration of the World's First Broadcasting Station (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Post Office (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Letitia Building (about 300 feet away); St. Joseph’s Cathedral (about 400 feet away); The Freedom Tree (about 500 feet away); Knox-Goodrich Building (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.

Also see . . . Charles Herrold. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 25, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2010

2. Herrold Radio Broadcasting Station Marker

Prof. Charles Herrold Operating Radio Equipment image. Click for full size.

San Jose State University, Library Special Collections and Archives, circa 1925

3. Prof. Charles Herrold Operating Radio Equipment

50 West / KQED building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, September 22, 2021

4. 50 West / KQED building

Location of the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,548 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 22, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on May 3, 2010, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 3. submitted on May 3, 2010. 4. submitted on September 22, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.