Powel Crosley is most well-know for the production of mass market radios, and
the creation of WLW "The Nation's Station" and the 500,000 watt tower he
constructed that transmitted FDR's Fireside Chats - incidentally, whose signals
were reported to have been heard as far away as Australia! By the mid 1900's he
presided over a star-studded radio empire that featured such stars such as
Rosemary Clooney, Red Skelton, Jack Benny, and more.
In 1920 Powel Crosley founded the company that pioneered
radio broadcasting and mass market manufacturing around the world. Dismayed with
the $130 price tag for the radio receiver he promised to buy for his son's
birthday, Crosley decided to make his own. Upon successfully building a working
set for only $35, Crosley was quick to spot the mass market potential.
It was a simple idea - design a fully functioning radio,
meticulously craft each unit with obsessive detail and precise accuracy, and of
course add a measure of consideration for the wallet.
This simple idea led Crosley Radio to become the world's largest
radio manufacturer while Powel Crosley became known as "The Henry Ford of
Radio." His relentless fascination with mechanical devices, coupled with his
intense desire for success, sent Crosley's career soaring.
A true industrialist, Crosley also became known for a multitude of ventures.
He was famous for The Crosley a miniature-sized automobile, fashioned after
the lightweight European cars. The chubby-profiled vehicle promised 50 gallons
to the tank and was sold in department stores for just $325. Crosley's lifelong
obsession with automobiles began at a young age when Crosley, just twelve, won a
bet with his father by successfully powering a four-wheeled wagon with an
electric battery and motor. Having dubbed himself the man of "50 jobs in 50 years," he continued to amaze
the masses with such creations as: The Shelvador a refrigeration unit that
introduced the new concept of door shelving units, The Musicone an instrument
used to amplify the entire range of the human voice, The Moonbeam Crosley's
self-designed airplane, The Roamio the first car radio, The Icy-Ball a
chemical-mechanical ice box that served rural areas lacking electricity, The
Reado a facsimile system that transmitted words and pictures via radio waves,
The Koolrest a bed cooling system, The X-er-vac a machine that stimulated
the scalp in an effort to counter baldness, and The Go-bi-bi a
go-kart/stroller type contraption for young children just to name a few.
However, Crosley's entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. As a Cincinnati
native, he decided to step in when the Cincinnati Reds declared bankruptcy.
Crosley acquired the team ensuring they would remain an integral part of
Cincinnati's culture. In 1930 he went on to build Crosley Field which triumphed
until 1970 as the famous Cincinnati Reds' playing field. Crosley was credited
with producing the first night baseball game, transforming Crosley Field from
night to day with the flick of a switch powering 615 lamps. He went on in
subsequent years to broadcast the first live baseball game on WLW-TV the
Crosley television broadcasting division.
Today
Today the
Crosley name lives on with superbly detailed replicas that truly transcend time.
Reintroductions of original vintage radios and turntables feature the newest
technologies graced by unforgettable Crosley stylings. The Crosley Collection
includes AM/FM radios, portable suitcase - styled record players and turntables,
record changers, multi-functional audio cassette/compact disc players,
jukeboxes, music boxes, telephones and more. Rich lines, retro designs and
authentic crafting have made Crosley today's premier vintage electronics
manufacturer. True to the Crosley tradition, these replicas are as fabulous as
they are functional, providing a delightful dose of nostalgia.
About
Crosley Corporation
We're passionate about what we do, right down to the last
exacting detail. We're obsessed with creating innovative, yet vintage-inspired
products that will encourage our customers to return to a simpler time. After
browsing our online catalog, you'll see, we've left no stone unturned. From our
extensive product line to our dedication to authenticity, we're sure you'll have
as much fun shopping for your Crosley as we had crafting it.
Reprinted from Crosley
Company History
