14

Radio "Idol" Talent Contest

In February 1939, an advertisment appeared in the High River Times: "Amateur Radio Contest!" Taking place at the Town Hall, the ad invited everyone over 13 to try out their talent for radio. The winners would then be featured over radio station CFAC direct from High River.

The event filled the Town Hall Opera House. People who couldn't get a seat went home to listen to the contest over their radios. Special adjudicators from Calgary were brought in to choose a winner from the 27 contestants that applied. The High River talent was impressive, with vocal solos, instrument solos, piano duets, and a brass quartet. In the end, the judges whittled the contestants down to the top eight.

First Place went to Jack Pickersgill Junior. Only 14 years old, he showed amazing skill at playing the cornet. Recieving honorable mention was the fine voice of Mrs. Tommy Logan.

A radio concert featuring the top eight contestants took place the following Monday. A brass quartet, with Jack Pickersgill Jr on cornet and his father directing, played first. Their song "Drink to me Only" was quite a hit.

15

Radiola instructional booklet
Circa 1925

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives

16

Len Cook
Circa 1945
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 989-110-835

17

Len Cook
Len Cook had his hand in many of High River's electronic entertainments. He was a projectionist at the Wales Theatre for many years. He opened up Len's radio shop and sold the latest in radio equipment. One of his biggest contributions to town entertainment was his experiments with television. He put up a 100 foot tower and received transmissions from as far away as Denver, Seattle and Houston, Texas.

18

Bill Holmes remembers Len Cook
1950s
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

19

Playbill for Wales Theatre - Len Cook, projectionist
Circa 1935
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 987-029-002

20

Len Cook's radio license (back)
Circa 1952
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives. Len Cook fonds.

21

Len Cook Radio License
Circa 1952
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives. Len Cook fonds.

22

Letter from Len's Radio shop to KFEL television, Denver
26 June 1953
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the HIghwood Archives - Len Cook fonds 990-006-007

23

Actress on the Kate Smith hour, on Len Cook's television.
Circa 1953
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood. Len Cook fonds 990-006-014

24

Verification card to Len Cook from KFEL television, Denver
1 June 1953
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood. Len Cook fonds 990-006-008

25

Len's Radio Truck, beside the bandstand at George Lane Park, operated the public address system
Circa 1956
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 989-002-207