A Resource Guide for Live and Tabletop Roleplaying Games set in the 1920s,
including Lovecraftian Horror and Gangster Genre Games.
Radio and Phonograph

      The 1920s saw the commercial dawn of radio, and the continued popularity of the Phonograph. Neither invention was new. Radio had been experimented with as early as 1896, and Marconi stations lined the coasts before the Great War. The 20s saw the demise of the wax cylinder recorder (Edison manufactured them into the 20s), and the rise of the disk that was to stay with us in some form until the CD. 78rpm was the standard, and early disks from Columbia were single sided. 

      If you use radio in your games, remember that most stations signed off at 12 midnight!

      Timeline of Media History 

        EDITOR'S CHOICE: An excellent and highly detailed timeline of Communications history, including radio, television, printing, and photography.  Includes the 20s.
      Radio Photos 
        EDITOR'S CHOICE: A collection of old radio photos, including an early 30's magazine illustration of what television would be like.  This site gives a clear impression of how well known the "coming" phenomenon of television was by 1932, and has beautiful pictures of some old radio receivers.  Research about early radio in the U.S., History of Broadcasting in Canada and the San Francisco Bay area, and Ham stations, c. 1921.
      Building the Broadcast Band 
        "The history of AM broadcast band (mediumwave) in the United States spans seventy years. This is a review of its first decade -- how it was established, initially evolved, suffered through a chaotic period when government regulation collapsed, and finally was reconstructed by the newly formed Federal Radio Commission, along lines that are still visible today. "  Includes a list of historic stations with their frequency and call letters - A definitive site!
      Broadcasting History 
        "Articles on the history of broadcasting, early lists of U. S. radio and TV stations, and articles on West Virginia broadcast history in particular can be found here."  Includes station slogans from the 20s and 30s, and complete lists of U.S. Stations in the 20s. 
      Tim Gracyk Page -Early Record Artists
        Incredible Site!!! - this site is crammed with technical information on every aspect of early 20th century sound recording. If you wanted to know anything about the history of sound, or a long list of artists, check this site.
      Broadcasting History
        Excellent description of Broadcasting in several decades. The information is compact and useful.
      Radio Archive
        The University of Memphis will sell you old radio programs at $2.00 per 60 minute casette (you supply the casette.)  You can't beat this for background color.
      Article on Collecting
        Same source as "Radio Archive." A good history of sound recording, if you remember that the author was only interested in quality recording. He dismisses Wax cylinder recording in a line, but the cylinders were popular, in the form of "dictating machines" right through WWII.
      Talking Machines
        An inventory of manufacturers of "taking machines" from 1916-1923, listing some 263. Also discusses period publicaitons for audiophiles, and is a good general interest article for anyone using period sound equipment.
      Sound of Radio Broadcasting
        Excellent overview of Broadcasting, including NBC and CBC histories. Also includes various full programs in RealAudio format, mostly from the 1930s and later.
      U. S. Radio Stations as of June 30, 1930
        A list of all the licensed U.S. Radio stations in 1930
      Technology and Media History Timeline: 1920s
        When was it invented? Try this timeline. Focus on communications technology, but includes references as obscure as the spiral bound notebook (1924)  Note that this timeline seems a little general on its facts.
      Surfing the Aether 
        Excellent History of Radio Site.  Real Audio clips include KDKA Election Returns, Hindenburg Crash, and more.  Important for understanding how speakers replaced headphones, and how broadcasting on channels evolved.  Nice pictures.
      Phone Company Histories 
        Links to the history of a huge number of phone companies.  A very useful reference source.  Details about equipment, long distance service, and photos.  Capitalization and expenses are discussed.
        Offline 
         
The Resource Guide for Live and Tabletop Roleplaying Games set in the 1920s,
including Lovecraftian Horror and Gangster Genre Games is the property of Gordon Olmstead-Dean. Your comments and suggestions for additions, or notes on expired links, are appreciated.
Articles found on these pages may be freely distributed unless otherwise specificed.
 
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Last Updated March 20, 1998