Old Farm Hour
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| Radio show from Charleston, West Virginia | |
| publication | 1934 - early 1940s |
| production | WCHS |
| Contributors | |
| Moderation | Frank Welling |
The Old Farm Hour was an American country music show which of the radio station WCHS in Charleston , West Virginia has been sent.
history
Beginnings
The idea of the Old Farm Hour came from country musician Buddy Starcher . Even before the broadcast, he appeared on the radio. After a performance with the duo Salt & Peanut, he had the idea for a live radio show, like the one that was already running at WSM with the Grand Ole Opry or at WLS with the National Barn Dance . Starcher began holding talent competitions with Gene Ferguson, in which he then looked for suitable musicians or groups for his show.
Live shows
The live shows of the Old Farm Hour began around 1934. The broadcasts were held in the WCHS Auditorium, which could accommodate up to 2000 viewers. The show was moderated by Frank Welling, who was also a musician and appeared on the show as "Uncle Si". The shows were held every Friday evening. During the 1930s, the farm hour grew in popularity. In addition to Wheeling's WWVA Jamboree , the Farm Hour was the most successful program in West Virginia between 1936 and World War II . Country stars of the time such as Grandpa Jones , Red Sovine , Cowboy Copas , Bob Atcher and Kitty Wells made appearances on the show, but unknown musicians such as the Lilly Brothers, Lee & Juanita Moore and Harmie Smith also appeared there. During the World War, in which the USA entered in 1942, the number of shows was reduced, but WCHS still broadcast the Farm Hour once a month. It was then discontinued in the early 1940s due to deteriorating financial conditions and the quota.
Then, at the end of the decade, the Old Farm Hour was revived. Frank Welling was again the moderator. The live shows were again broadcast on the radio via WCHS.