Happy Birthday Old Time Erie

Old Time Erie photo of the Brig Niagara by Debbi Lyon.

It seems like yesterday when Old Time Erie was hatched. Hard to believe a year has passed. Where did the time go? I had no idea how much that so many people loved Erie history. Thanks for sending compliments and suggesting story ideas. A big thanks to all the people who have made this possible! If you've ever contributed a picture or a postcard, give yourself a pat on the back. If you've been meaning to say hello or send something in, here's your chance.

Here's to the next chapter in the people's history of Erie, PA!

Enjoy more historic facts and photos of Erie, Pa at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com

I Wanna Rock- Debbi Lyon's FCC Radio Permit 1980

Debbi's FCC Radio Permit. ©2012 Debbi Lyon

My life changed for the better when I got a little red, white & blue transistor radio. The kind that took a nine volt battery and had one earphone that wedged uncomfortably into my little ear. If I fell asleep listening to the radio, as I often did, the battery was dead before morning. So my parents had to constantly buy me new batteries.

The dial was tuned to WJET-AM and I anxiously awaited my favorite songs....But wait, I already told you about that here: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/05/wjet-am-1400-erie-pa-surveys-1975-and.html

When I finished eighth grade, I decided I was going to be a disc jockey. I practiced and practiced with my little tape deck and a record player. Let's hope these tapes never see the light of day.

What did I need to do to get on the radio? I learned that I couldn't just walk in off the street, run the board and pop in the cart. No, I had to get a license (I don't remember if it was Jim Cook, John Minton or A.J. Miceli who told me this). I sent away for my FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit. And I waited, and waited, for what seemed like eternity.

Then one day, my card showed up in the mail. Of course, I thought I was on my way to the big time. I was a typical fourteen year old kid with delusions of grandeur. I was convinced that I could have my own show on WERG-FM, which broadcast from the basement of the Zurn Science Center.  I was about to get my heart broken in a big, big way. Since I was not a student at Gannon University, I could not get a shift on the radio. And without an aircheck tape my career at WJET was doomed.

I never did jumpstart my radio career. Looking back, it's probably a good thing I didn't. Radio ain't what it used to be. Guess you'll have to settle for my closing announcements at the Blasco Library every Wednesday night between eight and 8:30.