WPAZ signed on in 1951 and signed off in 2009, 10 years ago. 56 years it a big window. But I've been totally unable to connect the Eckert Family to WPAZ. I can state for the record that the Eckert Family was active in the 1950s concurrent with WPAZ under its' original ownership.
Founded by the Scott family, WPAZ was later owned by their company Great Scott Broadcasting. It's studios were located on Maugers Mill Road, in Pottstown, PA. Great Scott bought stations in Ohio, and down into Maryland and Delaware. WPAZ went dark on December 10th, 2009. then unexpectedly in 2010 the WPAZ Preservation Association (WPAZPA) began efforts to acquire WPAZ from Great Scott Broadcasting. The call sign was then changed to WBZH. This station also floundered and Four Rivers Community Broadcasting, which had backed the buyout took control over operations. In 2013 the call sign was reverted to WPAZ and the station filed to change it's license status to Non-Commercial (NCE). But don't mistake this for a community station. They are just another satcaster for Word FM.
The earliest show I found for the Eckert Family was in Pennhurst, PA at a Knights of Columbus Kids event on July 22nd 1951. It's the same year WPAZ signed on. They also played at Sleepy Hollow Ranch in 1953. [SOURCE] I found another performance on September 5th, 1954 at a Fire Company fiesta at Lyons. They played as an "additional attraction" headlining below the Blue Mountain Jiggers. [SOURCE] An Advert for the Gratz fair in 1957 shows them playing on Friday, January 18th. Note Al Shade playing in March as well. [SOURCE] And the Lebanon Daily news has them at a Lions Club festival that year on Saturday September 7th with Buck Benson & The Country Neighbors.
- 635 Penn St. Reading
- 101 (and 247) High Street Pottstown
- 940 Hamilton Street Allentown
- 5371 Fifth St. Temple
- Wescoesville, PA
I found this obituary for Lynn Eckert, one of the Eckert Family. It does not mention WPAZ, but does mention the music stores. This is from the Reading Eagle. Don't know if this helps you or not. I was looking into the family because I found a large postcard with their photo and an ad on the back.
ReplyDeleteLocal Musician and Businessman Lynn G. Eckert, 74, of Blandon, peacefully left this life and entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. in Hershey Medical Center, Derry Township. He was stricken ill Thursday evening after performing at the Centerport Lions Club. He was the loving husband of Arbutus V. (Filbert) Eckert, whom he married September 24, 1955. Born January 27, 1935, in Temple, he was the son of the late James O. and Ida H. (Epting) Eckert. Lynn was currently employed by Tom Masano Autogroup. He was a graduate of Muhlenberg High School. Lynn had a life-long love for music, spending 63 years entertaining others in groups such as the Eckert Family Band and The Outlaws with Crazy Elmer. Lynn was the president of the Eckert Brothers Music Store and a member of the Musician Local #135-211. He was also a life member of Temple and Central Fire Companies, Laureldale Athletic, and Pikeville Beneficial Associations. Lynn is survived by a daughter, and son-in-law and three grandsons. He was predeceased by a daughter, Lynnee M. Beckner; two brothers, Walter and Glenn R. Eckert; and a sister, Joyce F. (Eckert) Cooper.
Lynn will be dearly missed by his family and the many friends he made throughout his musical career. Services will be Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. Viewings will be held Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 in the funeral home. Burial will be in Epler's Church Cemetery, Bern Township.
(Reading Eagle-6/26/2009)
That is an excellent find!
ReplyDeleteAs a member of the Eckert family, I can give you some insight: yes the Eckert Bros and the Eckert family are directly related. The “family” started performing in the late ‘40s with the father, three brothers, and a cousin. The brothers bought the Reading store from the Wedick (sp?) brothers in the late 60s. They moved the store to Temple, PA and expanded to Allentown and Wescosville all while performing together, billed as The Eckert Brothers, and individually with other groups.
ReplyDeleteAs a descendant of the Eckert family, I can offer some information. I’m not sure about WPAZ, but there is a picture of the brothers winning a music competition sponsored by WRAW in the 40s or early 50s
ReplyDelete