This year commemorates the 70th anniversary of when Beaver County’s first radio station, WBVP, was heard over the airwaves for the the first time on May 25, 1948.  To mark the historical event, each week, another “70th Anniversary Moment” will be showcased on the airwaves and published on the station’s online feeds.

Over the years, WBVP has been a starting place for many broadcasters who went on to have big impact in the world of radio.  Some of the people who worked at the Beaver Falls, PA radio station actually went on to won their own radio stations down the line.  Such was the case for George Allen.   Allen was  part of the original line up at WBVP in 1948 and went to to own KLGA in Algona, Iowa.  Allen also served as President for the Iowa Broadcasters Association in the mid seventies.   Joining Allen on the staff in 1948 were Morning Show Host  Arnold Felsher, Newsman and Program Director Jerry Goff, Show Host Gert Trobe, Show Host Chuck Wilson, Show Host Alan Boal and Show Host Don Kennedy, among other staff members.

George Allen and the other announcers of that legendary early line up at WBVP worked their craft in a studio and office set up on the third floor of a building located at 1216 7th Avenue in Beaver falls, PA.  The station reportedly had three studios, with the largest one, “Studio A”, reserved for live on air performances.  “Studio “B” was typically where the news reporters delivered their broadcasts, and “Studio C” was where the daily show hosts, like George Allen,  performed their duties. In the recently published book, Behind Microphone, The History Of Radio in Beaver County, PA,  The following excerpt can be found about George Allen:  “Following Arnold Felsher was the deep,  booming voice of George Allen who would settle in behind the microphone of Studio C.  Allen’s shift was from nine until noon. A few years later, he would move into the morning show slot and host a program entitled “Morning Valley Special” featuring a  the daily signature sign off song of “Sentimental Journey”, according to records kept by Ken Britten. George Allen later went on to own his own radio station in Iowa and reportedly was a  partner in two other radio stations.” 

“70th Anniversary Moments” is presented by  Abbey Carpet and Floor,  Albert’s Heating, Cooling and Plumbing,  Aliquippa Giant Eagle, The Beaver Falls Municipal Authority, Beaver Valley Auto Mall, Beaver Valley Sheet Metal, Castlebrook Development, The Community College Of Beaver County,  Farmers Building and Savings Bank, Freedom United Federal Credit Union, Hank’s Frozen Custard and Mexican food, The Health Huts, Kitchen City, Laughlin Insurance Agency,  Rochester Manor and Villa and Young’s Jewelry and Coins.