The History of Crosley Radio

The History of Crosley Radio

In 1920, Powel Crosley founded the company that pioneered radio broadcasting and mass market

manufacturing around the world. Dismayed with the $130 price tag for the radio receiver he promised

o buy for his son's birthday. Crosley decided to make his own. Upon successfully building a working

set for only $35 Crosley was quick to spot the mass market potential.

It was a simple idea - design a fully functioning radio, meticulously craft each unit with obsessive detail

and precise accuracy - and of course add a measure of consideration for the wallet. This simple idea l

ead Crosley Radio to become the world's largest radio manufacturer while Powel Crosley became known

as 'The Henry Ford of Radio'. His relentless fascination with mechanical devices, coupled with his intense

desire to become a millionaire, sent Crosley's career soaring. He's most well known for the production of

mass market radios and the creation of the WLW 'The Nation's Station' and the 500,000 watt radio

ower he constructed that transmitted Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Fireside Chats (incidentally, these signals

were reported to have been heard as far away as Australia). By the mid 1900's, Powel Crosley presided

over a star-studded radio empire that featured such stars as Rosemary Clooney, Red Skelton, Jack Benny

and more.

A true industrialist, Mr. Crosley also became known for a multitude of ventures. He was infamous for

The Crosley - a miniature sized automobile, fashioned after the light weight

European cars. The chubby profiled Crosley promised 50 miles to the gallon

and was sold in department stores for just $325. Crosley's lifelong obsession

for automobiles began at a young age of twelve when Crosley won a bet with

his father by successfully powering a four-wheeled wagon with an electric battery

 and motor.

Having dubbed himself the man of 50 jobs in 50 years, Powell Crosley continued to amaze the masses

with such creations as: The Shelvador - a refrigeration unit that introduced the new concept of door shelving

units; The Musicone - an instrument used to amplify the entire range of the human voice. The Moonbeam -

Crosley's self-designed air plane; The Roamio - the first car radio; The Icy-Ball - a chemical-mechanical

ice box that served rural areas lacking electricity; The Reado - a fascimilie system that transmitted words

and pictures via radio waves; The Koolrest - a bed cooling system; The X-er-vac - a machine that stimulated

the scalp in an effort to counter baldness; and the Go-bi-bi - a go-kart/stroller apparatus for young children.

However, Crosley's entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there. As a Cincinnati native he decided to step in

when the Cincinnati Reds declared bankruptcy. Mr. Crosley acquired the team, thus ensuring they would

remain an integral part of Cincinnati's culture. In 1930, he went on to build the Crosley Field which lasted

until the 1970's as the infamous Cincinnati Reds' playing field. Crosley was credited with producing the first

night baseball game - transforming Crosley Field from night to day with the flick of a switch. In subsequent

years, he went on to broadcast the first live baseball game on WLW-TV, The Crosley television

broadcasting division.

Today the Crosley name lives on with superbly detailed replicas that truly transcend time. Reintroductions

of original vintage Crosley Radios and Crosley Turntables feature the newest technologies graced by

unforgettable Crosley stylings. The Crosley Radio collection includes AM/FM radios, multi-functional audio

cassette and compact disc players; portable suitcase styled record players and

turntables; jukeboxes; music boxes; telephones and more. Rich lines, retro designs

and authentic crafting have made Crosley today's premier vintage radio manufacturer.

True to the Crosley tradition, these replicas are as fabulous as they are functional,

providing a delightful dose of nostalgia.