Scott Howe Bowen papers
Collection
0510-MMC
Scott Howe Bowen (1888-1941) became active in radio advertising in 1927 and purchased WIBX in Utica, New York in 1931. He was a pioneer in advertising spot sales, persuading nationally known companies to buy commercials in non-network radio programs. Bowen was also a pioneer in the development of the National Association of Broadcasters. This collection documents the early career of Bowen and the early history of WIBX, one of the oldest radio stations in Central New York. The collection includes contracts documenting Bowen's career as a sales representative representing a variety of regional radio stations seeking national sponsorship, as well as paperwork detailing the station's commitment to remain in Utica, the increase of WIBX's daytime power and frequencies, and the affiliation with the Columbia Broadcasting Service (CBS) in 1935.
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3.5 Linear Feet (2 record storage containers and 1 Hollinger box)
English
The Scott Howe Bowen papers document the early history of the Utica, New York-based radio station WIBX (1931-1940) as well as Bowen's career as a sales representative from 1928 until he gained ownership of WIBX in 1931. Documents include Bowen's sales represenative contracts as well as WIBX contracts accumulated by Bowen such as broadcasting contracts, advertisers, personnel, and the station's affiliation agreement with the Columbia Broadcasting Service (CBS).
This collection was minimally processed. The processing archivist maintained the original order of folders as they were received. The original folders were replaced with acid-free folders and assigned labels. The entire collection was-reboxed. One oversized item is housed on top of the record storage containers.
Empty file folders were removed from the materials received with this collection, but two folders were titled with names that are perhaps of historic interest. One empty folder was labeled "Associated Recorded Program Service" and the second was labeled "Radio Telegraphists Association." Background information on both of these organizations is available upon request in the control file.
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives