"I grew up in Senath (Judy Toombs). My earliest memory of KBOA is watching my mother reach up to the radio on top of the refrigerator, turn the dial then say, "It’s time for Hometown News." Later, in the third grade, my Brownie troop went to the studio on a field trip, and there I was thrilled to watch someone behind a glass window fiddle with some strange-looking machines and then make the sounds the song "Purple People Eater" come into the room where I sat (an early cultural experience that contributed no doubt to my existing love for the arts)."

Judy Kidd
Juneau, Alaska
October 18, 1997

"Reading my dad’s (Chester Scallorns) recollections, I remember him telling me about the very early days of KBOA…and in the mid-50’s, when it was nearing its 10th anniversary, MY very first memory is reinforced with the realization of how much magic there really is in radio.

I knew dad had been the pianist for several of the gospel groups, and sung with some, live. What really, REALLY impressed me was one Saturday afternoon, while being tended by my older brother and his friends, they drove by the studios at the very time that the announcer said… "And now, here is…(I don’t remember who)…" I do remember it was a male vocalist with a full orchestral backing…AND THE PARKING LOT WAS EMPTY!! When I realized how they did THAT, I was astounded!  I began spinning records at the old KBXM in the late sixties and early seventies… and with a few interruptions along the way now do the same thing with computers and satellite up-and-down links!

I agree with your dad… it is an exciting and honorable profession, maybe not for everyone, and with all the technological advances, still a very strong presence in our culture…RADIO!! It’s not just a job…it’s not just an adventure… it’s in your blood to stay, if you ever once get infected, and that makes it a CAREER!

Mike Scallorns
Kennett, MO
October 7, 1997

"I think that John Doe #1 might be Red Cantell. He should be a part of the story if for no other reason than he was a most unforgettable character. I knew him and remember him as a good announcer who habitually complained about his meager compensation at KBOA. On his days off he sometimes picked cotton to supplement his income. His tenure at KBOA ended when a maintenance crew came to work on the KBOA tower. When he found out how much those guys were paid to climb that tower he joined the crew and left town.

I also believe that a more complete bio of Norman Shainberg would add interest to the story. As I remember, he lost a leg when his plane was shot down in WW2. While at KBOA he and his bride were married on a popular network show. His family owned Shainbergs dept store in Kennett. They later moved to Memphis and Norman moved to WMPS.

During the summer of 1947 a group of KHS band members formed a dance band. Ray Van, obviously being desperate for live talent lined up a sponsor and talked us into doing a weekly show. I remember Butterball coming to one of our rehearsals and telling us that dance bands were on the way out and if we wanted to make it we would have to go hillbilly. That may well be the most accurate advice we ever received. At the end of the summer we disbanded."

Gerald D. Overall
March 14, 1999

"My name is Liz Bixler Cruze and I grew up in Kennett about the time you are talking about. I remember KBOA very well because my boyfriend Robert Miles Goldsmith was one of the announcers about 1954 or 1953. I remember this very well because I sometime "snuck" in the station at night when he was announcing and visited him. My father wrote some radio plays and they put them on the radio.

The first time I was on the radio was when I wrote a theme for the library and won 1st place and it was read on the radio. My father was Clay Bixler and he was the assistant postmaster of Kennett. He did a lot of writing and was published as H.C. Arnuth a combination of Hornersville, Caruth, Senath and Arbyrd. He was also the principal of Arbyrd HS before moving to Kennett. Anyway I would like to see Bob’s name on the list as an employee. I heard he recently passed away in Jonesboro. "

Liz Bixler Cruze
April 14, 1999

"My best memory comes from 1967, when my dad, Winfred Henson, was stationed in Viet Nam. My mom, brother and sister and I were spending that LONG year in Kennett. Every morning, we ate breakfast in our tiny apartment’s kitchen to the sound of Mr. Rudy’s early morning gospel show. In our house, the show was always known as Old Can Beating Time, my younger brother’s understanding of Old Camp Meeting Time. I don’t know how anyone could hear On the Wings of a Snow White Dove and not think of Mr. Rudy. I heard that show every morning that year and to this day, my New Orleans-born "city boy" husband is astounded by my knowledge of old gospel tunes."

Patty Henson Sullivan
Fayetteville, Arkansas
February 20, 2000

“I just discovered your web page and how just simply wonderful to see my Uncle John holding my cousin Terry in his lap. His wife Dot is my dad’s sister (Billy Wayne). Thank you for these early memories. I was born in Kennett and I have early memories of my uncle and dad talking radios & equipment out back in John T’s garage. Thank you for reviving wonderful memories especially when they include my favorite relatives! God Bless.”

C. J Wright
Lakeland, FL
May 29, 2000

"Enclosed is a picture of the late W. Frank Smith with whom I worked
in 1956 and 1957. Frank was married to Doris Cousert Smith who was
employed (at KBOA) on the office staff. Frank was an announcer and
part-time engineer along with Bob Conner and Ray Rust.

Perry Hill
March 31, 2001

"I was employed at KBOA the entire year of 1956 and part of 1957, but had to depart quickly in February of 1957 when I was recalled to active duty in the U.S. Air Force. My experience at the station was one of the most exciting and gratifying events since it was always something I wanted to do. My work shift was the one no one really wanted… 4:00 p.m. to sign-off on week days and Sunday, noon to sign-off. Our engineer was Ray Rust and my announcer buddy was the late Frank Smith who was married to Doris Smith (page one of KBOA employees). The station manager at that time was Charlie Harrison. This was a year of associating with ral professional people at KBOA…Charlie Watson and my good friends Rudy Pylant and John Mays. My wife, Ruth, and I went to Piggott, Arkansas, and watched some of the filming of A FACE IN THE CROWD. A very exciting time for us."

Perry J. Hill
September 27, 2000

"Enclosed is a picture of the late W. Frank Smith with whom I worked in 1956 and 1957. Frank was married to Doris Cousert Smith who was employed (at KBOA) on the office staff. Frank was an announcer and part-time engineer along with Bob Conner and Ray Rust."

Perry Hill
March 31, 2001