William F. Huffman’s early dream brings historic election coverage in 1940 and continues in 2024 while celebrating 8 decades of local radio
Teri BarrNov 4, 2024, 3:07 PM CST
William F. Huffman’s early dream brings historic election coverage in 1940 and again in 2024 while also celebrating 8 decades of local radio
The timing is historic. The launch of WFHR Radio happened at the same time residents cast their votes in a pivotal presidential election. It was November 5, 1940. Incumbent Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Republican businessman Wendell Willkie to be reelected for an unprecedented third term in office.
84 years later, WFHR continues to be a treasured voice in the community. There’s also another important presidential election on November 5, 2024.
LISTEN to the on-air salute to WFHR:
So how did it all begin?
The entrepreneur and Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune publisher, William F. Huffman believed in the opportunity to expand his newspaper coverage to radio. It took a decade of planning, but Huffman’s application for a radio license was finally approved in May of 1940.
This sparked Huffman’s effort to create a sophisticated studio he described as being a “station of the people.” He wanted it to reflect his dedication to community engagement. Huffman and his team traveled to other radio stations for inspiration, but keep in mind, WFHR — which stands for William F. Huffman radio — will still be one of the earliest in Wisconsin.
Huffman sets his sights on the Nash Hardware Building located at 141 West Grand Avenue in Wisconsin Rapids. The station’s facilities include business offices, two studios, and a dedicated control room – built thanks to contributions from numerous local contractors. The studios feature the elegant touches Huffman wanted, including a Gulbransen Grand Piano and a Hammond Organ.
The station officially signed on air at 6:30 pm, just in time to cover election results. The programming this night includes live coverage of county, state, and national results along with music.
WFHR is then dedicated with a celebration open to the public on Sunday, November 10, 1940. There is special programming to commemorate the event.
It has long been my ambition to offer this second medium of service to this wide community. Now it is a reality. In realization, we all find it far more interesting than we ever thought it could be when we were anticipating the granting of the permit and later the construction of the station.
After all, the public acceptance merely confirms our ideals of public service, because the station is not mine, and it is not the station of the staff. It is the station of the people of the area. Many are volunteering services and talents, happy in the opportunity to furnish information and entertainment to their fellow citizens.
William F. Huffman, WFHR dedication statement
The initial staff of 11, believed in Huffman’s vision to provide comprehensive programming. There was consistent coverage of local news and sports. National news from the Associated Press. The featured music would often showcase talent from central Wisconsin. And there were regular features like community contests. WFHR was the place to listen to a diverse array of information and entertainment.
In the end, Huffman’s vision came to fruition. His dream became a large piece of the station’s spirit: “WFHR is your station to have and to enjoy.” It’s a lasting testament to the power of community-driven, local broadcasting. And he would be happy to see it continues today, 84 years later.
See various news articles featuring WFHR:
August 1988 newspaper feature here.
November 2020 “Celebrating 80 Years” story here.
December 2020 “Through the Years” story here.
December 2021 “Cutting the Ribbon at a New Location” here.
August 2023 “Civic Media Buys WFHR” here.
