Ask a Teenager: 1922

Although a bit optimistic concerning the speed of development, in 1921 Mr. Armstrong Perry accurately predicted the development of cell phones: "The demonstration ventured to prophesy that the day was at hand when by means of a simple pocket apparatus one could call up his home and talk without wire from almost any distance, and there was none dared call him a dreamer! "

Washington Post, Dec 18, 1921

News of Boy Scouts

At the monthly meeting of the Scoutmasters club, held in Epiphany parish house last Tuesday evening, modern achievements in wireless held the center of the stage. Through the courtesy of Mr Armstrong Perry, the latest apparatus in telephonic communication without the use of wires was demonstrated. When a little equipment, most of which could be carried in a suitcase, was set up in the room, and after slight adjustment began reproducing a concert that was taking place in another part of the city, the effect was distinctly spooky. Even men used to transcontinental telephonic communication were abashed at this exhibition of seizing music out of the air and amplifying it until all in the room could enjoy it; without receivers to their ear, without even the outside wires running high over head, to which the radio operator is accustomed.

The demonstration ventured to prophesy that the day was at hand when by means of a simple pocket apparatus one could call up his home and talk without wire from almost any distance, and there was none dared call him a dreamer! So rapid have been the strides in the last few months in radio that no prophecy seems extravagant. Only a few weeks ago eighteen American amateur stations were heard across the Atlantic in the course of a single night.

In the Canary Islands, where I live, a local, non-for-profit radio station (Radio ECCA for anyone curious enough) did a great job teaching to write and read, as well as finishing elementary and high school education to adults who never had the opportunity to get an education or were forced to leave school at an early time. It's still in operation, though now its focus has changed.

The radio is a crystal set receiver (not a transmitter), probably a Westinghouse Aeriola Jr. Model RE. Crystal sets, which preceded tube radios, operated without batteries or any other power source. They required a long wire antenna and an earth ground connection to receive AM broadcasts.

[What's the mouthpiece for? - Dave]

A good cleaning and some polish and those shoes would look a whole lot better. Soles and heels don't look worn, although the angle is not the best.

Looking at these images, I am always drawn to the shoes. How often these days do you ever see shoes that are this worn? I always wonder how many shoes a typical adult would have had in their wardrobe and how many siblings would wear the same pairs.

[Indeed. Feet and shoes seem to hold a certain fascination for the Shorpy commentariat. - Dave]