As most of you who followed the link I sent out know by know, I am fascinated by CB radio culture of the 1970s. I have tens of thousands of CB radio QSL cards, numerous catalogs and other crazy memorabilia from a sadly under documented era. My goal is to share the images and stories from this cultural phenomenon.
CB radio has often been dismissed as a fad from the 1970s akin to the pet rock. Admittedly, CB really did thrive most in the 1970s, reaching its peak in 1976-77, but it is a lot more just than a fad.
This is the story of America coping with a gas crisis, sharing homemade and professional made artwork, collecting and learning a whole new form of what we now refer to as social media.
CB was truly a medium for people. It didn’t matter if you were rich or poor, black or white, urban or rural you could use and enjoy Citizens Band Radio.
Over the life of this website, I will be posting newspaper articles, magazines, catalogs, stories and images from CB users and QSL collectors.
QSL cards have especially been a fascination of mine. The next CB related post will try to explain QSL cards, their collectors and why it is relevant to today’s culture. I will also try to explain its demise and why it has been a mostly forgotten world.
Buckle up, because it is going to be a lot to take in.
Feel free to share your CB stories/pictures with me in the comments or drop me a line at cardboardamerica@gmail.com
BONUS:
On September 26, 1978, Governor Dolph Briscoe of Texas declared, “10-4 Day-CB Recognition Day” to honor the the 1958 birth of citizens band radio. This would be one of the last major years of the CB radio craze.
The speech given that day sounds eerily familiar to the social media of today:
In his proclamation, Governor Briscoe noted the growth of CB Radio and its social aspects; “friendships formed, the monotony of tedious journeys broken, communication established between home and business.”
Governor Briscoe joined the nation’s other governors as well as many federal officials in observing “10-4 Day.” The Oct. 4 celebration highlights a special yearlong anniversary program sponsored by the Electronic Industries Association which includes the honoring of former First Lady, Betty Ford, as “CB’s First Mama,” and recognizes her early use of CB radio.
Betty Ford, CB radio and the 1976 campaign stories coming soon….
I love this blog.
I was born too late for the peak of CB mania but have always loved them.
Had a base station and a big outdoor antenna as a kid. Sadly we lived so far out in the sticks I couldn’t hear anything.
I still have a CB in my van (I love 70’s van culture as well). I also pick up CB gear and parephneila at thrift stores and yard sales. Have amassed a small collection.
Interestly enough My father in law ran a CB shop and my wifes first words according to family legend were “Breaker, Breaker”. We worked together or a few years at a 2 way radio shop.