Here’s an excerpt from the history files of the club:
The concept for a local Amateur Radio Club was formed in the summer of 1952. By January 1953, organizational meetings were being held in various locations, including the members’ homes. Application was made for an ARRL Club Charter and, in February 1953, a charter was granted to The Decatur Amateur Radio Club, Inc. Arrangements were made to use the Decatur Utilities Auditorium for Club Meetings, later changed to the Red Cross facilities. Finally, the meetings were moved to the Civil Defense headquarters in the basement of the Morgan County Courthouse, a tradition that continues today.
In 1953, the Club participated in its first Field Day and had its first Christmas dinner. During the next few years, the Club made its mark as a valuable asset to the community, receiving recognition for outstanding participation with communications when a tornado hit Hartselle in 1954. Other recognized activites included the winter of 1955 when a severe ice storm plagued Decatur, and when a tornado struck near the airport during a Club meeting in 1957.
So, that means our club is 60 years old this month.
Happy Birthday to us!!!!
We plan to continue serving Decatur and Morgan County with participation in severe weather events, emergency management drills, and any other activities (planned or unplanned) that require reliable and responsible communications.
And hopefully we’ll be here after 60 more years!