On this Date in History

On this date, Apollo 11 landed the first humans on the moon.

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first to step out onto the moon’s surface.

While that was going on, Harold Welter and Ted Hayes were testing the equipment at WKVI FM because the next day they would be broadcasting to the Kankakee Valley for the first time.

Ted Hayes and Harold Welter

“I remember that day as it were yesterday,” said Ted. “42 years. Where does the time go? Harold Welter and I were ready to sign on WKVI FM and broadcast for that first day. It probably wasn’t as historic as the moon landing, but it was pretty big stuff for two guys in their mid-20s. I’ve always been proud of the fact that I was at the station on that first day. Little did I know that some 15,000 days later, I’d still be given the privilege to broadcast here. Such is life. Tomorrow, two old men, Harold Welter and I will be in here with Tom Berg and we’ll reminisce about that magic day 42 years ago.”