The Kilmarnock Museum, 76 North Main Street, Kilmarnock, will officially open for the season Wednesday, April 2, with a new exhibit, the 50th Anniversary of Radio Station WKWI in Kilmarnock.
Born on the first day of September 1975, the station was owned by Kilmarnock Broadcasters, a partnership of Northern Neck and Tidewater Broadcasting Company. The president was Patricia Parker Williams of Irvington and Washington and Dean Loudy, who had recently moved to Irvington.
Although licensed for 24-hour operation, the station began broadcasting from 6 a.m.-10 p.m., reported museum president Carroll Lee Ashburn. The original “First Team” was Dean and Mildred Loudy, Bruce Lawyer, Christine Nauman, Ray Cook, Randy Newsome and Ashburn.
The 210-foot tower was painted by Dean Loudy, who also changed the light bulbs. It has been struck by lightning several times which knocked the station off the air, said Ashburn.
There have also been at least two weddings performed at the station, he said.
Since that rainy, muddy day in early September many have come and gone and a second station, WIGO Country 104.9, has been added and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes have been given away, said Ashburn.
As they say on radio “stay tuned because the best is yet to come” as the station is currently planning several special events throughout the year, he said.
Museum hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, or anytime by appointment.
