Finding an Old Timer's Call Sign

[W1RC]

Hope everyone's enjoying the Holiday Season..............

I ran into a lady the other day who just got her Tech licence.  She mentioned that her dad was licensed for many years but doesn't remember his call sign.  I told her that if she could find out what it was there is a good possibility that she could obtain it provided it is not currently assigned to someone.

Do any of you know if there is a database that can be searched by name or town to learn what his call sign was?  I have his name and the town (Malden Massachusetts) where he lived when he was licensed.  I also heard there was a service that does this but I am not aware of what or who it is.

The only other option is for her to look through an old call book page by page listing the first call area licences. 

Thanks for the help.

73,

Mister Mike, W1RC

PS: NEAR-Fest XV is May 2nd and 3rd 2014.

[K4RT]

Mike,

She might contact W3HF http://www.w3hf.com/ to ask if he can search by name.

If her father was licensed during the EARLY years of the 20th century, she might check here: http://earlyradiohistory.us/statlist.htm   The lists posted there include ham, Navy and broadcast call signs for periods from early 1900s into early 1930s.  The listings I have reviewed there include the name and street address of the licensee. Searching by name might be a chore but if he was a W1 it shouldn't take too long.

73,
Brad

[W3GMS]

Does she have any idea of when his license lapsed? 

Also, she might remember some of his Ham friends.  If they are still current, they may be able to be look up under their name on QRZ.com and they could be contacted to get his call.   

73,

Joe, GMS

[W1RC]

Hi Joe:

She says he passed away in 1972 when she was a teenager.  She told me that she doesn't remember much except he was a "ham radio operator".

I joined a radio club on Sunday.  They have their own clubhouse and a LOT of radios including some nice BAs (AR88, HRO-50, SP 200, etc).  Also they are going to set up a couple HF stations that can be operated remotely.  It's a relatively small club up in Gloucester MA.  They don't seem to that themselves too seeiously.  I am looking forward to being a member.

This is where I met this lady and I am thinking that she might be able to get her dad's call if we can find out what it was.

73,

MrM

[W3GMS]

Mike,

My oldest callbook goes back to 1948.  If he had his license back then, I could go through all the calls from his call area if need be. 

Good luck with the local radio club.  Go check it out and it may work out well for you.  A lot of the club I have been associated with get very political and it looses its edge.  Hopefully that will not occur with your group.

Happy New Year!

Joe, GMS   

[W1RC]

Hi Jioe:

Thanks for the offer.  They have some old call books at the club and if necessary she can look thought them. 

This club has minimal political BS which is one reason I joined.  I don't deal well with that kind of nonsense.  We don't allow it at the fester.

73,

MrM

[W3GMS]

I don't deal well with that kind of nonsense.  We don't allow it at the fester.
73,
MrM

And that is exactly why NEAR-Fest is our favorite fest!     

73,
Joe