WLS Radio, Chicago

WLS started in the 1920's by Sears & Roebuck to advertise their mail order catalogs to rural farmers via radio. They called it WLS starting in 1924, for "Worlds Largest Store." It was later sold to Prairie Farmer magazine to compliment the farmer audience that both formats appealed to. Not only for entertainment, but market reports were broadcast daily from the Union Stockyards in Chicago. They would broadcast up-to-the minute weather forecasts, produce and grain prices, and livestock reports. They even had live coverage of the 1933 World's Fair. Entertainment shows included the live WLS Orchestra, Gene Autry, and the National Barn Dance. Later, they had a ladies show called the Homemakers Hour that offered home tips and advice. In 1960, they were absorbed by ABC, who turned the station into an FM channel. These books were released annually so listeners could put faces with the voices.