Mother’s Day was coming up when KMAM came on the air for the first time, May 11th. 1962 on this anniversary date AM-1530 will begin its 52nd year of Broadcasting to Midwest Missouri ,and Eastern Kansas.
Butler has taken on a different look since that day. It has grown beyond what we called “The Strip,” and West Butler is a busy place now. Theairport was a grass strip, but is now one of the more well known airports in this part of the country, with flyers coming here for engine work.
The garbage disposal was composed on two men who went around in a pick-up truck, accepting only food remains. Since Butler had “no burning “laws in 1962 , everyone burned their trash in their backyard, being careful not to do that on “washday.”
The only business still on the square that was here at that time, is LeNeve’s Tv and Appliance Store ran by Don and Jo Ann LeNeve. There are now four banks instead of two.The Radio Station got its news by way of teletype, and the albums inwhich our music came was in ten and twelve-inch vinyl…a new-fangled type that had only come out in the 50’s.
The vinyl albums replaced the old stiff 78 rpm records that broke if you weren’t careful with them, but the new vinyl also had its faults, melting if sunlight got to them. The FM-92 may very well be the only one in the nation that is still owned and operated by the original family, although Bill Thornton has given way to his and Louise’s first-born, Melody Thornton as the Federal Communication Commission granted the transfer of ownership to his daughter.
On February 13thof 2013. We appreciate each of you listeners and advertisers. You and our sponsors keep us on the air, and our thanks go out to you. Happy 51st Anniversary to KMAM !
Courtesy of The following editorial was composed by Bill Thornton founder of FM-92 and Am 1530 Radio Stations located in Butler.
