The Resurrection Lutheran Men’s Breakfast recently welcomed Dale Clements, a Resurrection Church member and passionate pre-transistor radio repair hobbyist. Dale, who has restored over 400 radios, shared his extensive knowledge of the radio industry and its evolution from the 1920s to the 1950s.
The event, attended by over 50 men, began with opening remarks from committee chair Jim Seppala. Ken Shepard offered a meal blessing, and Mark Boyce led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance before introducing Dale. A hearty breakfast, prepared by Kevin Risner of Flaming Heart BBQ Catering, set the stage for an engaging presentation.
Dale delved into the fascinating history of radio, which traces its accidental discovery back to the 1860s. By the 1930s, radios had become prominent household devices, often housed in wooden cabinets, some as large as furniture. Designs included “tombstone” and “cathedral” styles, as well as models designed to sit on fireplace mantels. Early radios relied on vacuum tubes—long before the invention of transistors and circuit chips, which eventually made radios smaller and portable. Following World War II, radios surged in popularity, with numerous companies entering the market. Dale also shared captivating stories from his personal restoration projects, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and technological advancements of the era.
Next Month’s Speaker
The next Men’s Breakfast, scheduled for Saturday, April 5, will feature Bob Wells, a Resurrection Lutheran Church member and former U.S. Navy Captain with 30 years of distinguished service. Bob will provide an overview of the current U.S. Navy and Marine Corps posture, highlighting their mission readiness. His presentation will also include personal stories from his time at sea aboard two Navy ships.
Join Us!
The Resurrection Lutheran Men’s Breakfast meets on the first Saturday of each month from October through May at the Outreach Center on the church’s Oro Valley campus. Doors open at 7:00 a.m., and breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Attendees can register on the church’s website, orovalley.org, or by calling (520) 575-9901. A $15 donation is appreciated. All are welcome!
