[TowerTalk] AES SK

[Michael OBrien]

Those of us who are old enough and who lived close enough fondly remember the original Henry Radio store in Butler, Missouri.

A visit there gave hams a chance to visit with the knowledgeable staff and to twist the knobs on the several rigs in the demonstration room. They offered excellent repair services. And Bob's (W0ARA) trade-in policies, prices and generous payment plans were legendary.

It is interesting to note that, starting 'way back in the 1930s, Bob served hams throughout the country (and perhaps beyond) without benefit of the Internet or UPS or FedEx. His willingness to deal lured business far away from little Butler. Much of the shipping of heavy boatanchors was done by bus and sometimes by rail. If I remember correctly, when Henry Radio finally closed, it had been the longest continuous advertiser in QST. In some respects, Bob (and his brother, Ted, who eventually opened the branch in Los Angeles) were forerunners to what has become today's e-commerce.

I had satisfactory dealings with AES, but in more recent times have dealt mainly with DX Engineering, R&L Electronics and occasionally Universal Radio. However, my favorite method is to visit one of the few independent brick-and-mortar shops still in operation hereabouts, Associated Radio in Kansas City (Overland Park). 

The internet and the online shopping opportunities it has brought us are wonderful -- but it is sad to see personalized, face-to-face interactions over the counters of ham stores disappear due to competition with modern merchandising.

Mike, K0MYW