Hamvention® is sponsored by
Dayton Amateur Radio Association
Hamvention History…
About 1950, John Willig, W8ACE, had asked the Dayton Amateur Radio Association to sponsor a HAM Convention but was turned down. John wanted to have a quality affair. Speakers and prizes would be a drawing point. John finally found a champion in Frank Schwab, W8YCP (W8OK), the newly elected president of the club. A meeting was held and the DARA Board allocated $100 to get started. The first organizational meeting was held in January 1952.
The Southwestern Ohio Ham-vention was born. The first committee consisted of: John Willig, W8ACE, General Chairman Al Dinsmore, W8AUN, Arrangements Bob Siff, W8QDI (K4AMG), Prizes and Exhibits Frank Schwab, W8YCP (W8OK), Publicity Bob Montgomery, W8CUJ, Finance Clem Wolford, W8ENH, Program Ellie Haburton, W8GJP (W4ZVW), Women’s Committee The next year the name became “Dayton Hamvention®” and was registered as a trademark.
April was determined to be the best time but the Biltmore Hotel, in downtown Dayton was booked. March 22 was the chosen date, causing a short lead time. How far did $100 go? Not far! A 12’ TV was raffled off to help raise funds.
The FCC agreed to give license exams and Phil Rand, W1BDM, a pioneer in TVI elimination was on the program. First prize, a Collins 75A2, was purchased locally.
Hoping for 300 visitors, the committee was amazed that over 600 showed up! There were 7 exhibitors and 6 forums. The ladies program was successful with a luncheon at the Biltmore and a trip to a local TV station.
In 1955 the Awards Program began with the “Amateur of the Year.” The Flea Market has grown from 200 to 2700 spaces.
In 1964 the Hamvention® moved to Hara Arena. Free buses and handicapped parking were added in 1969. In 1973 it became a 2 day event with Sundays added in 1974. The program has grown to a “Souvenir Program” and in 1976 the dimensions changed from 6″x 9″ to the current 8-1/2″x11″.
The growth of the Dayton Hamvention® can be attributed to caring, energetic people who enjoy being on a winning team.
by Frank Schwab, W8OK and Beverly Priest, N8VZV
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- 1952-1955 John Willig, W8ACE
- 1956-1957 Rudy Plak, W8ZOF (W6TIK)
- 1958 Frank Schwab, W8YCO (W8OK)
- 1959-1960 Ed F. Bonnet, W8OVG
- 1961-1962 Joseph McNutt, W8GFN
- 1963-1964 Sheemon Wolfe, W8WJL
- 1965-1966 Edgar Smith, W8RKL
- 1967 Robert Wilcox, K8EJ
- 1968-1969 Jack Ohmart, K8CUA
- 1970-1971 Kenneth Mills, W8RLY
- 1972 George Shearer, WA8IHC (KE8WJ)
- 1973-1976 Ted Suarez, K8BSC
- 1977 Wallace Wright, WA8ZCA (AD8N)
- 1978 John Basilotto, WA8ZAN (KC2EH)
- 1979 Sandford Cohen, W8JEZ (N8HWQ)
- 1980-1981 Noel McKeown, WB8QQC
- 1982-1983 Harold Judd, WA8KNM
- 1984-1985 Jack Mitchell, AA8Q
- 1986-1987 Jim Simpson, WB8QZZ
- 1988-1989 Bill McNabb, WD8SAY
- 1990 Ed Hillman, N8ALN
- 1991-1992 Ross Brown, WA8DQH
- 1993-1994 Dave Grubb, KC8CF
- 1995-1996 Ken Allen, KB8KE
- 1997-1999 Dick Miller, N8CBU
- 2000-2002 Jim Graver, KB8PSO
- 2003 Pat Neff, N8IGS
- 2004-2005 Gary DesCombs, N8EMO
- 2006-2007 Jim Nies, WX8F
- 2008-2009 Carl Rose, K8CPR
- 2010 Lee Boeckerman, W8LFB
- 2011-2012 Michael Kalter, W8CI
- 2013-2014 Charles Kaiser, KD8JZR
- 2015-2016 Jim Tiderman, N8IDS
- 2017 Ron Cramer, KD8ENJ
- 2018-2019 Jack Gerbs, WB8SCT
- 2020-2022 Rick Allnut, WS8G