WRAL 60th Groundbreaking Retrospective by The Tar Heel Traveler

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A.J. Fletcher, Dorothy Collins, Fred Fletcher, Jim Goodmon, Wesley Williams

In recognition of WRAL’s 60th Anniversary, Scott Mason – better known as The Tar Heel Traveler – took viewers back to October 17, 1956 for the groundbreaking ceremonies of the studios on Western Boulevard in Raleigh. WRAL would sign on two months later on December 15, 1956 using a temporary studio in the garage of the transmitter building near Garner.

Scott Mason interviewed Wesley Williams, former President of Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, for his recollection of that rainy day in October. Also interviewed is CEO Jim Goodmon, grandson of founder A.J. Fletcher and nephew of Fred Fletcher.

WRAL-FM carried the dedication ceremonies LIVE with Fred Fletcher, VP of Capitol Broadcasting introducing the guest speakers and providing commentary. George Geoghegan, VP of Wachovia Bank and Trust served as Master of Ceremonies. Other speakers included Charles Campbell, President of the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Wesley Williams, at the time Secretary of the Raleigh Merchants Association.

The highlight of the event was Dorothy Collins, star of the NBC television program “Your Hit Parade,” joining CBC Founder and President AJ Fletcher to turn the soil with a gold color shovel. The day was rainy and gray, but everyone beamed with excitement. Dorothy Collins said, “I hope this station goes on forever and ever.”

Feature edited by WRAL Tar Heel Traveler photographer Bob Meikle.

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CBC Founder and CEO AJ Fletcher and family
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CBC founder AJ Fletcher in his corporate office
WRAL-TV groundbreaking celebration with NBC star Dorothy Collins

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Elon College Honors Mr. A.J. Fletcher 1987

Elon College, located in Elon, North Carolina near Burlington, honored the legacy of Mr. A.J. Fletcher (1987- 1979) on the 100th anniversary on his birth. This video, produced in 1987, features Mr. Robert Anderson who was the assistant to the president of Elon College.

Anderson presents a biography of Fletcher with emphasis on the impact he had on the community of fine arts, specifically in regards to opera.

Included in this video presentation is David Witherspoon who worked at the Fletcher Foundation. Frank Fletcher, one of AJ’s three sons, shares memories of his father.

The video was viewed by an audience prior to a performance by the Elon College community orchestra.

*Elon College is now Elon University.

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WRAL 60th Groundbreaking Retrospective by The Tar Heel Traveler

More Highlights for A.J. Fletcher

A CBC Christmas Classic: Fred Fletcher and My Two Front Teeth

AJ Fletcher with extended family

AJ Fletcher in office

WRAL-TV groundbreaking celebration with NBC star Dorothy Collins

Elon College Honors Mr. A.J. Fletcher 1987

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