What’s with the barbed wire fence?
A century ago, my grandfather and his brothers immigrated to the Canadian prairies, settling in what is still a remote farming community in Alberta today. Early homesteading life was certainly challenging, but the farming families supported and entertained each other. The local musical scene and square dances were hosted by my great uncle John and his family. My great uncle Arthur connected his small community to the world using his barbed wire fence as a telephone and antenna to broadcast a radio show of the local music sessions.
“Old timers have vivid memories of the Botheras boys. Arthur invented a mechanical stooker, built the first radio in the district, and masterminded and maintained the barbed-wire telephone system in the Wheatsheaf district… And then he added a small broadcasting station. On Thursday evenings, he broadcast live old time music from John Botheras’ house. Mrs. Botheras played the piano, her father played the dulcimer, assisted by whoever else happened to be present. John Botheras called the square dances. Postcards mentioning the broadcast were received from places as far away as Texas.”
From the Pioneer Heritage of Kirriemuir, Altario, and Compeer
This site is about continuing the spirit of sharing music between people and connecting communities – a 21st century ‘barbed wire fence radio’.
Barbed Wire Fence Radio 