RADIO ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN NEW YORK'S HISTORY

The Radio Association of Western New York, often called RAWNY, was formed in 1917. It is believed to be the second oldest amateur radio group in the United States and is considered to be a general interest club encompassing all aspects of amateur radio.

RAWNY became affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), a national organization of amateur radio operators, in 1920.

Amateur radio activities were ended by government decree when World War II started. Once hostilities ended and the government ban was lifted, amateur radio was reborn. It was then that several hams decided to "give life" again to the Radio Association of Western New York. RAWNY has been active ever since. RAWNY was incorporated with the state of New York in 1955.

It fostered the formation of two-meter activity and financed a group within the club to promote the same. Eventually this group became BARRA (http://barra.hamgate.net), the Buffalo Amateur Radio Repeater Association, and like RAWNY, one of the five sponsors of what was once HAM-O-RAMA (the WNY ham radio/computer flea market).

At present and since 1980, RAWNY has been engaged in bringing Amateur Radio to the public through many demonstrations at the Buffalo Naval and Servicemen's Park. Our group has set up many special event stations including field day aboard the U.S.S. Little Rock, where the public can view Amateur Radio in operation. The station is a memorial to the late Clara Reger, W2RUF.

RAWNY has successfully instituted Novice and Technician/General classes. RAWNY has several members who are ARRL accredited Volunteer Examiners (VE's) and is active in the Amateur Radio Volunteer Exam Program in Western New York.

RAWNY also takes pride in sponsoring the annual Clara Reger code proficiency exercise at local area hamfests. A certificate is awarded to the applicant testifying to his or her Morse code receiving proficiency at the highest speed possible.

The Atlantic Division of the ARRL awarded RAWNY a Distinguished Service Award in 1986. This award is "in recognition of significant contributions to the Atlantic Division and the Amateur Radio Community".

In 1989 RAWNY took part in the first annual Amateur Radio Public Awareness Day. This was another event RAWNY took part in aboard the USS Little Rock. RAWNY's annual participation continues to this day.

In 1990 RAWNY instituted a meeting program geared toward the young people of Cub and Boy/Girl Scout age. The program was so well received by the youth and their councilors that it has become an annual event. Club members demonstrate some of the many modes of amateur radio so the youth can observe first hand and ask questions. Some demonstrations allow the guests to actively participate in the operation.

Through its monthly publication, the "QSO", the club informs its members of coming events, past achievements, and what's for sale.

The club call is W2PE and we are proud of our affiliation with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) for over 80 years and especially proud of our classification as an ARRL Special Services Club.