Home of Early YL is Kansas Museum
The Ensor Farm, in Johnson County, Kansas, is known for its historic association with Loretta Ensor (1904-1991) and her brother, Marshall Hamilton Ensor (1899-1970), two of the most prominent radio amateurs who established one of the most complete amateur radio transmitting stations in America on their property during the early history of radio.
The Kansas City Journal Post, on January 24, 1926, under the headline Kansas Has Lone Woman Radio Amateur in West, stated "Kansas boasts the only woman Amateur radio operator in the Middle West. Her name is Miss Loretta Ensor in the Olathe city directory, but to virtually every amateur within hearing distance---and these days that means clear around on the other side of the world---she is 9UA."
The Elsnors teach
Loretta and Marshal in their shack.
The ARRL called for volunteers to teach CW to aspiring hams and Marshall Ensor was one of the first to respond to this request and in 1929 started "lessons" in Code over station 9BSP to anyone who signed up for the 60 lesson course. Both Marshall and Loretta gave lessons for 10 years--it was estimated that more than 10,000 persons were trained in CW during the period over Stations 9BSP and W9BSP.
In 1913 Marshall Ensor built his first wireless or crystal radio set and followed that with a set using a spark gap transmitter in 1917. He received his ticket in 1917 and was issued call letters 9BSP. In 1923 Loretta received her license and received 9UA as her call sign.
Loretta became known during the 1920s as the first woman radio amateur whose voice crossed the Pacific Ocean.
In 1913 Marshall Ensor built his first wireless or crystal radio set and followed that with a set using a spark gap transmitter in 1917. He received his ticket in 1917 and was issued call letters 9BSP. In 1923 Loretta received her license and received 9UA as her call sign.
Loretta became known during the 1920s as the first woman radio amateur whose voice crossed the Pacific Ocean.
The Elsnor Station
In 1940 Marshall Ensor received the William S. Paley Award for his efforts in support of national defense. Each year, William S. Paley, the president of CBS radio, would honor one ham radio operator.
At the onset of World War II in 1941 Ensor applied for a commission in the United States Navy and was accepted, obtaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington, where he was assigned to radio operations.
The radio station the Ensors founded remained in operation after Ensor retired from teaching in 1964. After Marshall died in 1970, Loretta operated the radio station. The Young Ladies Radio league (YLRL) presented her with a 50-year member award in 1974.
At the onset of World War II in 1941 Ensor applied for a commission in the United States Navy and was accepted, obtaining the rank of Lt. Commander. He was stationed at the Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington, where he was assigned to radio operations.
The radio station the Ensors founded remained in operation after Ensor retired from teaching in 1964. After Marshall died in 1970, Loretta operated the radio station. The Young Ladies Radio league (YLRL) presented her with a 50-year member award in 1974.
The Elsnor House
The Ensor House in Olathe, Kansas today is a museum on the
National Historic Registry.
The Ensor Farm includes the original pioneer cabin built around 1875, the north peg barn (which now houses the Ensor Museum), the 1896/1900 cow barn, second one-room cabin brought to the property, meathouse, chicken coop and brooder house, machine shed, concrete silo and two 80 foot radio towers.
The survival of Ensor Farm and its radio history was ultimately in Loretta's hands, who established the Ensor Farm site & Museum so that others might see how things used to be on a working farm. Both Marshall and Loretta Ensor were licensed radio amateurs and operated a station from the farmhouse for 56 years (1917-1973).
National Historic Registry.
The Ensor Farm includes the original pioneer cabin built around 1875, the north peg barn (which now houses the Ensor Museum), the 1896/1900 cow barn, second one-room cabin brought to the property, meathouse, chicken coop and brooder house, machine shed, concrete silo and two 80 foot radio towers.
The survival of Ensor Farm and its radio history was ultimately in Loretta's hands, who established the Ensor Farm site & Museum so that others might see how things used to be on a working farm. Both Marshall and Loretta Ensor were licensed radio amateurs and operated a station from the farmhouse for 56 years (1917-1973).
YL team shows that DXpeditions aren't just for men.
Many YL's have participated on DXpedition teams over the years, often to some desolate location of the world. These Dxpeditions are usually carried out under the harshest of conditions. Here is a team made up entirely of YL's that went on a Dxpedition to the Island of Curacao.
Curacao, is an island of 171 square miles located in the Leeward (Lesser) Antilles. It is the largest and most populated (141,766) of the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. On October 10, 2010 the Netherland Antilles were dissolved. Curacao became a new country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and instantly became one of four new DX entities
The Dxpedition girls were active on Curacao from March 18-21, 2011. They wanted a location with minimal station set-up, warm weather, and "adult beverages" they found all of this in the turn key station PJ2T. PJ2T is owned and operated by the Caribbean Contesting Consortium which rents out the super well equipped facility on the south side of the island.
Here are the bios of the team.
Curacao, is an island of 171 square miles located in the Leeward (Lesser) Antilles. It is the largest and most populated (141,766) of the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. On October 10, 2010 the Netherland Antilles were dissolved. Curacao became a new country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and instantly became one of four new DX entities
The Dxpedition girls were active on Curacao from March 18-21, 2011. They wanted a location with minimal station set-up, warm weather, and "adult beverages" they found all of this in the turn key station PJ2T. PJ2T is owned and operated by the Caribbean Contesting Consortium which rents out the super well equipped facility on the south side of the island.
Here are the bios of the team.
Gayle-K6GO "The leader of the Pack"
My station is very modest; Yaesu FT-1000MP, Alpha 374A amp, Hy-Gain Explorer 14 for 10,15 & 20, Hy-Power 40/80M dipole, 160M is a home brew based on the K6MM helically wound vertical design, and an R7.
I am active in the San Diego DX Club www.SDDXC.org Two of the most fabulous experiences of my entire life involve amateur radio. First I was part of a YL DXpedition to Montserrat, before the volcano erupted, July 25-30, 1993. Then my students talked to the astronaut on space shuttle STS 70 on July 18, 1995, 15:01:10 UTC.
I have been licensed as KC6SQC. Then I was KC6YDQ, then Extra Class as, KM6WF, and now and lastly I am K6GO. I am truly looking forward to our YLDXpedition to Curacao.
I am active in the San Diego DX Club www.SDDXC.org Two of the most fabulous experiences of my entire life involve amateur radio. First I was part of a YL DXpedition to Montserrat, before the volcano erupted, July 25-30, 1993. Then my students talked to the astronaut on space shuttle STS 70 on July 18, 1995, 15:01:10 UTC.
I have been licensed as KC6SQC. Then I was KC6YDQ, then Extra Class as, KM6WF, and now and lastly I am K6GO. I am truly looking forward to our YLDXpedition to Curacao.
Rosemary "Rusty" Kalkofen
In my first life I retired as Quality Control Inspector, then with the IRS for
few years. A few more odd jobs and now fully retired. Got my Tech as KI6AMT, then General, and finally Extra as AF6WF.
I became mildly interested in contesting, and now am learning the techniques to become a real contester with N6KI as Elmer. Look for me on YouTube as operator for the NX6T contest station operating from W6HCD shack in Bonsall Ca. In 2010 I had the chance to work the San Diego 100 in the control trailer with WB6BFG and N6UWW.
Station: Yaesu FT-2000, Yaesu FL-7000 amp, G5RV @ 10 Meters. ARRL VE, SANDAC VE, and a member of Palomar Club, Ears Club, and San Diego DX Clubs.
I became mildly interested in contesting, and now am learning the techniques to become a real contester with N6KI as Elmer. Look for me on YouTube as operator for the NX6T contest station operating from W6HCD shack in Bonsall Ca. In 2010 I had the chance to work the San Diego 100 in the control trailer with WB6BFG and N6UWW.
Station: Yaesu FT-2000, Yaesu FL-7000 amp, G5RV @ 10 Meters. ARRL VE, SANDAC VE, and a member of Palomar Club, Ears Club, and San Diego DX Clubs.
Ellen Utschig-N6UWW
Originally licensed (KC6BIZ) as a result of seeing how much fun my Dad (K6QJP - SK), and my brother (KM6EK) had w/ radio on a family vacation. Got into doing communications at off-road races down in Mexico - combining my love of the outdoors w/ camping and radio! Love public service communications and have quite the memorabilia collection to prove it (favorite by far has to be my Tournament of Roses jacket). Met the man of my dreams through the off-road races & the rest is history. Convinced Wild Bill to get his ticket & now he’s WB6BFG.
Our station includes: Yeasu FT-1000MP MarkV-Field w/ an Ameritron AL-811. Our place looks like a real antenna farm (dipole and Butternut vertical for 40/80, HyGain TH7DX for 10/15/20, various verticals, etc) and together we have more fun than should be legal playing with ham radio. In addition to our work at the off-road races, we both enjoy contesting (WB’s a natural & I blame my addiction on N6KI), traveling the world & making new friends wherever we go. Most memorable experiences w/ ham radio are chairing the PARC Field Day team to victory in 5A category (mid-90’s???) and participating in CQWW DXpeditions (2008 @ HQ3Z, 2009 @ GJ2A). Active in the Palomar Amateur Radio Club & San Diego DX Club & Southern California Contest Club.
Our station includes: Yeasu FT-1000MP MarkV-Field w/ an Ameritron AL-811. Our place looks like a real antenna farm (dipole and Butternut vertical for 40/80, HyGain TH7DX for 10/15/20, various verticals, etc) and together we have more fun than should be legal playing with ham radio. In addition to our work at the off-road races, we both enjoy contesting (WB’s a natural & I blame my addiction on N6KI), traveling the world & making new friends wherever we go. Most memorable experiences w/ ham radio are chairing the PARC Field Day team to victory in 5A category (mid-90’s???) and participating in CQWW DXpeditions (2008 @ HQ3Z, 2009 @ GJ2A). Active in the Palomar Amateur Radio Club & San Diego DX Club & Southern California Contest Club.
Georgia-KI6LAV
My dad was a licensed radio operator and had his own electronics store back in the 1920's the young age of 19. But the idea did not register with me until a few years ago when I became involved in CERT. I could immediately see the value of emergency communications via the airwaves.
I am active with CERT, the American Red Cross and the Palomar Amateur Radio Club where I am Treasurer (Happy 75th Anniversary PARC!). With my new Hi-Q 5/80 antenna and an ICOM-7000 I am now exploring DX. Only licensed since 2007, I am a relative newcomer to the hobby.
I have visited 15 countries but this DXpedition to Signal Point, Curacao will be my first as a ham.
I am active with CERT, the American Red Cross and the Palomar Amateur Radio Club where I am Treasurer (Happy 75th Anniversary PARC!). With my new Hi-Q 5/80 antenna and an ICOM-7000 I am now exploring DX. Only licensed since 2007, I am a relative newcomer to the hobby.
I have visited 15 countries but this DXpedition to Signal Point, Curacao will be my first as a ham.
Margie-KG5TBR
My name is Margie Hoffman KG6TBR, I live in Santa Clarita, CA. First licensed in November 2003, as a Tech. Upgraded to General in December 2006 and had the honor or being the very last ham in the San Fernando Valley to pass with code before the requirement was eliminated. Upgraded to Extra in December 2009.
I am currently the President of the Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club, Vice President of the YLDxpeditions Club, Delegate to LAACARC(Los Angeles Area Council of Amateur Radio Clubs), Amateur Emergency Communications leader for Stage 15 B2V(Baker 2 Vegas) and member of ARRL and ARES. Also, ARRL VE and GLAARG VE.
My shack is small but serves it's purpose. I have 2 Astron SS-30M Power supplies. One supports an Icom 2100 which I use for our club radio net on 2 meters with the help of a high-power 144-148 mhz/amplifier(up to 200 watts). The antenna is a 7' Hustler vertical (w/LMR 600) with an 8 ft' military push up off the 2nd story, so is about 25' off the ground. The other supports the All Mode Transceiver- Icom -7000. The HF rig is using an LDG AT7000 Tuner. Antenna is made of 7' RG8 + 4:1 Balun + 18' 1/2' Ladderline, twisting up to the highest point on my 2nd story chimney. From there, it becomes an inverted V using 100' 18AWG copper-clad steel wire, at 35' down to each side of my yard, then 12' more pointed at each other which almost forms a loop. It works well on HF, and I have talked to Wisconsin, Hawaii and Canada.
I have experience contesting in ARRL VHF/UHF January, June, November QSO parties, winning certificates for 1st place in Santa Barbara Section out of Elmer K6WLC's Antenna Farm/ranch in Lockwood Valley running multi-multi. I also participate in Cal QSO Party, multi-single, hitting all multipliers as well as CQ-WW-DX-phone contests. I am looking forward to my first DXpedition with an amazing group of YL's and have the privilege of working at PJ2T - Signal Point - in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
I am currently the President of the Antelope Valley Amateur Radio Club, Vice President of the YLDxpeditions Club, Delegate to LAACARC(Los Angeles Area Council of Amateur Radio Clubs), Amateur Emergency Communications leader for Stage 15 B2V(Baker 2 Vegas) and member of ARRL and ARES. Also, ARRL VE and GLAARG VE.
My shack is small but serves it's purpose. I have 2 Astron SS-30M Power supplies. One supports an Icom 2100 which I use for our club radio net on 2 meters with the help of a high-power 144-148 mhz/amplifier(up to 200 watts). The antenna is a 7' Hustler vertical (w/LMR 600) with an 8 ft' military push up off the 2nd story, so is about 25' off the ground. The other supports the All Mode Transceiver- Icom -7000. The HF rig is using an LDG AT7000 Tuner. Antenna is made of 7' RG8 + 4:1 Balun + 18' 1/2' Ladderline, twisting up to the highest point on my 2nd story chimney. From there, it becomes an inverted V using 100' 18AWG copper-clad steel wire, at 35' down to each side of my yard, then 12' more pointed at each other which almost forms a loop. It works well on HF, and I have talked to Wisconsin, Hawaii and Canada.
I have experience contesting in ARRL VHF/UHF January, June, November QSO parties, winning certificates for 1st place in Santa Barbara Section out of Elmer K6WLC's Antenna Farm/ranch in Lockwood Valley running multi-multi. I also participate in Cal QSO Party, multi-single, hitting all multipliers as well as CQ-WW-DX-phone contests. I am looking forward to my first DXpedition with an amazing group of YL's and have the privilege of working at PJ2T - Signal Point - in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
Michelle-W5NYV
An ARRL Life Member, enjoys thinking and doing, but not necessarily in that order. She has an MSEE from the University of Southern California in Information Theory. She enjoys working with software-defined radios, digital signal processing and field-programmable gate arrays, and actively participates in amateur microwave activities.
Michelle edits Scope, the Palomar Amateur Radio Club newsletter and serves as an ARRL volunteer examiner.
Michelle edits Scope, the Palomar Amateur Radio Club newsletter and serves as an ARRL volunteer examiner.