Vintage Local Radio Treasures Bring Back Major Nostalgia [PHOTOS]

When it comes to the radio game, I am a newbie with only 3 years under my belt. Luckily, I am surrounded by almost 30-year veterans in the industry on a daily basis. We have a lot of amazing local radio history, and I love hearing their stories of crazy antics back in the day. Do you remember when WBKR sounded like this?

About a year ago, Chad graciously gave me some vintage WBKR shirts and a jacket that I proudly wear. My favorite is the one with the BKR bear on it! It inspired me to start collecting old local radio merch. I love to treasure hunt, but I gotta be honest, it has been hard to find items "in the wild."

Last week, I stopped by the Owensboro vintage shop, Hyacinth House, over on 18th street. Tucked in behind Confetti Boutique. You'll find them popping up at vendor markets too, just FYI. They had this hat up on the shelf! Didn't even ask how much it was; I just knew I needed it.

This next find is a JEWEL! I came across this denim/quilted jacket on eBay, thanks to @unique2boutique. He had found it at a yard sale!

Then I got to thinking about whether anyone else collects local radio memorabilia or merch. I know Windy Hollow Biscuit House has some really cool old posters. Once upon a time, the old Country Jamboree sign with the 92.5 WBKR logo on it was featured on the TV show American Pickers! 

A couple of months ago, our friend Karen Meisenhelder reached out and asked if we wanted this retro radio. Does a bear have hair? Yes!

Wouldn't it be cool to start a local radio museum? We basically have one if you go into each office at the station. I had to bother everyone and see what kinds of finds they have saved over the years. I've found everything from garage sale signs to vanity plates, to signed shirts and keychains. I'll let you know if I find a good spot to display everything!

Keep scrolling for photos of the collection we have started. I bet you'll recognize some of them. Do you have any throwback local radio items? Hats, shirts, posters, buttons, radios, etc? If so, please share them with us on the Facebook post or on the App, and we can take a little walk down memory lane together!