When and by whom was the Grays Harbor Amateur Radio Club started;

Grays Harbor Amateur Radio Club started in April 1954. Dr. Charles Gibson (W7ROH) suggested to several ham friends that they contact as many "Hams" as possible with the intention of calling a meeting to discuss the formation of a radio club. Charley, as he was known on the radio, was a Chiropractor, and had an office at 521 West Wishkah street in Aberdeen, Washington. The group had no place to meet so Charley invited them to use his office. Charley is considered the founder of the club and had the distinction of being it's first President. The Red Lion Motel now stands on the property where Charlie's office was located. We have been told that Ernie Mcgee (W7ZA), Jim Mcfeely (W7BZP) and Jack Moore (W7CPE), were very instrumental in helping to organize the club.

How did the Club acquire the Call "W7ZA";

In December 1958 Donald Ernest McGee became a silent key. In 1960 the club petitioned the FCC to determine if we could have the club call in memory of Ernie. The FCC told us we would have to have written consent from the name before the call could be issued to the club. Due to the fact that Ernie was never married, the only heirs we could locate were cousins living in Eastern Canada. Written consent was obtained and the call was issued to the Grays Harbor Amateur Radio Club in June 1960. The call was used for the first time on Field Day in June 1960. Prior to this the Club used Wayne Pasco's call, W7TZ, on field Day and other functions.

When and how was 2 meter repeater operation started;

Two meter repeater operation started locally in December 1974. Gil Brule (WA7BLW) built the first repeater. This was an all tube repeater. The transmitter strip had a single 6146 in the final. Eulice Minks (W7DKU) built the control link and helped Gil with the maintenance work on the repeater. The Western Washington Amateur Relay Association (WWARA), assigned Gil the frequency pair of 147.78/18 MHz. The repeater was licensed and the FCC issued Gil the call of WR7AFG. In those days the FCC issued special calls for repeaters. A little over three years later, Gil suggested to Dick Foster (K7AJT) that a repeater group be formed. Dick contacted all two meter operators in both Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties. A meeting was held in April 1978 and the Twin Harbors Repeater Group was started. At this meeting we started receiving donations and pledges so we could purchase some solid state equipment. When the WWARA suggested the Northwest change the separation of repeaters from 30 to 20 kHz. we asked for a second pair of frequencies We were asked if we would change from 147.78/18 to 47.76/16. This eliminate the interference we were getting from Hillsboro, Oregon and Everett, Washingon. Even though we were the first to be on 147.18 it was good to move and lose the interference, We were then assigned 146.30/90 for our second repeater. About this time the FCC revoked all special calls issued for repeaters. We used Roger Steins call WA7BOC on 147.16, and Terry McGarrah's call AC7T on 146.90. Later W7ZA was put on both repeaters.

Our clubs 54th Birthday celebration and Special event Station operating at the old Hoquiam Airport FAA

Flight Service Station.

PHOTO'S OF OUR CLUBS 53rd BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION SPECIAL EVENT STATION