Overview
Crosley’s name lives on with our superbly detailed replicas that truly transcend time. Reintroducing vintage electronics that feature today’s technologies graced by unforgettable Crosley styling.
Brief History
In 1920 Powel Crosley founded the company that pioneered radio broadcasting and mass market manufacturing around the world. Dismayed with the $130 price tag for the radio receiver he promised to buy for his son’s birthday, Crosley decided to make his own. Upon successfully building a working set for only $35, Crosley was quick to spot the mass market potential. It was a simple idea - design a fully functioning radio, meticulously craft each unit with obsessive detail and precise accuracy, and of course add a measure of consideration for the wallet. This simple idea led Crosley Radio to become the world’s largest radio manufacturer while Powel Crosley became known as ‘The Henry Ford of Radio.’ His relentless fascination with mechanical devices, coupled with his intense desire for success, sent Crosley’s career soaring. nbsp;
Full History
Powel Crosley is most well-know for the production of mass market radios, and the creation of WLW – ‘The Nation’s Station’ and the 500,000 watt tower he constructed that transmitted FDR’s Fireside Chats - incidentally, whose signals were reported to have been heard as far away as Australia! By the mid 1900’s he presided over a star-studded radio empire that featured such stars such as Rosemary Clooney, Red Skelton, Jack Benny, and more. A true industrialist, Crosley also became known for a multitude of ventures. He was famous for The Crosley – a miniature-sized automobile, fashioned after the lightweight European cars. The chubby-profiled vehicle promised 50 gallons to the tank and was sold in department stores for just $325. Crosley’s lifelong obsession with automobiles began at a young age when Crosley, just twelve, won a bet with his father by successfully powering a four-wheeled wagon with an electric battery and motor. Having dubbed himself the man of ‘50 jobs in 50 years,’ he continued to amaze the masses with such creations as: The Shelvador – a refrigeration unit that introduced the new concept of door shelving units, The Musicone – an instrument used to amplify the entire range of the human voice, The Moonbeam – Crosley’s self-designed airplane, The Roamio – the first car radio, The Icy-Ball – a chemical-mechanical ice box that served rural areas lacking electricity, The Reado – a facsimile system that transmitted words and pictures via radio waves, The Koolrest – a bed cooling system, The X-er-vac – a machine that stimulated the scalp in an effort to counter baldness, and The Go-bi-bi – a go-kart/stroller type contraption for young children just to name a few. However, Crosley’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. As a Cincinnati native, he decided to step in when the Cincinnati Reds declared bankruptcy. Crosley acquired the team ensuring they would remain an integral part of Cincinnati’s culture. In 1930 he went on the build Crosley Field which triumphed until 1970 as the famous Cincinnati Reds’ playing field. Crosley was credited with producing the first night baseball game, transforming Crosley Field from night to day with the flick of a switch powering 615 lamps. He went on in subsequent years to broadcast the first live baseball game on WLW-TV – the Crosley television broadcasting division.
Today
Today the Crosley name lives on with superbly detailed replicas that truly transcend time. Reintroductions of original vintage radios and turntables feature the newest technologies graced by unforgettable Crosley stylings. The Crosley Collection includes AM/FM radios, portable suitcase - styled record players and turntables, record changers, multi-functional audio cassette/compact disc players, jukeboxes, music boxes, telephones and more. Rich lines, retro designs and authentic crafting have made Crosley today’s premier vintage electronics manufacturer. True to the Crosley tradition, these replicas are as fabulous as they are functional, providing a delightful dose of nostalgia.
We’re passionate about what we do, right down to the last exacting detail. We’re obsessed with creating innovative, yet vintage-inspired products that will encourage our customers to return to a simpler time. After browsing our online catalog, you’ll see, we’ve left no stone unturned. From our extensive product line to our dedication to authenticity, we’re sure you’ll have as much fun shopping for your Crosley as we had crafting it.
Timeline
* 1920: Introduced first low price radio for the masses
* 1922: Largest radio manufacturer in the world
* 1923: WLW, radio station reaches 500,000 watts (largest ever)
* 1929: Designed own airplane
* 1930: First car radio called “Roamio”
* 1933: Introduced patented shelves in the refrigerator door called “Shelvador”
* 1939: Introduced first mini, compact car in US
* 1939: Began TV broadcasting (WLW)
* 1940: Introduced first fax machine
* 1946: First TV station began broadcasting
* 1947: First TV broadcast of baseball
* 1948: WLW becomes first NBC affiliate station
* 1954: Pioneered first portable TV
* 1957: WLW broadcasts color TV
* 1970: Crosley Corporation purchases rights to Crosley from AVCO
* 1978: Crosley Corporation introduces a complete line of appliances and white goods
* 1993: Modern Marketing Concepts licenses the Crosley Radio name developing completely authentic line of Crosley vintage-inspired electronics