Wolverine on the prowl

MICHIGAN WOLVERINE SINGLE SIDEBAND NET
Meeting each evening at 7:00 p.m. EST 3.935 Mhz

Membership Requirements   Membership Roster   Background   Charter Members   Net Officers   Silent Keys


INTRODUCTION

This document was prepared in an effort to provide a guide to the various facets of the Wolverine Net including membership and awards requirements, background and historical information and net roster of the current membership. It is intended that this document be updated on a regular basis as deemed necessary. Therefore, any member who has information which they feel is worthy of inclusion in this booklet should address such matters to the net secretary who will coordinate them with the net manager (See listing of current officers).

Because no previous official history has been recorded, gathering information was tedious. We wish to convey our special appreciation to Van - K8GOU, and Dan - K8GBC for their efforts in providing the bulk of the information contained herein.

We solicit any comments from members regarding this document and suggestions for improvement.

Mike - WB8ICN      Bud - K8CPW
Net Manager      Net Secretary

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Membership in the Wolverine Net requires a minimum of four check-ins per month for three consecutive months. Club stations can qualify for membership if the club callsign is used and operated by the same amateur checking into the net for the required time period. Upon completing these requirements, a list of the check-ins by date and net control station should be accompanied by a modest donation to help cover the cost of certificate preparation and mailing. This should be mailed to the net secretary, K8CPW who is listed in QRZ. As an alternative, the net does provide an online form that can be utilized by going to AWARD FORM SUBMISSION

Thereafter, the net secretary will complete and mail a certificate and other available information to the applicant.

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MEMBERSHIP ROSTER
Certificate Number Awarded to
7 W8QBA
8 K3VQ
9 K8JUG
10 K8GOU
30 W8UFS
31 K8VDA
32 WA8VQL
50 W8GVS
51 W9KBI
60 K8GBC
61 WB8EYM
62 W8FSZ
63 K8GXV
64 W8JB
65 W8JEG
66 W8LDS
67 W8LOU
68 K8LQV
69 WB9OHN
70 W8PLC
71 W8WR (WA8QCW)
72 WA8TIA
73 W8YDJ
74 WA8WVV
100 W8CIC (WA8CIC)
101 KE8BW
102 WD8BYW
103 N8CUC
104 W8DIV
105 AC8F
106 W8GJK
107 N8GPJ
108 W8GQL
109 KD8HC
110 W8HIW
111 KE8HB
112 W8IQB
113 NM8L
114 KC8LT
115 WA8MOH
116 KA8NCK
117 KD8PI
118 W8RNQ
119 KA9STX
120 KD2TV
121 KC8WJ
122 NS8X
123 WB8YDO
124 W8SJK
125 NS8Z
126 W8WOJ
200 WX8Y
201 N8UWH
202 W4GHR
204 K8LHW
205 K8CPW
206 N8GNY
207 K8AXV
208 KA8CKL
214 KB8VK
215 N8VGP
216 NK8V
217 KB8UZM
218 N8UUS
219 W8RYA (KA8RYA)
220 W0NUJ
221 KG8WI
222 KB8ZYY
223 AA8ZX
224 WB4ZNH
225 K8YDP
226 N8YBQ
227 NT8Y
228 N8XQT
229 N8JWH
230 K8JRE
232 N9IOV
233 N8INL
234 K8IBR
235 N8HLH
236 W8HGH
237 N8HBZ
238 N8GMA
239 WT8G
240 WR8F
241 N8ENX
242 N8DXX
243 WD8DUV
244 KG8CO
245 KI8CL
246 K8YZI
248 KB8VVJ
249 KD8UX
250 W8USS
251 VE3UKU
252 K8STD
253 N8SML
254 W8FOM (WA8FOM)
255 N8ONE
256 N8NPR
257 KA8NCH/W8EDE
258 N8MOK
259 W8MGO
260 N8LTR
261 KE4ABS
270 KE8AK
271 K8BZH
272 N8DAN
273 W8LZ
274 W8NRY
275 WD8ODL
276 WB8QJI
277 N8RC
278 WD8RGD
279 N9RIT
280 K8SRH
281 W8VVR
282 N8XQG
283 N8XTP
284 N8BVY
285 W8JCW
286 AA8ZV
287 N8DXX
288 W8SKS
289 KX8L
290 W8NGO (N8EXS)
291 N8SHZ
292 Reserved
293 K8GER
294 WB8ICN
295 K8NOV
296 KB8WTH
297 W8WAO
298 AA8PI
299 N8KQS
300 K8MMB
301 K8DT
302 KC8NWH
303 K8ROH
304 N8MJC
305 WB8ITJ
306 KC8DMH
307 W8RAE
308 WA8UCS
309 N8OR
310 N8SSZ
311 KB8UAL
312 N8ABY
2000 KB8WOB
313 KC8QVZ
314 N8YDJ
315 K8VF
316 KA8WOT
317 N8JWC
318 KC8QHV
319 W8BTM
320 NA8M
321 KB8OTH
322 KC6VMJ
323 WT8J
324 W8KIZ
325 KI4KQQ
326 K8IHF
327 W8NOT
328 AB8SY
329 K8RWH
330 WA8YXM
331 KB8HHI
332 W2PFS
333 W2EXY
334 KC8MCC
335 KB8TVA
336 N8COQ
337 K9RON
338 W8FKI
33 KB8AGJ
340 W2GBY
341 W8AG

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BACKGROUND:

(Note: This background was prepared by Dan - K8GBC)

The Michigan Wolverine Net traces its beginnings to that turbulent period in ham radio when the winds of change ushered in single sideband (SSB). That comfortable old shoe, AM was now being called "ancient modulation" and the sole was wearing thin. The new shoe - sideband - was found hard to break in, and many did not like the style. Angry words were frequently heard such as buckshot and splatter, and that general label hung on the pioneers with disdain. SIDEBANDERS! "Those sidebanders"! Many spit out the word and were openly hostile. Comments of "sounds like Donald Duck", or "that sideband splatter is coming from 20 kcs down the band" was heard openly on the airwaves. Many purest from lofty perches remarked: "I'll stick with AM, the audio quality is so much better". But seventy-five meters was often a mass of heterodynes on any given night and I never considered high pitched squeals quality reception. The stone throwers simply lived in the glass house of receivers unable to cope with SSB.
The receivers that the majority of amateurs used at the time had simple diode detectors, wide IF strips, and AVC derived from the received carriers. Trying to use those woefully inadequate receivers for SSB was a lesson in frustration. Though many amateur radio operators understood their receivers were lacking for sideband use, they were loath to toss them away. Perhaps sideband was just a flash in the pan, as many were saying.
Articles began appearing in publications that helped in receiving sideband signals. Sideband adapters, product detectors, hang AVCs, tips and tricks to tune SSB, and the list went on and on. The first popular SSB transmitters were phasing rigs and later, steep sided crystal or mechanical filters passed the single sideband along. Both home brew and store bought rigs like the Central Electronics 10A were popular. If the ten watts PEP was not enough for you, easily built amplifier running four 6AG7s grounded grid would boost the power to fifty or sixty watts and the SSB was all audio punch.
A growing number of pioneer radio amateurs were paving the way for the rest of us to follow. Some ran with open arms to embrace this new mode while others had to be dragged along, kicking and screaming all the way. Many AM operators were simply dinosaurs unwilling to adapt, but others were held back by pragmatic concerns. Many were using new or like new AM rigs, and were hard pressed to write off this much monetary investment in a hobby. Many XYLs thought rent and food was more important than a 10A that didn't even come with a VFO.
One of the great things about ham radio is its diversity. There is something somewhere for everyone. Some find nets an enjoyable way to operate ham radio, and there are traffic only nets, rang chew only nets, and those that combine both. One popular net of the day was the Buzzard Roost (BR) Net on 3.390 kcs. It was clear that singular AM nets and SSB didn't mix well, and I suggest this was true of the old BR. Standard AM was used here and many thought experimenters should be on VHF or the old 11 meter band. This was unfortunate as many valued friends that had roosted on 3930 were switching to sideband. The buzzards became hawks or doves, and those caught in between were unsure if anyone was right.
Many on SSB felt they were treated as traitors when they came on 3930 with Donald Duck in tow. Some net controls on the old BR tried to accommodate the "sidebands", but running a divided net was awkward. I suggest a few net controls and many members made little effort to understand or accept this new mode. Feelings were hurt on both sides by people that had once been friends. Like a troubled marriage, for some, it could only end in divorce.
The Wolverine Net was founded on January 7th, 1960 and became a mixed net. An early preamble of the Wolverine Single Sideband Net opened with: "ALL STATIONS are welcome and invited to call in. AM stations are asked to carefully zero beat net control, and CW stations please transmit one kc lower in frequency". It's clear the Wolverine Net was not singular, and was ready and willing to serve all views using any legal mode of communication available. Over a few years time, sideband became King and AM was pushed to shelves of antiquity. Many in our ranks that had ties to the BR operated on both nets and reconciled with old friends.
It is said the first net control station was Ken - K8CWG, and the first net manager was Truman - K8JUG. I suggest the original founders never envisioned how enduring this new net would become. This net has remained healthy over the years because of the spirit of the people in it. As new members find their place on 3935 and stay with us, this core of regulars attracts others and the net endures the test of time.. Each member brings their own life experience with them, and the net crosses boundaries of age, social status, and intellect. A more or less information exchange of views on diverse interest and current events takes place. When we set the dignity of the net aside, we still expect the members to use reasonable judgment, and there are always limits of good taste. Perhaps not taking ourselves too seriously is the secret of success, and a quick wit seems to serve us well.
Over the years the old masters became mentors and passed tradition on. Though many fell silent and we marked their passing with regret, their spirit still lives on through this net. Like a good team of players in any game, this net stands solid because of each member's contributions, large or small. It cannot stand on the actions of a few. If you are looking for a place in amateur radio, this is one excellent spot to call home. Reach out and explore life, but remember the light here is always left on. We should cherish the past, but I do not wish its return. We should plan for the future, but be in no hurry to get there. The present is where we all belong.

THE PRE-NET
The Wolverine pre-net generally begins anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes prior to the official start of the net.
Pre-net chatter: The pre-net time on 3935 is rich grounds for quips and one liners. Like a minor league of vaudeville acts, if a straight man is required, many are waiting in the wings to fulfill this role. Timing is critical and the window of opportunity is sometimes small. VOX helps in this respect. On rare occasion the straight man is unaware that he is even on stage until the punch line is dropped. Don - W8WOJ was looking through a newspaper flyer at some lumber prices, and asked in innocence "What's an economy stud"? Without hesitation came a reply from the peanut gallery "K8GOU". You always get an answer to your question on this frequency.
In several European countries, when men who respect each other meet, they hug and kiss. I'm thankful the kiss at least is fake and their lips miss the cheek by some distance. I would be quite uncomfortable in France. Here, men that are old friends often do the right thing and shake hands while throwing verbal barbs at each other. Though not always necessary, a thick skin sometimes can be an asset if you spend much time on 3935. There is often delight from the peanut gallery when a thrown barb or quip is gleefully returned to the sender point first. I am quite sure the Europeans would be appalled by this twisted show of high regard for each other. Of late, the peanut gallery awards points for wisecracks much like Olympic Judges. This is a better way to keep score than body counts.
Luckily, there are also many in the net that do not care for this kind of tom-foolery, and they lend some balance and dignity to the net. For them, I am thankful. Current events, the weather, personal triumphs and life's daily pleasures all give harmony to the frequency. Like the smiling fortune teller, there's a happy medium.

CERTIFICATES

Certificates pop up from time to time; some are pure tongue-in-cheek affairs, and others genuinely sincere. In 1972, Pete- K8PVC put out "Official Certificates" to net control stations as does Joe - K8JRE. I believe these were purchased with net funds and are official documents of the net. Clearly, I found that in some years the needed information on Net Control Certificates was not passed when net officers changed.

THE ATTABOY AWARDS

(History provided by Dan - K8GBC)

When I was net manager in 1974 (not knowing we had certificates for net control stations), we had some fun that year with the "Attaboy Awards". Each month I gave out these certificates to the net control station that had the largest number of check-ins for the period. They were crudely drawn affairs, but somehow became quite coveted. I had "borrowed" the original idea from my union's bulletin board at the fire station.
CERTIFICATE - W8UFS

For your very outstanding performance you are hereby awarded ***ONE ATTABOY*** One thousand 'attaboys' qualifies you to be a leader of men, work overtime with a smile, explain problems to management, and be looked on as a Local Hero (NOTE: One 'Go to Hell' wipes the board clean and you have to start all over again).
James (Doc) Voorhees, W8RL, located in Hillsdale (better known as Billy Goat Bridge) added much to the net for years. Doc delighted in telling the net about his bird watching. He would say "I saw a nice Ruby Lipped Double Breasted Bed Thresher today". On the serious side, this early sideband pioneer had built his own SSB transmitter and was an expert technician. He was always willing to help someone out on the net that had rig problems. Doc was quite opinionated, and you always knew where he stood on an issue. Though many things could anger Doc, the Conditional Class ham license to him, was an atrocity. He despised them!
Doc was an excellent net control, but fate was unkind in the matter of the Attaboy. After several months time, W8RL had never met the requirements for this award. Doc was trying to get under my skin and said if he didn't get an Attaboy next, he was going to quit being a net control. Shortly after this, Les - K8JHA and I met at some swap and got to talking about Doc wanting this award. Less puffed on his pipe a little, got a twinkle in his eye and said "Why don't you send him one, but type across the top CONDITIONAL CLASS".
I did just what the Kingfish said. In a few days Doc sent back the Attaboy and where the conditional class has been typed was a charred hole. It was accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek letter that said I was a poor net manager and could "shove it cinder end first". The net members always gave me the credit for getting Doc, but I was just a pawn. Les Bible - K8JHA was really the knight that had called checkmate on Doc.
Attaboy recipients: Nels - W8FS; Don - WB8EYM; Les - K8JHA; Ernie - K8GXV; Tom - W8QBE; Pete - K8PVC; Van - K8GOU; Doc - W8RL (Conditional Class); Jim - W8UOQ; Ken - WB8DKQ; Stan - W8POZ.

MEETINGS AND PICNICS
The ARRL conventions, Regional and National, were often held at various places in Michigan such as Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Saginaw. New Equipment on display by vendors and manufacturers drew large crowds. In the past at these events, the net met to elect the officers for the year. In the evening some members went to the various watering holes around town. One spot with old time "atmosphere" that is remembered was the Backroom Saloon in Grand Rapids. There, the floor was covered with peanut shells that gave a unique charm to the place.
The summer picnics were held at assorted places over the years, and the diverse table fair was interesting. Van recalls nice spots at Ludington, Lansing and Blanchard. I recall that some picnics were combined Wolverine and Buzzard Roost such as the fun one at Midland County fairgrounds. Bob - K8LJS starred with the five string banjo and Dot and Sel Urband sang. Others joined in and if nothing else, we made a joyful noise.
(NOTE: Danny - K8GBC fails to point out that he has captured the net picnic site in his hometown of Owosso for the past number of years, a fact attributable to his age and failing memory. Bud - K8CPW)

MEETING FACE TO FACE (The eyeball QSO)
Eyeball meetings for the first time can be an enlightenment. Even if you are well acquainted with this faceless voice, the mental picture we sometimes paint of someone often needs a lot of air brushing when we finally meet in person. So take some free advice from a slow learner.
When a group from the Wolverine introduces someone you have never met, don't just look at some nametag or call letter hat. Ask to see their driver's license and passport picture. If fingerprints are available, check them out against FBI records. Be particularly suspicious when introductions are made by Ike - W8GVS, Van - K8GOU, or Larry - WA8QCW. Remember also, that many are easily put up to mischief by others.
Ike - W8GVS recalls the time at an ARRL convention at the Morton Hotel in Grand Rapids when the net met to elect net officers for the year. Ike, in the company of Les - K8JHA, Doc - W8EGR and Phil - K8LQA were about ready to leave the dining area and were sipping coffee after having breakfast. Phil excused himself from the table and went to the restroom. When Phil returned to the table, no one was there but the waitress with all the unpaid checks. It is said that later Phil was reimbursed by the other Wolveriners. But of course, I have no way of verifying this.

LADIES NIGHT
Men out number the ladies on the Wolverine Net, but the gals have been steadily gaining ground in amateur radio for many years. Ester - W8ATB was well known and gave distinguished service to the citizens of Flint during the Beecher Road tornado disaster in the late 50s. Ann - W8QOM from West Branch lent her charm on both the BR and Wolverine nets. Many others have well earned the respect of all. Dot - W8FJU sometimes went camping with a tent and amateur radio. I suggest the only reason she took her husband, Sel - W8OKW along was to be kind to Mr. Urband.
Francis - K8KCQ in 1961 lent her time and skills to the Wolverine as net secretary followed by Kelly - WA8PII, and Margaret - KA8MCH. All were fine additions to both the net family and amateur radio.
That 'Wild Zany Female' Mary - WA8WZF had a special passion for handling traffic. During the hostilities in southeast Asia, Mary often found outlets for important traffic sent to loved ones through the Wolverine Net. Mary was often listed in the QST Brass Pounders League for traffic volume. Mary was often so busy running traffic you might miss her keen wit. I was surprised when I met this renown traffic pusher whose smooth clear voice hid her age and wit from me. A few years my senior, she was a delightful lady wearing the sweatshirt that proclaimed "I Hate Housework"!
That 'Ultimate Woman Ham', Judi - N8UWH is now doing outstanding work as a regular net control on the net. Not often enough do we hear from Gerrie - N8GMA or Anna - NT8Y. Other calls remembered are Myriam- K8ILN and Betty House - K8VCB.
Last but not least, we should acknowledge and recognize that many spouses that are not hams, but give their support to mates that are. To all the spouses of both genders that give their support, let me paraphrase the song You Are The Wind Beneath Our Wings".

MORE MEMORIES
(By Van - K8GOU)
When rig trouble occurred, the Wolverine Net used our pool of electronic troubleshooters to advantage. Many net members grew up in ham radio with a soldering iron in their hand and a chassis punch in their pocket. Builders and doers were everywhere, and if you had a problem, the net often found the solution. There could be a cost however if, as often happens, it was found that something simple was overlooked.
Like the guy that overhauled his auto engine and then found he had been simply out of gas; we often expect the worst and overlook the obvious. Then sometimes, we use poor judgment and refuse to lie about the cause when disarmingly asked 'Oh, buy the way, what was wrong'?
One case in point was the W8QBE 813 attenuator. Tom Kerr, a/k/a/ 'Digger' was a funeral director by trade, but he knew that the pointy end of the soldering gun went to the work. He seldom grabbed the hot end more than once or twice when building gear. Tom had built a junk box 813 amplifier, but every time it was put on the air, his signal went down several db. This was not his plan for it, so the net did some serious on the air troubleshooting for him to no avail. Tom would come on the net with a troubled mind and an average signal, and we would ask "is your 813 attenuator on"? Then one evening Tom announced he found the trouble, and when he flipped the switch on the amp we noted a satisfying signal increase. The question of cause was asked, and by now Tom was so ecstatic with success he forgot to lie. He told the fact that he had wired a six volt filament transformer to the 813s that required ten volts to operate properly. The cathodes had glowed, but not with their full brightness and power. After that, if there was no other mischief to be though of, you could always ask Tom what filament voltage was needed to run 813s. I suggest we all were reminded to check the simple things first, but only Tom paid so dearly for the lesson. We never let him forget it.
Speaking of lessons. School teachers are highly regarded as pillars of the community and are noted for their 'intel-ek-chew-el in-tegg-rtty'. They find great reward shaping the minds of bright and courteous young people that are so prevalent in society today. Many in this noble profession could have found their fortune in other well paying vocations such as plumbing, but did not.
Ralph - WA8VQL, that great molder of minds added to his own education when he tried his hand at repair of Mr. Crapper's invention. Upon review of lesson material, he now understands the following: Porcelain and glass are synonyms; hammers and cold chisels are not appropriate tools for glass work; the original packaging water closets come in are marked FRAGILE; and last but not least, always remember that unless you have done something really brilliant - don't talk about it!
To add interest at the Lansing picnic it was requested that members bring some 'home made' gear along. There was to be a grown up show and tell time. Les - K8JHA had excellent technical skills and did well in the ARRL sponsored frequency measuring contests. Les had built a lot of other complex ham gear that was also worthy of praise. He was an ARRL Official Observer, and we would often say "look out, the 'Oh' 'Oh' is on the frequency". With wit and humility, Les, who could choose from many well crafted ham projects he had built, made an actual gear from scrap wood as his entry. Now that is humor with class.
Once in a while humor gets a nudge from chance when the wheels all line up cherries, and the jackpot bell rings. This happened when one ham tried to help another ham out. W8NXB had an antenna tuner that needed repair, and W8GQL took it home with him to fix. When GQL returned the repaired tuner, no one was home at NXB's QTH. Not wanting to have to return again, GQL left the tuner on the back porch where he was sure it would be found when NXB returned. Now, an antenna tuner out of its case, to the untrained eye doesn't look like much. Providence entered the picture when the junk man arrived before NXB got home The junk man threw the tuner on his truck and took it to the dump with the rest of the trash. JACKPOT!
Most people with handicaps of some kind want to be treated like everyone else if possible. Marty - KX8J got around normally on an artificial leg. Though they have not been made of wood for years, Marty and the net had some fun about him having termites in his leg. These things are not physically pleasant to wear, and are very hard on the user. When at conventions, he used a battery powered cart to get around on the large display floor. Someone insinuated that Marty had more on his mind than just looking at ham gear. On the back of the cart an impromptu sign was hung that said 'Beaver Patrol'.
One net classic involves the tall tales that are told from time to time. Les - K8JHA was bragging about his strawberries being so big that only one could fit in a wheelbarrow. Les claimed he had to cut them off with a chainsaw. Then someone asked seriously what Les used to make them grow so big. Less replied that he put manure on his strawberries. From the peanut gallery came "you do? I like cream and sugar on my berries". Laughter filled the airwaves. For years after that, any mention of garden crops brought the strawberry story back again in some form.
AWARD REQUIREMENTS

MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF THE SEA: This is a special award that is presented to an individual upon completion for membership criteria that is covered elsewhere in this document.

NET CONTROL OF THE YEAR: This is an award originally conceived in 1997. The first presentation was made at the annual picnic during the summer of 1998 to Van, K8GOU for his outstanding contributions as a net control station and having served as an alternate in the absence of other net control stations throughout the year (see listing below).

The intent of this award is to annually honor a net control station who displays outstanding operating practices and meets criteria established by the selection committee which is composed of at least one net officer and two net members. This committee may make a selection based upon agreed criteria.

Any member who serves as a regular or alternate net control station is eligible for the award.

Additionally, it is hoped this will foster more interest in serving as regular or alternate net controls.

Nominations for the award should be submitted to the net manager not later than December 31st of the year preceding it's presentation.



ATTA-BOY AWARDS: This is a special award presented to stations who meet certain criteria which is outlined elsewhere in this document.
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CHARTER MEMBERS
K8ACO BOB
W8ALG ERNIE
K8BZL TIM
K8CKD CLAY
W8CQU RUNARD
K8CWI RED
W8DWC PHIL
W6ECB FRANK
K8EFY ED
K4FXC JOHN
W8GFL JOHN
K8GOU VAN
W9JAI CHUCK
K8JED ART
K8JHA (W8LX) LES
W8JMR AL
K8JUG TRUMAN
W8JUY BILL
K8LQO JOHN
K8PDP (W3GHR) VAUGHN
W8QBA ROL
W8SDB CARL
W8VHQ JOHN
W8QVN LYLE
W8YAN DON

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NET OFFICERS
YEARPRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY
1960 K8JUG, TRUMAN K8CWG, KEN K8CKD, CLAY
1961 W8JTQ, HOWAD K8KCH, RALPH K8KCQ, FRANCIS
1962 K8LQA, PHIL K8KCH, RALPH K8VDA, BILL
1963 W8CQU, RUNARD K8JHA, LES K8PVC, PETE
1964 K8JHA, LES K8VDA, BILL K8DYZ, JIM
1965 K8JHA, LES K8VDA, BILL K8DYZ, JIM
1966 K8VDA, BILL K8GOU, VAN K8AYJ, JERRY
1967 K8AYJ, JERRY WA8GTG, LOU W8SAY, JERRY
1968 K8WRJ, DOC W8QBE, TOM K8OEB, J.O.
1969 W8QBE, TOM W8VXM, BOB WA8GTG, LOU
1970 W8VXM, BOB*
1971 K8PVC, PETE WB8EEU, JIM WA8PII, KELLY
1972 K8PVC, PETE W8MPD, STAN WA8PII, KELLY
1973 W8GVS, IKE K8JHA, LES WA8PII, KELLY
1974 K8GBC, DAN WB8OKA, AL W8QBE, TOM
1975 WB8JIX, GEORGE W8UOQ, JIM WB8OKA, AL
1976 WB8JIX, GEORGE W8UOQ, JIM W8POZ, STAN
1977 W8SOP, PAUL WB8VIA, LLOYD W8POZ, STAN
1978 K8AXL, CHUCK W8JVP, KEN W8SOP, PAUL
1979 W8JVP, KEN NONE NONE
1980 WB8VIA, LLOYD K8ICZ, MIKE W8POZ, STAN
1981 KX8J, MARTY WB8EYM, DON K8GOU, VAN
1982 KX8J, MARTY W8UFS, NELSON K8MSJ, ROSS
1983 WB8EYM, DON W8UFS, NELSON K8MSJ, ROSS
1984 W8WOJ, DON WB8OKA, AL K8MSJ, ROSS
1985 K8MSJ, ROSS W8NDI, GARY KA8MCH,MARGARET
1986 W8NDI, GARY
1987 W8NDI, GARY W8WOJ, DON KA8MCH,MARGARET
1988 W8NDI, GARY *** ** WA8VQL, RALPH
1990 K8GOU, VAN WA8VQL, RALPH
1991 K8JRE, JOE N8MOK, AL
1992 K8JRE, JOE N8MOK, AL
1993 K8JRE, JOE N8MOK, AL
1994 K8JRE, JOE N8MOK, AL
1995 K8JRE, JOE K8CPW, BUD
1996 K8JRE, JOE K8CPW, BUD
1997 K8JRE, JOE K8CPW, BUD
1998 K8JRE, JOE K8CPW, BUD
1999 K8JRE, JOE K8CPW, BUD
2000 K8JRE, JOE K8CPW, BUD
2001 WB8ICN, MIKE K8CPW, BUD
2002 WB8ICN, MIKE K8CPW, BUD
2003 WB8ICN, MIKE K8CPW, BUD
2004 WB8ICN, MIKE K8CPW, BUD
2005 WB8ICN, MIKE K8CPW, BUD
2006 WB8ICN, MIKE K8CPW, BUD
2007 WB8ICN, MIKE K8CPW, BUD
2008 WB8ICN, MIKE K8CPW, BUD
NOTES:   *No election was held in 1970. W8QBE served as president until March 30th, and then W8VXM finished the year as president.
**WA8VQL replaced KA8MCH as net secretary in October, 1987.
***The office of vice president was discontinued after 1987.

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SILENT KEYS
CALLSIGN NAME
K8ACO   BOB
K8AYJ   JERRY
WA8BDG   JOHN
W8CAM   ED
K8CKD   CLAY
W8CQU   RUNYARD
K8CWG   KEN
K8CWI   RED
WB8DKQ   KEN
W8DTG   DOUG
W8DWC   PHIL
W4GHR   JOE
WA8GTG   LOU
K8GXV   ERNIE
W8HJK   WELLS
KX8J   MARTY
K8JED   ART
K8JQP   ED
W8JUY   BILL
N8JVP   KEN
W8LCU   RALPH
K8LJS   BOB
WD8LNW   ANDY
W8LRM   AL
W8LX  (K8JHA)   LES
K8MSJ   ROSS
W8NDI   GARY
W8NXB   RALPH
K8ODY   DICK
WA8PII   KELLY
W8QBE   TOM
W8QOM   ANNIE
W8RL   JIM
K8RNN   PAUL
K8RRB   LARRY
W8SAY   JERRY
K8SUC  JIM
WA8TAN   JIM
W8TPT   JIM
W8UOQ   JIM
K9UPD   DOC
W8VXM   BOB
K8WRJ   DOC
WA8WZF   MARY
W8YMI   PAUL
N8DXX   TOM
N8MJC   CLANCY
W8FOM   TED
K8VDA   BILL
W8RYA   JIM
K8AXV   BILL
N8ML   MEL
W8LDS   SAM
WB8ITJ   JACK
NS8Z  WILMER
W8PLC  BUD
NS8Z  Wilmer
K8ROH  Elmer
W8LZ  Laurence

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NCS OF THE YEAR

This award was conceived in 1997 to encourage more members to participate as Net Control Stations.

1997 K8GOU
1998 W8SJK
1999 W8YDJ
2000 K8JRE
2001 W8WAO

MYSTIC KNIGHTS OF THE SEA AWARD
BACKGROUND: This award was conceived by K8JHA and K8GOU, along with a few others after black face comedy became politically incorrect. It is a take-off "borrowed" from the famous black face comedy, the Amos 'N Andy radio show. The show was introduced on March 19, 1928 and became one of the most popular programs on radio. Amos Jones, and Andrew H. Brown ran the Fresh-Air Taxi. They belonged to the fraternal organization known as the Mystics Knights of the Sea. In the case of at least 12 show characters was the celebrated George Stevens who, in that lodge was "The Kingfish". Perhaps the favorite remembered expressions were: "I'se regusted", and "Holy Mackerel Andy".  Incidentally, Amos played by Freeman Gosden was W6QUT. He became a SK in 1982.
AWARD REQUIREMENTS: This award is earned by working ten charter or honorary charter members of the Wolverine Net, and is not meant to be demeaning of any race. Although a sharp wit and the art of tall story telling was shared by many of the net, the sage of dangling the bait, setting the hook, and reeling them in was perhaps best attributable to Les Bible (K8JHA).
When the new certificate was designed by Ralph, WA8VQL, Les, W8LX (nee K8JHA) was respectfully honored on it as The Kingfish. Note: Before the days of home computers, Van, K8GOU hand drew the original certificates.

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This page last updated June 24, 2008