Overview
Crosley Radio Corporation was an American manufacturer of radios, consumer electronics, and appliances founded by Powel Crosley Jr. in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1921. The company became one of the largest radio manufacturers in the United States during the 1920s by producing affordable radios intended for mass-market consumers. The company was widely known for low-cost home radios and for operating powerful broadcast station WLW.
Crosley expanded into automotive products, refrigerators, televisions, and other electronics during the 1930s and 1940s. In 1945 the company was sold to AVCO, and the original Crosley radio manufacturing operations ended during the 1950s.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Crosley Radio Corporation |
| Founded | 1921 |
| Founder | Powel Crosley Jr. |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| Industry | Consumer electronics and appliance manufacturing |
| Primary Products | Radios, automotive radios, refrigerators, televisions |
| Broadcast Operations | WLW radio station |
| Parent Company After 1945 | AVCO |
| Radio Production Ended | 1956 |
Description
Crosley produced a large variety of radio receivers including crystal sets, battery radios, cathedral radios, tombstone radios, tabletop sets, and floor console radios. Early low-cost receivers such as the Crosley Pup helped make radio ownership affordable for many households during the early 1920s.
The company operated large manufacturing facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio and became one of the highest-volume radio manufacturers of its era. Crosley products were sold through department stores, radio dealers, and mail-order distribution networks throughout the United States.
In addition to consumer radios, Crosley manufactured automotive radios and expanded heavily into home appliances during the 1930s. The company also became closely associated with broadcasting through operation of WLW, one of the most powerful AM radio stations in the United States.
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1921 | Crosley Radio Corporation founded by Powel Crosley Jr. |
| 1922 | WLW radio station began operation |
| 1924 | Crosley became one of the largest radio manufacturers in the United States |
| 1925 | Reported as one of the world’s largest radio manufacturers |
| 1930s | Expanded into refrigerators, appliances, and automotive radios |
| 1945 | Company sold to AVCO |
| 1950s | Crosley radio production phased out |
| 1980s | Crosley brand revived for retro-style consumer electronics |
Historical Addresses
| Address | Notes |
|---|---|
| Crosley Radio Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio | Corporate headquarters |
| Arlington Street, Cincinnati, Ohio | Early manufacturing facility |
| 3401 Colerain Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio | Major production complex |
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crosley_Radio_%281921%E2%80%931956%29
Historical overview of Crosley Radio Corporation and its manufacturing operations. - https://www.crosleybrands.com/history
Official Crosley brand history and corporate timeline. - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crosley_Broadcasting_Corporation
Information on Crosley broadcasting operations and WLW radio station history. - https://abandonedonline.net/location/crosley-radio-building/
Historical information and photographs of the Crosley manufacturing complex in Cincinnati. - https://www.justcollectibles.com/crosley-radios/
Collector-oriented overview of Crosley radio models and product history.