A microphone is a device for converting human sound waves into electrical signals, which may then be amplified (made louder), transmitted (sent to) or recorded (stored for later).
As far as I can remember, the Social Hall (remodeled recently), with a large capacity room, was the only place where the microphone was stored and utilized. In the 2010s, the Multi-Activity Center (MAC) with a high-capacity room became the second building that needed a microphone.
When people come to think of Elvis Presley in the 1950s and shortly thereafter, they tend to combine him with the vintage microphone like the above.
One bigger vintage microphone in the campus museum probably dates back to the 1950s. The smaller microphone is newer from the 1970s. I remember the bigger microphone on a tall stand used in the Social Hall. When not in use, it was left out of sight behind the curtain or in the storage room on the ground level.
Governor Edmund “Pat” Brown stopped at CSDR for an hour campus visit in Spring 1963. Basically, the Governor said he was impressed with the beautiful campus and encouraged the students to work hard for their education and become successful citizens when they leave school. On the left is Miss Lucy Lewis (CODA) interpreting. On the right is Dr Brill. In front of the podium is the same vintage microphone we have in our care. The photo was copied from the 1963 yearbook. The quality is not good, unfortunately.
The vintage microphones were used for meetings, presentations, graduations and plays. They were probably used for 30 years. I am happy we have them on display in the superintendent’s room inside the campus museum.
Kevin Struxness, ‘76, MA
Editor and Curator
20 November 2024
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