December 1935 QST
 Table
of Contents
Wax nostalgic about and learn from the history of early electronics. See articles
from
QST, published December 1915 - present (visit ARRL
for info). All copyrights hereby acknowledged.
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I saved this poem from the December 1935
edition of the ARRL's QST magazine for now since it might be the last day
of work for the year for many people. "The Day Before Christmas"
was penned by radio amateur Robert H. Votaw after the manner of the classic "The
Night Before Christmas." It is rare to see such a poem printed in a technical magazine
these days, but it was fairly common back in the day. To wit: "Ravin" (1942), "Power Supply" (1944),
"Pre-Radio" (1944),
"A Radioman's Nightmare"
(1945). If you happen to be related to or knew Mr. Votaw, please send me a note.The Day Before Christmas
By Robert H. Votaw, W7WY*
 'Twas the day before
Christmas,
And all through the shack
None of the floor could be seen-
Not even a crack!
For traffic was plastered
Knee-high on the floor,
And every few minutes
'Twas "QTC more."
The poor op. was sweatin'
O'er "mill" and o'er "stick"-
Couldn't finish one asked
Before his next "trick."
After QSG 5 - My gosh!
What a shock!
"QRM," says the other guy,
"Put in that other 'rock.' "
Three hours later
He leans back with a groan.
Thinking, at last,
He has some time of his own...
But, "CQ, CQ North"
Comes the far-away cry-
The op. tunes him in
With blood in his eye...
Some time later
He pauses to stare-
Hark! The tinkling of bells
Floats out on the air!
Can it be Santa??
Oh, boy! What a sight!
"Ye gods! 'Tis the alarm clock-
I've been working all night!!"
Posted December 22, 2020
(updated from original post on 12/20/2013)
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