Wilschke Family Donates A Piece Of Audio History To Altec Lansing®
Classic 515 fifteen-inch woofer was an original Voice of The Theatre® component
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - June 30, 2004 - The Professional Division of Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. is the proud recipient of a piece of audio history. The family of Elmer O. Wilschke, a 35-year employee of Western Electric®, ERPI, Altec Service Corporation and Altec Lansing®, has donated an original model 515 fifteen-inch woofer to the company.
Mr. E. O. Wilschke began his career with Western Electric® in 1920. His career evolved through ERPI, Altec Service Corporation and Altec Lansing Corporation. During his tenure with the company, he was responsible for the company’s 250 Field Engineers in the United States, and the installation and service of sound systems for over 6,000 motion picture cinemas. During a two year stint in Europe, he trained 200 Field Engineers and oversaw the launching of Talking Pictures Europe.
Mr. Wilschke rose to the position of General Operating Manager, where his responsibilities included the development and manufacture of anti-submarine sonobouys for the U.S. Navy during the Second World War. During his tenure, Altec Lansing developed the industry’s first Duplex® speaker system in 1941 (the model 601), and the Academy Award®-winning Voice Of The Theatre® cinema speakers.
At the conclusion of World War II, the employees of Altec Lansing gifted Mr. Wilschke with a custom-built home stereo system, including a model 515 woofer in a custom-built cabinet. The cabinet and speaker were donated to Altec Lansing by Mr. Jim Wilschke, a resident of San Diego, CA and son of E.O.
When the speaker was received in Oklahoma City, Steve Upchurch – Altec’s Technical Services Manager, carefully removed it from the carton. He was surprised to discover that there was only one small tear in the surround compliance. The speaker has since been reconed by Bill Hanuschak, owner of Great Plains Audio, in Oklahoma City. Great Plains Audio manufactures the original replacement parts for Altec Lansing’s catalog of speaker products (www.greatplainsaudio.com).
“Over the years and recent changes of ownership, most of Altec’s historical artifacts have been destroyed or thrown away by people who didn’t understand their significance to the history of our industry,” explained John Sexton – Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Altec Lansing. “This gift from the WIlschke family is very significant in that it affirms both the quality of the products built under our corporate banner, and Altec’s legacy as an innovator in our industry.”
Jim Wilschke has fond memories of his father and his career at Altec Lansing. “I know that dad was very proud of his association with Altec Lansing, and the great engineers and visionaries who built the audio industry. I’m sure he would want this speaker to be gifted back to the company that is continuing the Altec Lansing tradition.”
To celebrate the legacy of Altec Lansing, the company is proud to announce the availability of replica model A7 Voice Of The Theatre® speaker systems. The A7 is custom made to order with a lead time of 6-8 weeks for delivery. Visit www.alteclansing.com/legacy to take a look at the retro A7 speaker system.
Altec Lansing Professional’s product line features premium and utility ceiling speakers, Duplex® speaker systems, subwoofers, electronic products and pro components. The model 515 fifteen-inch/380mm low frequency speaker has evolved to the models 515-8HHP (8?) and 515-16HHP (16?). Visit www.altecpro.com to learn more about Altec Lansing’s acoustic and electronic products.
About Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc.
Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc., has a rich legacy of blending art and science to stir the soul with high quality consumer and professional speaker systems. The market leader in personal computer speakers, Altec Lansing designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of computer and home entertainment sound systems and a line of headsets and headphones. The company’s Professional division, re-launched in 2002, builds on the storied Altec Lansing name among sound system specifiers, contractors and installers in the fixed installation market. Headquartered in Milford, PA USA and privately held, Altec Lansing also has offices in Oklahoma City OK ,Luxembourg, and Hong Kong. In addition, Altec Lansing has an ISO 9002 and SA8000 certified manufacturing facility in The People's Republic of China. The company employs about 1,500 people worldwide.
Altec Lansing is a registered trademark of Altec Lansing Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
PRESS CONTACT:
Whitney Temple
S&S Public Relations
(317) 275-2275, Ext. 24
wtemple@sspr.com
|
