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December 27, 1943 Life
 [Table of Contents]
Wax nostalgic about and learn from the history of early
technology. See articles from Life magazine,
published 1883-1972. All copyrights hereby acknowledged.
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Did you know that the name "Walkie-Talkie"
was created by U.S. soldiers using them in the field? That's, according to Galvin
Manufacturing Corporation, who developed the first "Handi-Talkie" in 1933. Galvin,
in case you don't know, was the original name of Motorola. Founder
Paul Galvin
started out making "battery eliminators" for DC (direct current) radio sets, and
then created / filled a need for radios in automobiles.
Motorola is yet another
example of a portmanteau, which combined "motor" and the "ola" suffix of Victrola
(a sound reproducing device). This 1943 Life magazine promotion by Motorola
is typical of what appeared in many household magazines as a means of garnering
support both for the war effort and for the company's products. During World War II,
many manufacturers were compelled to convert some or even all of their facilities
over to production of military materials.
Motorola Radio Ad
Painted from an on-the-spot news photograph showing Australians
unloading supplies at Lae, New Guinea, as an American soldier reports to Jungle
Beach headquarters via Walkie-Talkie.
... from
A Recent News Release
The first portable two-way radio set made by the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation,
known as Walkie-Talkie, was developed in 1933 in the laboratories of the Signal
Corps. Walkie-Talkie was the name given by the soldiers to these sets, and as the
popularity of the device grew, 'walkie-talkie' became official Army jargon.
The Handie-Talkie is basically a Galvin idea, having been hatched in 1940 by
the Company's chief engineer while he was watching infantry maneuvers in Wisconsin.
From the Motorola Engineering Laboratories there has come a steady stream of
vital Electronic developments. As a result of our extensive pre-war pioneering in
the engineering and production of Home and Car Radio, and Mobile 2-Way F-M Communications
Systems for city, state and government agencies, the entire Motorola organization
was fit and ready. It is a matter of record that when our government called, Motorola
delivered and is still delivering in volume, the Military Radio Communications so
urgently needed for Victory. It is a Motorola habit to be First!
What Electronics in War Means to Motorola Radio in Peace
Everything we have learned and are learning about Electronics during the War
cannot possibly be incorporated into the first Post-War Motorola Radios. But you
may be certain that because of our new Electronic knowledge, the new Motorolas will
look smarter, sound better and bring you the maximum in Radio listening pleasure.
Expect Big Things from Motorola. They're in the Making!
For the continued development and production of Radio Communications and other
special Electronic equipment for our Armed Forces, the Motorola organization has
been awarded two stars for its Army-Navy "E" Flag. Motorola is proud of the part
it has been privileged to play in the speeding of Victory.
Motorola Radio for Home and Car
Galvin Mfg. Corporation • Chicago, Illinois
Posted February 15, 2024
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