Canadian Westinghouse Radio Receiver

Unlike AM and FM radio stations—which can usually only be heard for about 80-100 km from the broadcasting station—shortwave radio signals are capable of traveling long distances, allowing the listener to tune into international broadcasts around-the-clock.  The radio seen here was originally owned by small-town dentist Frank Bruce Miles in the 1920s. The first and only person in Cranbrook, B.C. with a radio, Miles came to be seen as a source of information—with neighbours dropping by on a regular basis to find out about news events from around the world.

Gift from Hilary Munro, Calgary, and Charles Miles, Prince George.