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Local History from the Collection: WPWC Radio Station 1480 AM
Written by Mary Kitiyakara, RELIC Senior Librarian
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On June 1, 1973, the Federal Communication Commission approved the sale of a local radio station, WQVA, in Quantico, Virginia, to the station manager Raymond "Cousin Ray" Woolfenden. The station was located at 504 Broadway Avenue, on the corner of Broadway and Potomac Streets. His wife, Doris Woolfenden, was the office manager. It had several call letters such as "Wonderful Prince William County," "We're Proud We're Country," and two others approved by the FCC in August 1974. It was a Country, Gospel, and Bluegrass station that broadcasted from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Woolfenden, p. 1).
Cousin Ray had the morning show and would start each broadcast with positive and colorful sayings, for example, "Welcome once again to the Ole County Store," "My, it's a beautiful, beautiful day, you're still a-living so everything is a-okay," and "Life is beautiful, time is precious, snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it" (Woolfenden, p. 1).
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The station moved to 214 S. Main Street, Dumfries, Virginia, in September 1979. They gave tours of the station and broadcasted from the WPWC motor home at the Prince William County Fair for 26 years. Cousin Ray also held an annual WPWC Radio Gospel Show on Thursday nights in the barn on the fairgrounds. He traveled to nearby locations representing the station, including the State Fair in Richmond, VA. He made connections with many famous country music legends in Nashville, such as Reba McEntire, Dottie West, and Minnie Pearl. The station received many local and national awards.
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After a long career in broadcasting from stations throughout the country starting in the 1940s, Ray "Cousin Ray" Woolfenden, Sr. was inducted into the Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN, on June 24, 1999. In the book, "WPWC radio station, 1480 AM," there is a picture of Loretta Lynn's bus driver and songwriter, Cody, picking up Cousin Ray and his family from the airport to transport them to the hotel.
The radio station was successful due to its local involvement with the community and its positive representation of WPWC nearly everywhere he went. On January 14, 2000, WPWC did its final broadcast, Doris Wolfenden said her final goodbyes, and Cousin Ray did his final morning broadcast (Woolfenden, p. 18).
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The book "WPWC Radio Station 1480 AM," call number 975.527 WPW, has a lot of great pictures of Prince William County and some of the local events that took place throughout the station's history. It has photos of "Cousin Ray" and his wife, the radio station, and his travels throughout the county, nearby counties, and Nashville.
RELIC has many books by local authors that share stories and photos of Prince William County's past and how the county has evolved over the years.
If you want to learn about preserving your family history, sign up for one of our Preservation Lab orientations throughout the summer. Contact us about starting your own family tree utilizing the many resources and knowledgeable staff in RELIC.
References: “WPWC Radio Station, 1480 AM.”
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Whether you’re looking for homework aids, how-to manuals, or even travel tips for your next trip, Gale eBooks has you covered.
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Celebrating the Evolution of Fiber Arts in Virginia: Central
Young Adults/Adults
Friday, June 6, 12:00 and 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 7, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
The Fredericksburg Spinners and Weavers Guild will present hands-on workshops to look at the history and evolution of fiber arts in Virginia over the past 250 years. Registration required.
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Summer Reading
All Ages
June 16–August 17
Join us for Summer Reading as we "Color Our World" with special programs and activities for the entire family. Beginning June 16, register at any of our libraries, online at pwcva.gov/library, or on the Beanstack Tracker app.
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Historical Fiction Book Club: Potomac
Adults
Wednesday, June 18, 1:00 p.m.
The Historical Fiction book club reads historical fiction with the occasional historical nonfiction book. Call 703-792-8330 for June’s book title.
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Local History Tour Group
Adults
Friday, June 20, 11:00 a.m.
The Local History Tour Group takes learning outside the library by visiting local historical sites throughout Prince William County, nearby counties, and Washington, DC.
In June, we'll discuss Mill House Museum in Occoquan. Registration required.
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Start your historical journey here. RELIC's email newsletter highlights upcoming free events and happenings. Genealogy and local Virginia history are our specialties as a service provided by Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL). You can always find more about us on RELIC's webpage.
RELIC service is available in-person at Central Library (8601 Mathis Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110), by email at librelic@pwcgov.org, and by phone at 703–792–8380.
Hours of Operation
Monday–Wednesday: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Thursday–Friday: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
First and Third Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday
Due to a staff shortage, RELIC is not always staffed during the above hours. However, the room is available, and service desk staff or substitutes can often help. Please call ahead for staffed hours if you need RELIC staff to be present.
Ask the Tree Hunter
If you wish to make an appointment with Darlene Hunter, RELIC Tree Hunter, please email librelic@pwcgov.org or call 703–792–8380.
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Questions and comments are always welcome.
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