Joseph Homer Hallock, Lake Oswego, builder of Portland’s first commercial radio station and an early radio announcer died Saturday [September 17] in a Lake Oswego convalescent home. He was 85.
A native of Eastern Oregon, Mr. Hallock came to Portland in 1927 and with his partners, the late Clifford Watson and Roy Young, built and sold the first commercial radio receiving sets in the Northwest. He then built the first commercial radio station KFJR (later KALE, KPOJ and now KPOK) and the first police radio station.
During the 1930’s he was an announcer-actor for Portland radio stations, appearing on live dramatic programs. He has been a pioneer member of the Hoot Owls radio group.
In the late 1930’s, Mr. Hallock joined the staff of the Federal Communication Commission, serving in various cities and ending his career in charge of the FCC’s Portland office. He also was a long-time ham radio operator.
Survivors include his son, state Sen. Ted Hallock, Portland, and a sister Mrs. Stuart Macdonald of Tacoma. No funeral is planned. Interment will be at the Riverview Cemetery Mausoleum. The family suggests that remembrances be contributions to the American Cancer Society, Oregon Division.
Sunday Oregonian, 19, Sep 1976
Contributed by: Shelli Steedman