Lucy, Calvin T. (Calvin Tompkins), 1891-1980

Born in Baltimore, MD, on 8 October 1891, Calvin T. Lucy was educated at Baltimore City College (a public high school for boys) and graduated in 1909. While taking night school classes at BCC in commercial subjects, Lucy also worked at Crown Cork and Seal (1909-1912) in Baltimore. In 1912 he took a job with Reed Tobacco Company (a subsidiary of Larus and Co.) as office manager and bookkeeper. Promoted in 1918 to general office manager for Larus, Lucy left this position to serve in the army during World War I. He resumed his career with Larus after his discharge and steadily advanced in management.Given the responsibility of establishing a radio station in Richmond, in 1925, Lucy served as announcer, writer, producer, performer and general manager during the early years of WRVA. Non-commercial until 1928, WRVA then became an affiliate of NBC and C.T. moved into the sales and advertising portion of the operation. He supervised and managed the 5 kw station established in 1929; the 50 kw in 1938, and subsequently rose to Vice President with responsibility for radio and television.Lucy was active in the broadcasting profession and was an early member of the National Association of Broadcasters. He was the first president of the Virginia Association of Broadcasters and the original chair of the (CBS) Columbia Affiliates Advisory Board. An active citizen in the Richmond community, Lucy was also a member of the Community Fund, the Scottish Rite Masons, the Chamber of Commerce, and of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and its governing body.Lucy retired from the Larus Company in 1961 and moved from Richmond to his farm near Ladysmith, VA. During his retirement he played a key role in the establishment of educational television in Richmond by providing technical assistance and served as a general consultant for the project. In 1973 C.T. received an award from the Virginia Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Lucy died on 16 May 1980.

From the description of Calvin T. Lucy Papers, 1914-1978 (James Branch Cabell Library). WorldCat record id: 150562307

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