Note
QST, Aug 1945, p. 95. (This was the first ad for Harvey-Wells. It was an “institutional” ad, meaning that it was not for some specific product, but rather an ad describing the company’s plans for the future, in the most general terms.)
The story of the Harvey Wells radio company is a classic tale of innovation, partnership, and the challenges of a rapidly changing industry. From its humble beginnings in the heart of amateur radio culture to its eventual absorption into larger corporate entities, the company left a lasting legacy, particularly among ham radio operators.
The Founders and Early Days: Harvey Radio Labs (1933-1939)
The roots of the Harvey Wells company lie with a single, dedicated figure: Clifford A. Harvey, a graduate of MIT. In 1933, he founded Harvey Radio Labs in Brookline, Massachusetts. The company's initial focus was on producing radio equipment for the amateur radio market, as well as for commercial and police communication systems. Harvey Radio Labs quickly earned a reputation for creating well-built, reliable, and more affordable alternatives to the high-end equipment of companies like Collins Radio Corp. This earned them the nickname "the poor man's Collins."
During this period, Harvey Radio Labs produced a range of transceivers and transmitters for HF, VHF, and UHF bands. One notable product was the FT-30 model, which was reportedly a clone of the popular Collins 30FX. The company also manufactured essential components like piezo-electric quartz crystals, which were crucial for maintaining stable radio frequencies. The focus on quality at a competitive price point allowed the company to gain a foothold in the market and establish a loyal customer base among amateur radio enthusiasts.
The Birth of Harvey-Wells Electronics (1940-1957)
A pivotal moment in the company's history came in 1940 when Clifford Harvey partnered with John M. Wells, a Harvard graduate and fellow amateur radio operator (W1ZD). The new partnership, named Harvey-Wells Electronics Company, moved its operations to Southbridge, Massachusetts. This collaboration marked the beginning of a period of significant growth and diversification.
World War II dramatically altered the company's trajectory. Like many electronics firms of the era, Harvey-Wells shifted its production to support the war effort. The company became a key supplier for the military, producing a range of equipment for police, civil defense, and the Navy. This wartime production, which at one point accounted for 85% of their output, earned them the prestigious Navy "E" award for excellence. This period solidified the company's reputation for manufacturing robust and dependable equipment, capable of meeting stringent military specifications.
After the war, Harvey-Wells successfully transitioned back to the civilian market, leveraging its wartime experience to produce a new line of products. This post-war era is perhaps the most famous in the company's history, marked by the introduction of its "Bandmaster" series. The TBS-50, introduced in 1947, became their most popular product. It was a transmitter that covered the 80 through 2-meter bands, a feat that made it incredibly versatile for its time. A later version, the TBS-50A, included a three-tube audio preamp, further enhancing its appeal. The Bandmaster series was celebrated for its affordability and performance, making it a staple in many ham radio shacks across the country.
In the mid-1950s, Harvey-Wells introduced the "twins": the T-90 transmitter and the R-9 receiver. The T-90 was a successor to the Bandmaster series, and the R-9 was a compact, dual-conversion receiver designed for both mobile and fixed station use. A companion Z-match antenna tuner completed the set. This elegant line of equipment was a testament to the company's continued commitment to the amateur radio community.
The Shift and Decline (1957-1960s)
Despite its success in the amateur and commercial markets, the late 1950s brought new challenges. The radio industry was evolving rapidly with the introduction of new technologies, most notably single-sideband (SSB) transmitting techniques. Harvey-Wells, for reasons that were likely a combination of corporate strategy and financial constraints, did not make the transition to SSB. This decision proved to be a critical turning point. As other companies embraced the new technology, the market for Harvey-Wells's commercial line, which was primarily based on older Amplitude Modulation (AM) technology, began to shrink.
Around 1957, the commercial line of Harvey-Wells equipment was discontinued. The company's focus shifted towards more profitable government contracts. This decision, though sound from a business perspective at the time, marked the beginning of the end for the company's presence in the amateur radio market. The research and development costs required to update their product line were deemed too high, and the company's new owners believed there was more financial gain to be found elsewhere.
In January 1957, Harvey-Wells was acquired by Whitin Machine Works, a larger manufacturing company. This acquisition further cemented the company's new direction, as Whitin was more interested in the government and commercial contract work than the amateur radio market. Although the Harvey-Wells name and production continued for a few more years, the focus had irrevocably shifted. The last of the "Bandmaster" series, the T-90, was produced until 1960.
The final chapter for the company began as government contracts declined in the late 1950s. The business was eventually sold to Bay State Electronics of Boston. While the Harvey-Wells name continued to exist in some form, its identity as a major supplier of radio gear had faded.
Legacy
Though the Harvey-Wells radio company no longer exists, its impact on the history of amateur radio is undeniable. The company's products, particularly the Bandmaster series, are still cherished by vintage radio collectors and enthusiasts. They are remembered for their sturdy construction, reliable performance, and their significant role in making amateur radio accessible to a wider audience in the post-war years.
The legacy of Harvey-Wells is also a lesson in the delicate balance of innovation and market adaptation. The company’s inability or unwillingness to transition to single-sideband technology ultimately led to its decline in the amateur radio market. Yet, its story remains a testament to the vision of its founders, Clifford A. Harvey and John M. Wells, and the company's contribution to both the wartime effort and the golden age of amateur radio.