KRE in 1937

	KRE IN 1937 This series of photos shows KRE as it appeared in 1937. Originally licensed in 1922, the first location for KRE was in the Claremont Resort Hotel in the Berkeley Hills. Return to the KRE Main Page
	According to John Schneider's excellent history of KRE, the station went through several ownership changes in the 1920s: "the First Congregational Church in Berkeley was thinking about doing some broadcasting. They were investigating the possibility of leasing phone lines and airing weekly programs over KTAB in Oakland when they heard KRE was available. The church council minutes for January 19, 1927, show the following entry:A motion was made that we authorize the trustees to do whatever may be necessary for the establishment of the broadcast station at the earliest possible date on our church property. By the end of January, KRE had been purchased. The church shared in the purchase with the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, and the two were also to share in the use of the station. KRE was off the air for several months while the equipment was moved and installed in the church building, at Dana and Durant Streets. A steel tower was erected, and an L-type wire antenna was strung from the tower to the church steeple. Underneath, a counterpoise was strung in an erratic manner to different parts of the building."
	KRE moved to its current location in 1937. From John Schneider: "KRE acquired the site known as 601 Ashby Avenue. The land had originally been tideland, and had been landlocked by the land fill from the construction of the bayshore freeway. The land had to be filled, and management filled only enough land to hold a building, tower and a small parking area. This was located in the middle of the water, and a narrow road was filled in to connect the building to the shore." Read John's complete KRE History

KRE 1930s

Look Familiar? The radio station scene in the 1973 film "American Graffiti" was filmed at our own KRE. We like to watch this classic because it shows us what the doors, windows and control room looked like in the early 1970s. You can also buy this film on DVD from Amazon.

Restoring KRE will be a complex undertaking. The original entrance door, featured in "American Graffiti," had a round portal window-type door, and that door no longer exists. Unlike the majestic old KSFO in the Fairmont Hotel, KRE was low budget.

Much of the interior was constructed like many local radio stations of that era, double soundproof windows between studios and walls and ceilings of soundproof material. Most of the KRE offices were far from elegant, many with inexpensive wood paneling. KRE was not a well maintained facility.

We are seeking interior and exterior photos of the station, 1940s-1960s. E-mail us if you have any photos of KRE past.