"Ron and Pem" 2 tapes, 3 sides Side 2. 10/22/78, 1978

Item — track: 39a

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Ron talks about the camaraderie between those who were working in the lab in the early days.
Pem and Ron both agree that Phil's interest in doing things that were commonly believed to be impossible or improbable was a perfect match for the close-knit dynamic of the group.
They talk about the incredibly delicate process for creating some of the tubes for more uncommon designs.
Pem talks about Phil's relationship with Philco and how it became strained after they would not allow him to return to Provo for the funeral of his son. She says that they were under immense pressure at the time because they were trying to establish their independence from RCA in television, which they had previously been unable to do in regards to radio.
They both talk about their relationships with George Everson and a man named McCarter, and McCarter's feelings about those who worked in the lab, specifically Tobe who he felt was under qualified.
They talk about everyone getting laid off at Philco and how when they tried to re-hire everyone they were all unhappy with the situation and most would not go back without Phil.
Pem believes that eventually RCA said that Philco could only license RCA's radio patents if they also used their television patents. This was highly detrimental to Philco but they had little choice because most of their income was from radios at that time.

Dates

1978

Language of Materials

From the Collection: Collection material in English.

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