Dear Museos:
I am deeply saddened to advise of the passing, yesterday, of NJRM Co-Founder and Chairman Carl Van Orden at his home in the Poconos, as reported to me by his wife, Joyce Van Orden. It was Carl who was amongst the first with the vision that there should be a museum in tribute to New Jersey Radio, its inventors, innovators, talents and what it took to successfully compete with radio reaching the Garden State from the NYC and Philadelphia radio markets.
Carl deserves credit for not only his pioneering spirit in the founding of New Jersey Radio Museum, but in assuring that NJRM would continue in an upward trajectory as membership grew, the collection matured and permanent museum space was secured to help us all tell the story of NJ radio history. For years, we have maintained a vibrant website and served as an expert voice when approached for historic NJ radio facts or for a seminar or lecture about the Garden State’s remarkable radio history which has not only touched but influenced the medium and the entire world around us.
At present, details regarding any memorial activities for Carl are unavailable, although we are told by Joyce that our co-founder, Carl, was coherent and thoughtful as the end approached, and he wished most sincerely and deeply that it would not be an overly mournful occasion.
As NJ Radio Museum President, I am hoping that we all join together in redoubling our efforts to move Carl’s dream forward to not only increase its on-line presence but secure permanent display space for not only our collection but functional interactive demonstration of what has made New Jersey radio unique over its 100-year history. Please join me in prayers for Carl’s widow and family.
Your faithful servant,
Richard K. Phoenix, RMC
New Jersey Radio Museum President
The New Jersey Radio Museum 