History

In the spring of 1977, a group of radio enthusiasts from the Cleveland area began discussing the idea of forming a local club to benefit hams in the region. Spearheaded by Sammy Neal (N5AF) and Clyde Dominy (N5IF), they reached out to around 30 amateur radio operators in surrounding areas such as Dayton, Livingston, New Caney, Grangerland, Cut and Shoot, Conroe, and Cold Springs.

The first meeting was held in the summer of 1977, where it was decided that there was indeed strong local interest in forming a club. An interim executive committee was established, and the club's first officers were elected: Clyde Dominy (N5IF) as President, Jeff McClain (K5MV) as Vice President, Sherry Butler (WB5RUI) as Secretary, Shelton Boles (WA5KOK) as Treasurer, and Robert McWhorter (K5PFE) as Activities Manager. After this, the group focused on finding a fitting name for the club. Among the suggestions were Cleveland Amateur Radio Club, East Texas Radio Club, Piney Woods Radio Club, and Liberty County Radio Club. Ultimately, the name Sam Houston Amateur Radio Club, proposed by Glen McClain (WA5HXF), was unanimously adopted.

With a name chosen and bylaws accepted, the club was officially formed. The interim officers were elected to serve a two-year term. That same year, in December 1977, the club held its first Christmas party at the Liberty Café in downtown Cleveland, a tradition that continues to this day, growing larger and more elaborate with each passing year.

At the time of the club's formation, there was limited FM activity on 2 meters, and only one operator in Cleveland, Mr. Scott (W5EFD), owned a 2-meter FM radio. As more FM radios entered the area, the idea of setting up a repeater gained traction. Jeff McClain already held a repeater station license (WR5ANB) and had a 50-foot tower at his home, so the club set up a repeater on his tower using two Ringo Ranger antennas. Despite the basic setup, the repeater worked, and the club was up and running on 2-meter FM, using the frequency 146.91.

In the early 1980s, the FCC changed repeater frequency spacing from 30 kHz to 20 kHz, and the club moved to 146.90, where it remains today. In 1980, the club formally adopted the repeater as an official asset, relocating it to a tower at Cleveland's AM radio station KJCH-AM. The club also acquired its first auto-patch, thanks to Pete Tanner (N5EJ), though it initially faced challenges with Cleveland's rotary phone system.

In the summer of 1981, the club erected a 180-foot tower on property rented from Gilley Gilchrist (WA5SNL) for just $1 per year. The club eventually invested in a new repeater system, which is still in use. However, in 1987, a nearby train derailment contaminated the land, forcing the repeater to be relocated. Dave Wise (N5AK) generously provided a new site, where the repeater is currently housed.

In July 1982, the club was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. From its early days, the club has been dedicated to promoting amateur radio education, offering classes for all license levels. In 1984, the FCC shifted ham radio testing responsibilities to local volunteer examiners (VEs), and our club has administered over 2,000 exams to date.

Field Day has been an important annual tradition for the club, with participation varying from year to year. Over the years, we've acquired a communications trailer and a separate generator trailer with a tower, ensuring we're well-equipped for Field Day or any emergency communications scenario.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, amateur radio’s role in emergency communications has gained renewed importance. The federal government now provides funding to local governments for civil emergency use, which often includes amateur radio. Our club continues to play a vital role in this capacity, thanks to the dedication of our members.

Since its inception, the Sam Houston Amateur Radio Club has adapted to many changes in amateur radio, always striving to embrace the best of them. With a strong community of committed members, the club is well-positioned to continue its mission for many years to come.