W9AYO Sweepstakes Contest QSL Card, Bloomington IL, 1934-1935

This QSL card from the Sweepstakes Contest held between November 17th and 26th, 1934, features the call sign W9AYO, confirming a QSO from Bloomington, Illinois. The card is addressed to Radio W9FOQ, C. G. Strauss, in Redfield, South Dakota. The front of the card prominently displays the call sign and contest details, while the back shows a postmark from Bloomington, Illinois, dated January 25, 1935, at 11:30 AM. A 1-cent green U.S. postage stamp is affixed, featuring a portrait of Benjamin Franklin.

The card is in good condition with minor edge wear and slight discoloration typical of its age. The postmark is clear and legible, providing a precise historical context for the communication. QSL cards like this one were used by amateur radio operators to confirm two-way radio communication, known as a QSO, and were an essential part of early radio culture.

This postcard documents the vibrant amateur radio community of the early 20th century, highlighting the importance of radio communication in connecting distant locations. The card provides insight into the social customs and technological practices of the era. Surviving examples serve as valuable records of early radio communication and its role in fostering international connections.