I had been listening to WTSB for years and enjoyed his daily program Carl and Friends. In 2012 I was teaching history at Johnston Community College. His excellent and informative autobiography had just been published. I thought that it would be a a great learning lesson for my classes to hear a person who had lived through the depression, had served in World War II and had broadcast some of the most iconic events of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
I made the arrangements and Mr. Lamm and his daughter came. He was bearing several copies of his book to give away to students. I invited all my sections and almost fifty students showed up. Mr. Lamm was amazing. The students asked questions about everything from the price of gas in the 40’s to what was it like to interview Mickey Mantle. I couldn’t have been prouder of my students, they were respectful and were engaged. This began an almost five year run of delightful engagement with the great Carl Lamm and the “Golden Microphone”.
I was often on the air promoting events at the Max G. Creech Selma Historical Museum. I also purchased air time during my runs for a seat on the Selma Town Council. I was a frequent caller in the afternoons to give my opinion on a political topic. My call would sometimes elicit an invitations to further express my opinion. These were wonderful visits. I had worked at the local radio station [WAGE- AM 1290, “On the Dixie side of the Potomac”] in my hometown of Leesburg, Virginia. I loved AM Radio and everytime I would go to the station on 301 South it reminded me of my youth.
Carl Lamm was a legend and a visionary. In his over seventy years as a broadcaster he met and interviewed newsmakers, politicians sport’s icons country music legends and everyday citizens of Johnston county.
Mr. Lamm never met a stranger and he carried his personality with him where ever he went. He was a Christian gentleman who loved his faith, his family and his country.
I close with this thought:
When Sir Christopher Wren, the great English Architect died, his son placed a dedication in his father’s masterpiece St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, England.
“ Lector, si monumentum requiris, circumspice”.
[Reader if you seek a monument look around you]
Carl Lamm’s monument is all around us in Johnston County, Eastern North Carolina and the Nation. Rest in Peace Mr. Lamm.
Eric Jackson
Selma, North Carolina
