Unlocking the Archive: RCA gets it start in Circleville

The headline read "RCA to begin production in late 1970 at Circleville."

It was Feb. 27, 1970 when that headline ran in the Gazette. The building itself was still under construction but the plant held much promise for jobs.

At the time, Jack VanDermark,personnel manager, did not give any indication of how many would be employed locally at the Radio Corporation of America plant. It produced glass bulbs for color televisions. 

"The buildings are being constructed on 162 acres of land made available by the Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric Co., last summer. The plant will be served by the Norwalk and Western Railroad. The bulbs will be produced for shipment to RCA's three color picture tube plants located at Scranton and Lancaster, Pa., and Marion, Ind., according to VanDermark. The combined employment of the these plants is more than 8,100 persons," the article states.

The announcement of the plant came from Gary Brewster, an RCA official in June 1969.

In a June 28, 1969 article, Brewster said limited production was expected to be underway in the second half of 1970. 

"By the end of that year, increased employment and production are scheduled. Brewster's announcement drew a salute from Gov. James A. Rhodes. He expressed appreciation for the company's 'vote of confidence' in Ohio's economic climate," the article stated. 

For suggestions on what to feature in this series, let us know at tshipley@gannett.com