Dale Patterson is not only the creative genius behind Rock Radio Scrapbook, Canada's best online airchecks site, but he's also the guy who founded the original SOWNY Board several decades ago, as well as being the author of a number of books. Frankly, I don't know where he finds the time.

That time lately seems to have been taken up researching and planning a tribute site to one of his favourite radio stations - the Big 143, aka CKFH Toronto. Dale worked there when he was younger and I suspect that's when the radio bug was really biting. Like me, he remembers the station for its Top 40 days (although it was around a long time before that), featuring such great talent as Big G Walters, Don Daynard, Keith Hampshire, Rick "Allan" Moranis, Keith Elshaw and more, including valued SOWNY contributors John Donabie and Mike Marshall. 

They're all saluted on his newest site, which also contains the history of the station, pages of photos and articles, charts, logos and even some vintage coverage maps. But to me, the best part are the rare airchecks, letting you hear what the first real competitor to CHUM (after CKEY gave up trying) sounded like in its glory days. 

The CKFH Tribute Site Page officially goes live on Sunday - the 99th birthday of its late founder, Foster Hewitt. But Dale has kindly given SOWNY permission to offer you an early preview. It's free, it's pretty terrific and it's online now at the link below.

And stay tuned, because I'm told there's lots more coming. 

Thanks, Dale for the sneak peek. I'd say you're number one, but in keeping with 'FH, it might be better to say you're number 2!

The CKFH Tribute Site