Downtown legacy: Brad Ewing is raising funds to replace 30-plus year old speakers originally installed by his father
By Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — In the late 1980s, the late Bob Ewing was playing music over a loudspeaker at his downtown business to attract people to Ewing Radio and Electronics in Wellington.
Brad Ewing
At the time, he was told by the Wellington municipality that he couldn’t do that. It violated city law.
“Well, that started a firestorm to say it lightly,” said Brad Ewing, his son at a recent Wellington Lions Club meeting. “He immediately got on the city council agenda and started the process of getting music for the downtown.”
Not only did the city reverse course, but it implemented a system that piped in music throughout the downtown while shoppers purchased their wares – especially during the Christmas holiday system. The downtown speakers also served at events like the downtown parades or street dance.
But that was 30-plus years ago. Those speakers are in need of an update – from a classic h0rn to a full-range speaker. Brad is hoping to continue his Dad’s legacy by replacing the speakers.
“My dad installed the entire downtown sound system, wiring, and speakers, using his own labor and funds,” Ewing said. “That system was incorporated into the Downtown Revitalization Project of 2000 with new wiring and controls were moved to the Memorial Auditorium.”
Ewing is now seeking a new downtown system. There are 20 speakers and he is hoping to raise funds for six replacements at $500 each.
“I am currently about $7,000 short of my goal,” Ewing said. “Organizations or individuals could combine their funds for these speakers.”
Two of them have been replaced at Memorial Auditorium, and the difference in quality has been exceptional, he said.
“I read someplace people buy 15 percent more stuff when they are shopping with music playing,” Ewing said. “People are just happier when they are listening to music. If they are happier, they are spending more.”
Bob Ewing died in 2005, and this was a project he was very passionate about, Brad said.
To submit donations, contact the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce at 620-326-7466.
