On September 6, 2026, Lubbock’s longest‑running broadcaster, KFYO, will celebrate 99 years of serving the Hub City. To honor the milestone, the station and local historians turned to a 1927 Facebook post by longtime resident Dave Walker, which compiled newspaper clippings, advertisements and photographs that paint a vivid picture of everyday life in Lubbock a century ago.
A Day in 1927 Lubbock
The Avon‑Journal of the era was filled with local stories and a parade of ads that reveal what a typical Lubbockite might have bought. Jewelers Anderson Bros. offered diamonds and watches as graduation gifts for the Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech) class of 1927. Sweet‑toothed graduates could also order greeting cards and candy from Norris Candy, which promised that its treats would be “enthusiastically appreciated by the graduate.”
For clothing and footwear, the market was affordable: Florsheim shoes at Barrier Bros. sold for $10, while a pair of hosiery cost just $1.59. Those with deeper pockets could consider a brand‑new Greater Oakland Six sedan priced at $1,095—a considerable sum in 1927 but still within reach of a prosperous family.
Entertainment and Home Comforts
Entertainment came in the form of a weekly vaudeville show presented by M. Drayton on Monday and Tuesday evenings, offering a lively diversion for the whole family. Home appliances were a luxury; a brand‑new Gibson refrigerator could be purchased with a $1 down payment, and the cold storage would be replenished daily by ice deliveries from Texas Utilities Co., a necessity during West Texas’s scorching summers.
Fuel was remarkably cheap. At the Super Service Station on Broadway, motorists could fill their tanks for just thirteen cents per gallon—a stark contrast to today’s prices and a reminder of how far the economy has progressed.
KFYO’s Enduring Presence
Through all of these changes—fashion, transportation, entertainment, and even the price of gasoline—KFYO has remained on the air, chronicling Lubbock’s growth and serving as a trusted voice for nearly a century. The station’s longevity underscores the importance of local media in preserving community heritage and providing a platform for shared experiences.
As KFYO looks ahead to its next 99 years, the station invites Lubbock residents to reflect on the city’s past, celebrate its present, and anticipate a future built on the same values of hard work, family, and faith that defined the 1920s. For those interested in exploring more of Lubbock’s 1927 history, Walker’s Facebook post remains a valuable resource, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era.
Why This Matters Today
Understanding Lubbock’s history helps residents appreciate the progress made in our community while reminding us of the enduring principles that keep families strong and neighborhoods vibrant. KFYO’s anniversary is not just a celebration of a radio station; it is a celebration of Lubbock’s resilient spirit and the shared memories that bind us together.
Original reporting: News/Talk 790 KFYO (Lubbock) — read the source article.
