Earl Freudenberg with group at the Pachyderm Club
Veteran Broadcaster Earl Freudenberg addressed the Chattanooga Pachyderm Monday speaking about some of the famous local politicians he’s interviewed during his 55-year career.
Mr. Freudenberg recalled his conversation with Fire and Police Commissioner James Bookie Turner in 1967 at the scene of the massive Peerless Woolen Mills Fire. Commissioner Turner said he sent Chattanooga firemen to the scene because 40 percent of those employee at the mill worked in Chattanooga.
There was controversy at the time if Chattanooga’s fire insurance would have covered any possible injury. Commissioner Turner said he’d face that situation if it happens.
Mr. Freudenberg also remembered interviewing many times Hamilton County Executive Dalton Roberts. a longtime family friend.
He mentioned several Hamilton County officials including County Judges Don Moore and Chester Frost, Clerk Bill Knowles and Trustee Bill Hullander.
Mr. Freudenberg has fond memories of covering five Third District members of Congress, Bill Brock, Lamar Baker, Marilyn Lloyd, Zach Wamp and Chuck Fleischmann. He remember then Senator Bill Brock calling him in 1973 at the American Forces Network while on his way to NATO.
The speaker said former newspaper Free Press Reporter Tom Griscom arraigned for Senate Majority Leader Howard to speak in Chattanooga to the Society of Professional journalists in February of 1983. Approximately 60 members of the news media were joined by local businessmen including H. Carey Hanlin, Herb Adcox, Scott Probasco Jr. and Bern Hurley, Mr. Freudenberg was president of SDX/SPJ. S enator Baker talked about life in Washington but focused on his book with pictures he’d taken.
Mr. Freudenberg followed several Chattanooga mayors including Pat Rose, Gene Roberts and Ron Littlefield.
The radio veteran recalled when WDOD started their Sunday morning Sound Off program in February, 1974. The topics included lowering the speed limit to 55 mph, long gas lines and moving clocks forward three months early. Frequent guests included Hamilton County Commissioner Curtis Adams, State Rep. Bobby Wood, Mayor Ron Littlefield and City Councilman John Lively. Sound Off Aired for 30 years. Commissioner Adams was on Earl’s talk shows nearly 50 times.
Both City Court Judge Russell Bean, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond and Sheriff Elect Austin Garrett were present for the talk.
Many of the Hamilton County Republican candidates in the August 2022 election were in attendance.
Mr. Freudenberg was introduced by club president Marty Von Schaaf and Earl’s long time broadcasting friend television news anchor David Carroll. Earl and Mr. Von Schaaf worked together at WDOD radio in the 80’s and 90’s.
Earl Freudenberg and Marty Von Schaaf