A hundred years ago today, October 1, 1919, Amateur Radio Operators were once again allowed to transmit, after being required to dismantle their stations during the war. They were allowed to begin receiving earlier in the year, but the transmitting ban was not lifted until October.

The notification came to ARRL headquarters just as the October issue of QST was going into the mail. Apparently a notice was added to the copies mailed, but that does not exist in the online QST archives. The notice above appeared in the November 1919 issue of QST.

Another article in the magazine reminded readers that prewar licenses had all expired. Amateurs who held an unexpired commercial license could operate under that authority, but all amateurs needed to get a station license.

Despite clerical staff being short, the radio inspectors were making provisions to get licenses issued as fast as possible. In fact, the inspector was able to advise the applicant that he had passed and what his call sign was going to be, and he could start operating immediately.

It was recommended that applications be made in person, but for those who couldn’t make it to the inspector’s office, there was provision for licensing by mail. In Boston, for example, the inspector required all within 40 miles to apply in person. Those more than 40 miles away from the city were allowed to apply and take the examination by mail.