In 1922, this trio demonstrates that diminutive size of a radio set needn’t mean that the set can’t pull in stations. According to the caption, “how small a set may be, and still be operative over short ranges is shown by the little apparatus that lies on the table.”

The photo appears in Lesson 6 of the seven-part “Easy Course in Home Radio” published in 1922. This group undoubtedly made the parts for their set from scratch, as the photo appears in the lesson entitled “How To Make Your Own Parts.”

The young woman at the right appears to be copying code, meaning that she’s probably receiving the weather report from NAA‘s powerful transmitter in Arlington, Virginia.  Undoubtedly, she donned the headphones since she was the best QRQ operator in the group and wanted to make sure the report was accurately transcribed.