War or no war, this family were wired, thanks to the audio amplifier shown in the May 1943 issue of Popular Mechanics. They were proud supporters of the USO, as shown by the sticker on thier car. And if you look carefully, you’ll see a star in the window, indicating that they have a son in the service.

The magazine acknowledged that the “breadboard” design was designed primarily as a classroom project, it would also serve useful purposes in schools, homes, and workshops. This housewife placed the amplifier on the kitchen counter, with wires running to various parts of the house to call the family back for lunch. This was accomplished with a single run of wire to the speakers, with the return taken care of with a good ground connection at both ends.

The amplifier could also be used for a phonograph or a one or two tube radio, putting out 1.5 watts of audio.