WLAR 1450 opened on the second floor of this building in May 1946 as one of only two radio stations between Knoxville and Chattanooga. On August 1, 1946, announcer C.C. (Chuck) Redfern took the photo of the two GI poll watchers escaping Precinct 11 across the street. That night, as he gave the station's call sign and slogan, "WLAR, The Friendly Voice of the Friendly City," gun shots could be heard in the background. As Redfern broadcast through the night, the Battle of Athens was rebroadcast by radio stations in Knoxville and Chattanooga.