All amateur communications emanating from Meriden Connecticut are done so in the shadow of "Castle Craig" on West Peak. West Peak has one of the highest elevations along the Eastern seaboard and has played an important part in Amateur Radio History.

Major Edwin H. Armstrong, working with Professor Daniel E. Noble, W1CAS, in the late 1930's, designed two experimental 43-mhz fm-broadcast stations. One was located at Storrs, Connecticut, while the other was on West Peak, Meriden.

Experiments conducted during this time from West Peak, provided the world with the technological advancements needed to make fm radio practical. Later, Professor Noble went on to pioneer the first practical vhf communication system for mobile use. This system was an experimental project with the Connecticut State Police Department and was the forerunner of commercial vhf communications using fm and repeaters.

The site of these historical contributions made by our fellow Amateur operators is now dominated by a unique landmark known as "Castle Craig." The structure itself is an actual stone replica of a Norman tower in France. It was built in 1900 by Stuart Douglas. Amateur Radio operations have been conducted from the shadow of Castle Craig from as early as 1910. The Meriden Amateur Radio Club, established 1946 is proud to originate this award in honor of the many historic radio achievements that have taken place in the area surrounding Castle Craig.