Trademark Detrola Detrola Radio & Television Corporation was an American manufacturer of radio receivers. Founded in Detroit in 1930 by John J. Ross, Detrola became an affordable radio brand during the height of the Great Depression. The company also deployed a large number of radios called Truetone for Western Auto and Silvertone for Sears. Popular models were the "Super Pee Wee" and the "Catalin 281", known for being cheap economy sets.
At the height of the company in 1936, Detrola claimed the title of "the sixth largest radio manufacturer in the United States" and had about 1,000 employees, as well as sales representatives in many cities and foreign countries. Detrola Model 579 (1946) radio made from plywood In 1941, Detrola became a supplier of military supplies, most notably planting mine detectors, radios and electrical panels for ships. Ross sold his interests in the company to the International Machine Tool Company, which was a conglomerate led by C. Bell Mann. After World War II, Detrola produced but decided not to enter the TV market. The company struggled to keep up with the larger manufacturers. In the summer of 1948, the company sold its autoradio business to Motorola and then ceased all production later in 1948.
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