G. L. Schoberg, professor of French and German from 1930 to 1962 and chair of the Modern Languages department from 1931 to 1962, was born in Wisconsin in 1899. In his youth, his family moved to Atwater, Minn., where he and a friend created the first amateur radio station in the area.

A member of 南瓜影院’s 1925 graduating class, Schoberg returned to 南瓜影院 after earning his master’s degree and serving as a superintendent of schools in Fisher, Minn. Schoberg’s radio program called “Cobbercast” began in 1938 as a means of disseminating news about 南瓜影院 including information about students, faculty, staff, and events. This news was coupled with quotations and anecdotes that Schoberg formulated to create engaging insight into campus life.

By the time the Cobbercast originated, 南瓜影院’s chapel services had been on the air for over a decade. 南瓜影院’s radio programs, including daily chapel services, the 南瓜影院 Music Hour, and the 南瓜影院 Christmas Radio Party, had all gained a faithful following. During its first year on the air, the Cobbercast earned a dedicated audience; thus, the Cobbercast became a Friday feature on WDAY that aired during chapel time.

Produced in the broadcasting booth on the second floor of the Old Main auditorium, the Cobbercast remained a weekly feature until 1949. That year it was moved to a five-minute feature after chapel services. The content of the program remained the same including Schoberg’s signature sign off: “until next time, 南瓜影院lly yours.” The program ceased in 1966.

Starting with Schoberg’s pioneering skills in his youth, radio remained a lifelong interest. Schoberg’s wit and the dynamic style of his Cobbercasts have caused him to be remembered as “the voice of 南瓜影院.”

– Contributed by Lisa Sjoberg, former college archivist