Whispers of “Western Towns Along the Q” still echo. This isn’t the WTAQ you might expect. We’re not in Green Bay Wisconsin. No. We stand before the former home of WTAQ-AM in La Grange Illinois. A station born in 1950. It began as a daytime-only broadcast. Its call letters WTAQ stood for “Western Towns Along the Q”. The “Q” referred to the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad. This railroad ran through the heart of the station’s coverage area. Initially broadcasting at just 500 watts. WTAQ quickly became a popular local station. It played polka music catering to the large Eastern European community in Chicago. Legends like “Lil Wally” Jagiello and Eddie Blazonczyk graced its airwaves. Their music filled homes and hearts. For decades their sounds resonated across the city.
But the story doesn’t end there. In 1985 Lotus Communications purchased WTAQ. The station transformed. It became “Radio Fiesta” a Spanish-language adult contemporary station. Later evolving into “La Mexicana” focusing on música norteña. It even carried Chicago White Sox games in Spanish. Imagine the vibrant sounds and voices that filled the airwaves. The switch from polka to Spanish broadcasts reflects Chicago’s changing demographics.
Then came Radio Disney. In 1998 ABC Radio acquired WTAQ. The station’s airwaves filled with children’s songs. The station became a local hub for the Radio Disney network. It was a significant shift. Children’s voices replaced the sounds of polka and Spanish music. The change marked a new chapter in the station’s history.
Finally in 2015. The station’s call letters changed to WRDZ. Polnet Communications purchased it. It briefly broadcast Polish programming before falling silent in 2023. The transmitter site was sold. The silence speaks volumes. It’s a testament to the ever-changing landscape of broadcasting. The WTAQ story is a rich tapestry of sounds cultures and eras. Each chapter unique reflecting Chicago’s dynamic past. It shows the ebb and flow of radio formats and audience preferences. The silence is a poignant ending. It is also a reminder of the station’s vibrant legacy. WTAQ lives on in the memories of those who listened. The stories they heard shaped their lives. The music touched their hearts.