The organization that eventually became known as the MCWA was formed in August, 1978. It was preceded by another Amateur Radio organization called SWANI, for Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. SWANI was formed in January, 1953 and died in the late 60's.

The people who pushed for the formation of a new Amateur Radio club in McHenry County were Art Reis, K9XI, Jerry Heien, WD9HQQ (now N9AVY), and Tom Burnet, W9KTB. The first meeting took place at the El Niagara restaurant in Woodstock.

There were about 15 Hams present. At a subsequent meeting on September 12, 1978, a constitution and by-laws were adopted, and 21 members signed the document as charter members.

The first group of officers were as follows: President Hymie Fullgrabe, N8HF; Vice President Art Reis, K9XI; Secretary Denny Granger, WB9SIE; and Treasurer Jerry Heien, WD9HQQ (now N9AVY).

Meetings were held at the McHenry County Courthouse for several years, then were held at the American Legion Hall in Crystal Lake then at McHenry at the Shepherd of the Hills church now they are being held at the Nunda Twp. building near Crystal Lake.

In the earlier SWANI and the present MCWA there has been a very consistent effort in this area to conduct classes to help people get started in Amateur Radio. In 1952 there were only about 10 Hams in the county, and possibly only five that were active. Joe Comella, W9OBY started classes in Woodstock in 1952. They attracted a lot of interest and one class in 1953 at the Woodstock High School had 50 enrollees! They had to meet in the cafeteria with a portable blackboard to provide enough space to meet!

From the Elgin Courier News November 16, 1956

This photo was in the Elgin Courier News.
From left to right Joe Comella,W9OBY and Bob Hughes,W9IET
They were members of the Swani amateur radio club.
They are shown demonstrating a portable transmiter-receiver at the
Woodstock Lions club meeting the night before.
Lions President Dr. Paul Schwabe is shown with the walkie-talkie unit.