Harry Nicholson Poll, 77, sound technician and pioneer in public sound engineering, died March 27, 1989, after a long illness at his home in East Mill Creek, Salt Lake County.
He was born Sept. 4, 1911, in Salt Lake City, a son of Harry Pinnock and Nellie Nicholson Poll. As a youth he built his own shop behind his home where he experimented with sound and sound equipment. While still in high school he and a friend began an audio-radio business. He continued in the radio business as a broadcaster and sound technician for KSL Radio.In 1947, he created Poll Sound Service. A year later the company expanded operations, becoming known as Poll and Austin Inc. In later years, the company was known as Custom Sound by Poll and Poll's Sound, before being sold in 1974.
The first systems Mr. Poll built consisted of microphones, record players, amplifiers and speakers, which were used for dances and store promotions. He provided sound services for countless fairs, rodeos, promotions, parades and other public activities.
Mr. Poll engineered and provided sound equipment and facilities for opening ceremonies, attended by President John F. Kennedy, of the Flaming Gorge Dam. He broadcast the Charles Lindberg parade following the famous Paris flight of the "Spirit of St. Louis" and worked with many radio and media personalities.
He was president of the East Mill Creek Chapter, Sons of Utah Pioneers, and a high priest in the Canyon Rim First Ward, Canyon Rim Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday in the Canyon Rim First Ward chapel, 31st E. 30th South. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Holbrook Funeral Chapel, 3251 S. 23rd East, and at the ward one hour before services Friday. Burial Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Disease Foundation, 1129 E. Alpine Place, Salt Lake City, UT 84105.