Elmer started Iron-Men as the Farm Album in 1946 and it just
grew and grew. People like the way it talks their language about
steam engines and a multitude of other subjects.
In 1966 Elmer founded Gas Engine magazine and continued
operating both magazines until his death in 1971. Mrs. Ritzman
served as editor until this spring but found it difficult to
combine operation of the business with her fulltime position as a
teacher.
The new editor is a newspaperman in Lancaster, Pa., on the staff
of the Lancaster New Era. He is editor of Baer’s Agricultural
Almanac, and editor of the Lancaster Motorist, of the Lancaster
Automobile Club (AAA).
He is a past state president of the Pennsylvania Guild of
Craftsmen, and active in organizations fostering art, study of
history, and other cultural activities.
Dear Members of the Stemgas Family:
Since succeeding Earlene Ritzman as the operator of the business
which was founded by her late beloved husband, the Rev. Elmer
Ritzman, I have found readers of our magazines wherever I go.
The respect accorded the Ritzmans is impressive. They made
friends all over the country, and many of the letters that come in
are written in the vein of warm affection.
It will be my endeavor to serve as my predecessors have done. We
plan to keep the magazines as they are today an open forum for
conversation about engines and related interest; an ever-growing
source of information; and a clearing house where those with
questions can find answers.
We will continue to carry news of the many reunions, and welcome
both the advance advertising and the accounts of what went on,
after they’re over.
If your magazine is late, or if you catch us in mistakes, let us
know but please try to be understanding. We want to take care of
everyone our subscribers, our advertisers, and our customers for
the books and other items we sell. It’s a big order but we are
resolved to do it.
Anna Mae Branyan is continuing as publication manager, and is
preparing the articles and the ads for publication as she has done
for over 14 years. Anna Mae’s office stays in Enola.
Helen and Jim Ament are working on the Lancaster end. Enola and
Lancaster are only an hour apart by highway, so we can all get
together and talk things over.
Mrs. Ritzman will be happy to hear from you, and I know many
readers will want to write to her. She is serving as an advisor and
consultant, and I am constantly asking business questions which she
answers graciously. Her address, as you probably know, is 808
Wertzville Road, Enola, Pa. 17025
