MERRITT M. GUM, born April 5, 1904, died September 23,1978,
after a long illness. A retiree of the National Radio Astronomy
Observatory of Green Bank, West Virginia, which had been his
lifetime home. He will be remembered by steam and gas engine
restorers and exhibitors for his work in furthering these reminders
of our national heritage. Mr. Gum had an extensive collection of
in the area. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and
neighbors who will remember him for his friendly manner and subtle
sense of humor.
Submitted by Mrs. Merritt Gum, Green Bank, West Virginia
24944.
ROSCO GLEN JOHNSON, a long time farmer and sawmill operator from
Putman County, Missouri, passed away July 5, 1978. Rosco was an
expert with steam engines and his last project was helping Dana
Davis of Lemons, Missouri, with his Case steam engine. Rosco was a
member of the IA-MO Gas Engine and Tractor Club.
Submitted by Art Dickey, Corydon, Iowa 50060.
JOHN S. GOLLING, age 88, Gull Lake, Sask., Canada, died March
14, 1978. He homesteaded in this area in 1910, farming continually
until 1917. His early life was spent as a crane operator in Great
Falls, Montana. For a time he was employed by Great Northern
Railway as a fireman between Glasgow, Montana and Bismark, North
Dakota. He was a licensed steam engineer and for many years took
part at Pion-era Exhibition at Saskatoon, Sask. This is now called
the Saskachimo Exposition. He was a member of the Pioneer
Threshermen’s Club of Saskatoon. In memory of their departed
members, they have placed his name on their honor roll plaque at
Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum. He treasured each issue
of the Iron Men Album. God bless his family, many friends and
fellow steam associates.
Submitted by his daughter, Louise M. Golling, 110-10 Street
South, Apt. 16, Great Falls. Montana 59401.
HERMAN O. HINTZSCHE, 80, of 151 John Street, DeKalb, Illinois,
died in his home on August 26, 1978. Herman, a man that found a
great lot of outdoor interest at Hedtke’s Hickory-Oaks Farm at
Davis Junction, will be greatly missed by the associated members of
the North Central Illinois Steam Power Show, and by hundreds of
friends who gained his acquaintance through his hobby
demonstrations annually at the show. He will be greatly remembered
as the key operator of the horse power threshing at the Farm and
the annual operator of the 40 x 80 Avery gas tractor, also as the
woven wire fence maker by hand and the maker of spinning wheels and
their demonstrations. A living memory of Herman will be the
‘Memorial Gardens’ at Hickory-Oaks Farm, founded and
arranged by him in 1974 in memory of his wife, Elsie, and the other
show workers who passed away. The names and year of death of each
has been inscribed by Herman on a plaque of walnut wood which
stands in the beautiful flower garden of wood carving fence.
Submitted by Emil F. Svanda, Davis Junction, Illinois
61020.