CLARENCE MARVIN Mc GEORGE aged 74, died after a six month
illness October 22, 1976. He was active in the Northwestern
Pennsylvania Steam Show held at Middle Lancaster for many years,
and also at the antique section of New Castle Fair. His ten H.P.
Russell Portable made a nice match for the shingle mill at both
shows. Failing health had cut his participation the past years, but
he still attended the local show this summer. He was a well-known
visitor, too, at Stumptown, NTA-Wauseon, Ohio, Canfield Fair,
and Meadville. He was a retired engineer off the PRR and Aliquippa
and Southern Railroads, and so his passing deprives us of knowledge
and experience which cannot be replaced in addition to his
friendship.
Submitted by Thomas G. Downing, President, Northwestern
Pennsylvania Steam Engine and Old Equipment Association.
FRANK SOMMER, 71, of Route 2, Edgar, Wisconsin died October 29,
1976 at the Hospital in Marshfield, after a long illness. He had a
lot of old equipment which he displayed at shows and was a member
of the local steam and gas club.
Submitted by Gerald Jacobson, 212 South Cedar Avenue,
Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449.
JAMES WHITBEY, 78, originator of the Old Time Thresher & Saw
Mill Operators Show, Ind. died in St. Joseph’s Hospital August
2. He lived in Fort Wayne from 1932 until moving to his northwest
Allen County Farm in 1945. He was a veteran of World War I and
worked 42 years as an engineer on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The
Thresher & Sawmill Operators Show began on his farm at Johnson
and Carroll Roads in 1950 and this year’s show was held two
weeks after his death according to his wishes.
Submitted by his wife, Mrs. James H. Whitbey, R.R. 13, Fort
Wayne, Indiana 46808.
DARRELL K. WILLIAMS age 69 years, New Castle, Pennsylvania, died
after a brief illness September 30, 1976. He was a very active and
valuable member of Northwestern Pennsylvania Steam Engine and Old
Equipment Association Show at Portersville, Pennsylvania and was
one of the original members and a member of the Corporation’s
Board of Directors since it was established. He was a hard worker,
a faithful friend, a loved father and husband in addition to being
a talented steam man and a wonderfully talented mechanic and pipe
fitter. His tools and parts were always available for the use of
his many friends along with help and advice. He will be greatly
missed by the show and community for many, many years.
Submitted by Thomas G. Downing, President, Northwestern
Pennsylvania Steam Engine and Old Equipment Association.
JOHN M. MALSCH, Genoa City, Wisconsin was born May 4, 1903 and
died October 6, 1976. John was elected president of The Northern
Illinois Steam Power Club for 3 consecutive years, 1969 to 1972. In
October 1974 he was elected vice president serving under Maurice
Grimwood. When Maurice passed away in February 1975 he again took
over the presidency serving until September 1976. He chose not to
run for director again due to failing health but his passing came
as a shock two weeks later. He will be sorely missed by his many
friends and steam club members. He put in countless hours for the
steam club driving down from Genoa City, Wis. to the show grounds
at Sycamore, Ill. and was a familiar figure around the sawmill
during the steam show each year.
Submitted by Kathleen Levine, Secy., Northern Illinois Steam
Power Club.
LAD J. SKOCPOL, 84, of Crete, Nebraska died November 11, 1976
after nearly a year’s illness. A retired gunsmith, he also
farmed in his earlier years. He was a lover of steam. He started
out as water boy for Anton Vrbsky of Wilber, Nebraska in 1911 (see
Nov.-Dec. IMA page 9). From 1913 until combines took over in the
late 30s he ran steamers for Mr. Vrbsky, Joe Kovarik and Joe Vrbsky
– threshing wheat, oats and barley all over Saline County,
Nebraska. In his later years, he really enjoyed the Mt. Pleasant,
Iowa Steam Show.
Submitted by his son, Charles L. Skocpol, 708 Lorrie Drive,
Richardson, Texas 75080.
EARNEST J. HOFFER, 71, of Toledo, Ohio died December 17, 1976.
He worked for the Nabisco Company for 35 years, retiring in 1970.
He was president of the National Threshers Association. Also
founder and past president of the Toledo, Lake Erie and Western
Railroad known as ‘The Bluebird Special.’
Submitted by his wife, Mrs. Ilva Hoffer, 444 Starr Avenue,
Toledo, Ohio 43605.
BEAUTY IS ITS OWN EXCUSE
A wise man once wrote that beauty is its own excuse for being.
When people really believe that and can appreciate the beauty of
something without trying to find a utilitarian or dollar vallue for
it, they have found one of the secrets of much happiness.
The Draft Horse Journal
