HOWARD N. GEISINGER, age 79, died suddenly in his home at
Kutztown, Pennsylvania on October 20, 1991. He was the husband of
Elda (Adam) Geisinger. Besides his wife he is survived by a
daughter, Lillian, wife of Paul Diehl of Trexlertown, Pennsylvania
and sons Richard H. and Ray I. both of Kutztown, Pa.
Howard was a co-founder of the Kutztown Pennsylvania Dutch Folk
Festival and its historian since 1949. He displayed his engines and
demonstrated farm tools and machinery there.
He was a co-founder of the Iron Men Album magazine and
contributed many articles of interest to that magazine. He was a
charter member and vice president of the Antique Engine Tractor and
Toy Club since its beginning.
Howard loved to tinker with his engines at many shows and was
always ready to offer advice on matters relating to engines. One
could always learn something from Howard. He loved hit and miss
engines dearly and owned a fine collection of them.
Howard will be missed by his family and all who ever met him
throughout the many activities that he was involved in.
Submitted by Mr. Franklin T. Pfeifly, RD #2, Box 2870, New
Tripoli, PA 18066..
MERVIN B. GRUBB (GRUBBIE) passed away June 8, 1991, at the age
of 74 in Steelton, Pennsylvania. Amos Brandt, his uncle, taught him
to operate steam engines and threshing machines at an early age and
he would help steam tobacco beds in Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania.
He saw his dream fulfilled of owning a steam traction engine in
1968 when he became the owner of a double cylinder Frick. Several
years later he sold this engine and purchased a 1928 Peerless which
was named ‘Ole Puff’, the very last Peerless ever built.
The entire family helped to operate Ole Puff for 16 years. When
Grubbie became ill in 1988, he sold Ole Puff to Mr. Charles Doty
who took her to Iowa. Grubbie missed owning an engine so he
purchased a 1924 Frick. This engine remained in the family until
his death when it was sold at auction.
Grubbie exhibited his engines in Pennsylvania at Stewartstown,
Gratz, Blain, Kinzers, Jacktown, Dillsburg, Carlisle and Williams
Grove, which he called home. He also exhibited in Acadia and
Westminster, MD. Grubbie was a member and former Director of the
Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association, the Old Timers
Association in Kinzers, Pennsylvania and the Latimore Valley Gas
and Steam Association.
Grubbie will be greatly missed by his family and the many
friends he made throughout the years.
Submitted by Richard Vinsky, 2902 S. Third Street, Steelton,
PA 17113.
JAMES M. STIFFLER, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, died March 19,
1991, age 79. He was a long time friend of mine. He owned a 1916 50
HP Case traction engine, a beauty in mint shape. He showed it at
Williams Grove Steam Show, Morrison Cove Show, and also at Nittany
Valley, Pennsylvania. He was a good machinist. He was employed for
many years at Home Dressed Meat Company, Altoona, PA, and also by
the Pennsylvania Railroad and Atlantic Pipeline.
I helped Jim buy his Case engine many years ago. He will be
deeply missed by his many friends.
Submitted by Arthur F. Marker, 300 Bella Street,
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
