Anybody know about Elmer Verburg

[kev]

 Elmer Verburg, born 28 aug 1908 died 7 jan 1995, unmarried living in Michigan....wrote a few books...that's all I know, its a shame for such an imaginative steam engine designer and builder to be almost unknown yet most of us will know some of his plans intimately

[Jo]

Some of us have even go a signed copy of his book 

Jo

[kev]

but what do you actually know about the man Jo?

[b.lindsey]

I also have a copy of his book, though not signed. If I remember correctly her mainly wrote for Modeltec magazine which is where most of his plans were published. My copy is at work but I am sure the dust jacket and forward have more information about him.

Bill

[b.lindsey]

Kev,

I do disagree as to him being unmarried as there has been discussion at times since his death of his widow owning the rights to the book and the possibility of reprinting it ...though that has never happened and at this point I doubt it will.

Bill

[kev]

I see, sorry not meaning to mislead just interested and this is all I found on him in the public records, could even be the wrong man for all I know

[fcheslop]

Elmers parents came from the Netherlands
He was born in Grand Rapids Michagan
and raised in the Grandville area.
Graduated from Grand Rapids Davis Tech High School
His grandfather was a ships carpenter and his father a Millwright
Elmer started at Blackmer Pump Companyin the Grand Rapids he advanced through the company to Chief draftsman during ww2  and in later years had the title of Designer
After 41 years he retired in 1970 to a cottage with 15 acres out in the farming area west of Cedar Springs Michigan
Extract from Elmers Engines the signed copy
He was married and the ladies name was/is Ruth if Im reading the books dedication correctly
Hope that helps a little Kevin
cheers

[kev]

learning a little more every time, many thanks

[arnoldb]

To add to Frazer's information: Elmer also had a son - Ralph.  There's a video with him talking a bit about Elmer:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1IDVrcJUhg" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1IDVrcJUhg</a>

Kind regards, Arnold

[ths]

What a great clip Arnold, thanks for that.

Cheers, Hugh.

[kev]

thank you, that clip was not only interesting but very touching