ARTHUR F. PICKUS, born August 12, 1911, passed away December 23,
1990. A charter member of Branch 30 EDGE Antelope Valley Club,
Arthur, a natural born mechanic, kept many farm tractors running
for the local farmers in his lifetime. He and his brother, Fred,
owned and operated Pickus Brothers Shop for many years in
Lancaster, California.
Arthur liked to work on the small components of engines such as
magnetos, generators, distributors, carburetors, etc.
He will also be remembered for his contributions to the Antelope
Valley Antique Automobile Club, for his steak dinners, and the ten
gallon ice cream freezers, all gas operated. The Antique Auto Club
made him an honorary life member.
Arthur was the brother of Carl Pickus of Vista. He will surely
be missed by his many friends.
Submitted by Carl Bergman, 44143 Tenth St. W., Lancaster,
California 93534.
CHARLES W. CUMMINGS, of Castalia, Ohio, died September 19, 1990
at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Kuemmel
Cummings; two children, Kathy Cummings Webb and William Cummings,
and also six grandchildren.
Born in 1920, he remembered and retold many old equipment
stories from his younger years. All his life he followed his
mechanical interests and he had a special flair for designing and
engineering things. He developed an interest in steam power in the
late 1940’s and became a member of the National Threshers
Association while it was still meeting at the LeRoy Blaker farm in
Alvordton, Ohio. In later years he was a familiar face at many
engine shows throughout Ohio and Indiana.
He was a man of machines, a local and family historian, and also
a great family man. He is much missed by those who loved him.
Submitted by William Cummings, 8710 Vickery Road, Castalia, Ohio
44824.
EARL R. LOAR of Fresno, California died on January 2,1991 after
a brief illness. He was born at Central City, Nebraska on December
4, 1908. When he was a child, he and his parents moved to
California. From 1927 to 1950 he was employed as a motorcycle
mechanic and salesman for Harley Davidson. During World War II he
served in the U.S. Army.
From 1950 until his retirement, he operated a drive-in and ice
cream business in West Fresno, where he gave employment and
opportunities to many high school and college students who were
working their way through school. He was a caring individual who
was always willing to offer council and encouragement to his many
employees.
In 1972 upon retirement he joined EDGE&TA Branch 6 and
purchased his first engine. In later years he also joined Branches
3 and 13, and became a charter member of Branch 8 when it was
organized in 1981. He was considered a senior member of Branch 8,
and was always willing to give assistance and advice to anyone with
an engine problem. His council was often sought after in the
establishment and progress of club activities. Earl never met a
stranger and had a loving and caring heart for all people. He was
known throughout the area for his family of Bulldog engines of all
sizes which always made an excellent exhibit. He lived a long,
productive, and successful life and will be remembered for his
great interest and good deeds offered to all people.
He is survived by one son, one stepson, two brothers, three
sisters and a host of relatives and friends.
Submitted by a close friend and fellow Branch member, Menno L.
Kliewer, 43138 Road 52, Reedley, California 93654.
Our family first became acquainted with BILL WARD of Wichita,
Kansas in 1984- Bill dearly loved steam engines, and his dream was
to own and operate one. Since a full sized one was out of the
question, Bill began working on a ? scale model. Piece by piece he
began assembling his masterpiece. Bill proudly displayed his model
at our annual steam show, as well as taking it elsewhere for
everyone’s enjoyment. Bill was usually the first one to fire up
his engine in the morning and the last one to shut down.
In May of 1990 Bill became ill and had to curtail his
activities. He took treatments for several months and seemed to
rally round. He felt so much better that he came out for days
before the show and assisted with whatever he could. During the
show he entered every race, shelled corn, plus whatever else he
could think of to do with his model. After the show he returned to
assist with clean-up. It seemed he did not want to leave any
unfinished business.
In December 1990, Bill’s earthly business was finished. I
guess the Lord needed another assistant engineer up in Heaven.
Bill’s smiling face will be missed by all those who knew
him. Thanks, Bill, for all the memories.
Submitted by Tom, Lois, and Aaron Terning, R.R.3,Boxl84, Valley
Center, Kansas 67147.
