[Boatanchors] Elmer

[Howard Holden]

My "Elmer"  (and in more ways than just radio) was my Dad, WA2UEJ. Not 
funny, not dumb, not hillbilly, not Fudd. He will always be my Elmer, no 
matter what the naysayers think or say. And I'm pleased to be regarded as an 
"Elmer" to more than a few hams in my day. And I am sure I am not alone in 
my thinking. But for those who don't like it, they don't have to use it.

My $0.02

Howie WB2AWQ/7

-----Original Message----- 
From: Bruce
Sent: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 11:26 AM
To: boatanchors at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Boatanchors] Elmer

Hello,

Actually, the term "elmer" is something relatively new, and only recently
has it come into any kind of common use.   It was first used in a March
1971 QST article by Dave Newkirk:

"Too frequently one hears a sad story in this little nutshell: 'Oh, I
almost got a ticket, too, but Elmer, W9XYZ, moved away and I kind of lost
interest.'"

Newkirk went on to say, "We need those Elmers. All the Elmers, including
the ham who took the most time and trouble to give you a push toward your
license, are the birds who keep this great game young and fresh."


What the ARRL thinks of the term "elmer" today: