From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Elmer may be a given name, surname, or place name.

Given name: Derived initially as a surname from the Old English aethel (noble) and maer (famous). It was first adopted as a given name in the 19th Century, most popularly in the United States.

• Elmer, the person who teaches and nurtures the neophyte ham radio operator. A mentor for Amateur Radio Operators. Almost all hams have had at least one Elmer in their Amateur Radio life. Many have had the privilege of being an Elmer to a new ham.The term "Elmer"--meaning someone who provides personal guidance and assistance to would-be hams--first appeared in QST in a March 1971 "How's DX" column by Rod Newkirk, W9BRD (now also VA3ZBB). Newkirk called them "the unsung fathers of Amateur Radio." While he probably was not trying to coin a term at the time, here's how Newkirk introduced "Elmer" in his column and, as it turned out, to the rest of the Amateur Radio world:

"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."--Rick Lindquist, N1RL

As you can see, the term is not very old. Prior to the first use of Elmer as the one who guided and encouraged us, what were these folks called? I have received a lot of suggestions; teacher, mentor, tutor, guide, helper, sage? All are appropriate but my guess would be that first and foremost they were called friend.

• Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, the title character in a series children's picture books by David McKee
• Elmer, a fictional bull, "husband" of Elsie the Cow
• Elmer Fudd, a Looney Tunes character
• Elmer Elephant, the titular character of a Silly Symphonies short

Surname:

• Ebenezer Elmer
• Jonathan Elmer

Place name:

• In the United Kingdom – Elmer, West Sussex
• In the United States:
  • Elmer, Missouri
  • Elmer, New Jersey
  • Elmer, Oklahoma
  • Elmer Township, Oscoda County, Michigan
  • Elmer Township, Sanilac County, Michigan
  • Elmer Township, St. Louis County, Minnesota

• Elmer (crater). A crater on the Moon
• Elmer's Products, Inc., makers of Elmer's Glue-All and other glues in the United States
• Elmer FEM solver, an open source Finite Element Method tool
• "Aylmer", or "Elmer", the monster in the film Brain Damage
• ELMER (ELectro MEchanical Robots), a turtle (robot),

Elmer Flieger

All wikipedia articles beginning with:

• Elmer
• Elmer J.: Dj of the DatDing! Dj Team in the Netherlands, Europe.

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