Bio: Learman, Elmer (Retirement from Clark Electric – 1972)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Learman, Dallman

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 07 Sep 1972

On August 31, 1972, Elmer Learman retired after having served 34 years with Clark Electric.

A farewell party was given in his honor on Wednesday evening, August 30 by the directors, employees and their wifes at Clark Electric Auditorium.

Elmer deserves a rest, but the cooperative will miss his ability and knowledge. He know practically every foot of the line. When the first 702 miles of line was built in the fall of 1937 he was working for the contractor. Manager Bill Dallman was impressed by his ability and ambition and decided he was the man he needed as Line Superintendent to help get the new electric cooperative off to a good start.

On February 10, 1938 he became the cooperative's third employee. His work was waiting for line began in March. In those days the work was done by hand. The hourly pay wasn't so good, but 10 hours a day was common. Elmer remembers they worked many Saturdays and Sundays.

When Elmer started as an employee at Clark Electric he received 72 cents an hour, which amount to $125 a month.

During the years, there were many times when he wished his crew was twice as large. One wireman wanted this done, another wanted something else. One member wanted to see him about a larger service, another about a security light. This one wanted a new line, another wanted a service run to his cabin. The State, the County, and the Townships all wanted lines moved at the same time. Somehow he got it done and kept everybody smiling. In simple words, that's being a First Class Line Superintendent and that he was.

Elmer has no definite plans, other than keeping active at home, in the community and in his church. If he does that, he will have plenty to do.

Everyone wishes him many years of health and happiness.