October 22, 1958
To Members of the Faculty:
The death of Dr. H. G. Palmer, Professor of Industrial Arts, occurred this morning at Sartori Hospital. Dr. Palmer had been in the hospital for about ten days.
He received the B.A. degree from Iowa State Teachers College, the M.A. degree from the State University of Iowa, and the Ph.D. degree from Ohio State University. Before joining the staff of the college in September 1924, he served as high school instructor at Hanlontown, Clear Lake, and Thornburg. He was a member of our staff over a period of thirty-four years, including six years' service as Head of the Department of Industrial Arts (from 1948-54). Dr. Palmer had served as an officer in both state and national industrial arts associations from 1946-56, inclusive, and had been active in community and civic affairs until his health failed.
He is survived by Mrs. Palmer and two sons, Douglas and Philip. Steven died in action during the Korean War. Private services will be held for Dr. Palmer. It is the wish of the family that members of the faculty or student body, who wish to do so, contribute to the blood bank at the hospital. Contributions may also be made to the Cancer Fund in Dr. Palmer's memory. The flag will be carried at half mast during the half day the funeral occurs and the Campanile will be played.
Sincerely yours,
J. W. Maucker, President
Senate Minutes November 24, 1958
Docket No. 631
Reed read the following resolution:
Dr. Harold G. Palmer, Professor of Industrial Arts at Iowa State Teachers College, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 1958, at the age of 61. His death followed a prolonged illness during which time he continued to serve the college except for occasional short intervals and for two weeks immediately preceding his death.
Dr. Palmer was born March 31, 1897, in Cedar Falls and received his education through the B.A. degree at the Iowa State Teachers College and affiliated laboratory school. He received the M.A. degree from the State University of Iowa and the Ph.D. degree from Ohio State University. Dr. Palmer taught industrial arts and directed the band at Hanlontown and Clear Lake High Schools. He also served as superintendent of the Thornburg Consolidated School before joining the Iowa State Teachers College faculty in 1924.
He had served the College continuously since that time except for short periods while he was away doing advanced study. Dr. Palmer became acting Head of the Department of Arts in 1943 and Head of the Department of Industrial Arts in 1948, which position he held until 1954. He resigned from the Headship because of ill health but continued to serve as Professor of Industrial Arts until the time of his death.
Harold, as many knew him, was well known because of his enthusiastic and dynamic leadership. He freely and actively contributed his support to the promotion of organizations in which he believed. He helped organize and became a member of the College Industrial Arts Club, the Iowa Industrial Arts Association, and Pi Chapter of Epsilon Pi Tau. He was also a member of Sigma Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Iowa State Education Association, National Education Association., American Industrial Arts Association, American Council on Industrial Arts Teacher Education, the American Legion, Macy Campbell Club, Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge, and the Methodist church. He was responsible for introducing Driver Education at Iowa State Teachers College.
Dr. Palmer was well known throughout the nation and contributed much of his time to the Industrial Arts teaching profession. He appeared on many national programs and served a term as President of the American Industrial Arts Association. He also held offices in several of the other organizations of which he was a member. He had a personal interest in professionalizing teacher education. He also took a personal interest in each industrial arts major while the major was in college and in his success out in the field after college graduation. The present Arts and Industries building on our campus stands as a tribute to his untiring efforts in the field of Industrial Arts Teacher Education.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Phillip, of Grinnell; and a son Douglas and three grandchildren of Manchester. A son, Stephen, preceded him in death, losing his life in the Korean Conflict.
Be it resolved that this resolution be placed in the minutes of the Faculty of Iowa State Teachers College and that copies be sent to the members of his family as an expression of our appreciation for a long life of devotion and service to the College and to Industrial Arts Education.
E. W. Goetch
W. H. Wagner
H. O. Reed