LVN wrote:

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).

The fact that it first appeared in QST in 1971 doesn't mean it wasn't
used before then. The fact that W9BRD picked the name "Elmer" in his
QST text "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.'" may indicate that "Elmer" was already in common use.
After all, "Elmer" isn't a very common name that would have sprung to
his mind.

I *think* that "Elmer" was a term that I used when I was first licensed
in the 60's . . . but maybe I am remembering the 70's instead of the 60's.

73, Steve KB9X