REPORT OF THE SECRETARY 27 
paleobotany on October 2, 1943, to succeed Dr. Charles E. Resser, who 
died on September 18, 1948, Miss Marion F. Willoughby, scientific 
aid, transferred to the United States Geological Survey on October 
31, 1943. 
In the department of engineering and industries, Dr. A. J. Olmsted, 
for a number of years chief photographer of the Museum, was relieved 
of the duties of that position on November 9, 1943, and was appointed 
associate curator in charge of the section of photography. Gurney I. 
Hightower succeeded Dr. Olmsted in charge of the photographic 
laboratory on January 9, 1944, with Floyd B. Kestner as assistant. 
Other changes in the administrative staff during the year were the 
retirement of Royal H. Trembly, superintendent of buildings and 
labor, who was succeeded by Lawrence L. Oliver on December 10, 1943. 
Anthony W. Wilding was appointed property officer on December 21, 
1948. The vacancy created by the death of Miss Helen A. Olmsted, 
personnel officer, was filled by the appointment of Mrs. Bertha T. 
Carwithen on February 1, 1944; and Mrs. Margaret L. Vinton was 
appointed personnel assistant on March 9, 1944. 
Employees furloughed for military duty during the year were as 
follows: Robert L. Bradshaw, on October 12, 1943; Joseph R. Burke, 
Jr., on October 13, 1943; John Carl Carter, on May 5, 1944; Walter 
McCree, on April 3, 1944; and David H. Johnson on November 15, 
1943. 
Ernest Desantis returned to duty from military furlough on Oc- 
tober 18, 1943. 
Eleven persons were retired, three having reached retirement age, 
five on account of disability, and three by optional retirement, as fol- 
lows: For age, William Rice, laborer, on September 30, 1943, after 15 
years, 3 months of service; Thomas J. Shannon, guard, on April 30, 
1944, after 18 years, 6 months; and Clarence R. Shoemaker, associate 
curator, on March 31, 1944, with over 33 years, 4 months of service. 
For disability, Eugene C. Miller, guard, on December 9, 1943, with 6 
years, 1 month of service; Cecil R. Mulnix, guard, on March 31, 1944, 
with 13 years, 7 months service; Arthur G. Rodgers, guard, on Novem- 
ber 10, 1943, with 8 years, 5 months service; Ann M. Stokes, laborer, 
on October 4, 1943, with 18 years, 6 months service; and Charles O. 
Watson, laborer, on April 5, 1944, with 35 years, 3 months service. 
By optional retirement, Royal H. Trembly, superintendent of build- 
ings and labor, November 30, 1943, with over 49 years of service; Bertie 
Turner, attendant, on November 30, 1943, with 32 years, 6 months 
service; and Julian S. Warmbath, taxidermist, with 15 years of service. 
Through death, the Museum lost during the year five employees 
from its active roll: Dr. Charles E. Resser, curator, division of in- 
