Herman A. Zierold
1908 - 1998

written by Nelson Zierold and Diane Zierold, Herman's children

Herman A. Zierold was born April 15, 1908 in Wilkensburg, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh. He was the only son and had three older sisters who have predeceased him. Herman had polio at an early age but he never let that hinder his daily activities during his life. He always had a positive attitude.

Herman became infatuated with aviation after seeing the Wright Brothers give a flying demonstration. In 1925 he went to Kansas City to learn aircraft carpentry. In 1927 he learned to fly. After that his first important job was at the original Lockheed plant in Hollywood, CA.

When Herman applied for work, there were no openings for carpenters but they did have one position for a metal worker. Herman decided that being around flying machines was worth taking the job, even though airplanes did not have much metal work on them...yet. After that, Herman worked for several other aircraft companies, some eventually became TWA Airlines. These companies, and Herman, made airplanes for many of the early long distance aviation pioneers such as Sir Herbert Wilkins, A. Harold Bromley, Pancho Barnes, etc.) at Loughead "Lockheed." He also worked on the early DC-1 and DC-2 airplane design and performed many aircraft tests (examples larger engines, high altitude tests, operating aircraft in extreme weather conditions).

In 1937 Herman married his wife, Betty (married almost 60 years). In 1938 Herman and Betty began the Zierold Manufacturing Company in his father's garage in Los Angeles, CA. In 1939 he began full time manufacturing operations in Burbank, CA. He became an expert in deep drawn aluminum boxes and containers and was awarded patents on his deep drawn aluminum processes. Herman Zierold developed and manufactured the case for the "Gibson Girl" transceiver used in emergencies during WWII.

Herman and Betty sold their company in 1952. At the time of the sale, Herman wanted to retain rights to his name and since the aluminum boxes were often referred to "Zero boxes" the new company was called Zero Manufacturing. They then settled in North Hollywood to raise their three children. During this time both Herman and Betty became very active at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in North Hollywood.

After retirement from the factory, Herman became involved in land for farming in Montana. He thoroughly enjoyed the mountain traveling and backwoods experience. In 1975 they moved to Sun City, Arizona and he and Betty became member of Our Saviour Lutheran Church. Herman and Betty also were very interested in and supported the Lutheran High School during these Arizona years.