Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Animal Advocates, Los Angeles, California

Mary Cummins, Real Estate Appraiser, Animal Advocates, Los Angeles, California
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Sunday, June 14, 2026

Henry Harrison Owner of Forms and Worms Passes Away by Mary Cummins Real Estate Appraiser

Henry Harrison, Forms & Worms, real estate appraisal forms, by Mary Cummins

Before the advent of modern appraisal software, real estate appraisers relied on paper forms, typewriters, and specialized supplies to complete their reports. Among the most influential companies serving the profession during this era was Forms & Worms, a legendary appraisal supply company. The company was founded in 1976 by Henry Harrison's wife Ruth Lambert and friend Dianna Minnick in a garage (1). The company was incorporated in 1979 and operated by Ruth Lambert, her husband Henry S. Harrison  and others. 

Forms & Worms made only $15,000 their first year in 1976. By 1981 they grossed $326,000. By1982 they moved into a 3,000 sf facility and were grossing $400,000.  From the 1970s through the 1990s, Forms & Worms became a household name within the appraisal industry. The company produced pre-printed appraisal forms, carbonless multi-part report sheets, and a wide range of appraisal supplies that enabled appraisers across the United States to prepare professional valuation reports efficiently. At a time when reports were completed by hand or typewriter and physically delivered to lenders, the company's products were considered essential tools of the trade. 

One of the company's most significant contributions was the production of standardized appraisal forms, including versions of the Universal Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) and numerous supplemental forms. These documents helped create consistency in appraisal reporting long before digital platforms became the industry standard.

Beyond his role as a supplier, Henry S. Harrison was widely respected as a New Haven, Connecticut real estate appraiser, educator, and publisher. He was the founder and publisher of Real Estate Valuation Magazine, a publication that provided professional guidance and educational resources to appraisers throughout the country.

Harrison also authored several influential instructional texts that helped shape appraisal education and practice. Among his most recognized works are the General Certification Supplement and Harrison's Illustrated Guide to Real Estate Appraisal, publications that continue to be referenced by appraisal professionals and students of valuation.

Although the appraisal industry has largely transitioned to digital solutions such as modern appraisal software platforms, the impact of Forms & Worms and Henry S. Harrison remains an important part of appraisal history. Their contributions helped standardize reporting practices, educate generations of appraisers, and support the profession during a pivotal period of growth and development.

A sign at Forms & Worms read "Fun and Profit. Profit and Fun." Every order also came with a squiggly worm. I used these forms starting in 1983 typing them on my IBM Selectric typewriter. We used real camera film back then and glued the photos on the forms. We photocopied pages of the Thomas Guide maps then stuck on arrow and dot stickers from Forms & Worms. Today, the legacy of Forms & Worms serves as a reminder of an era when appraisal reports were crafted on paper and the tools provided by Henry S. Harrison played a vital role in the daily work of appraisers nationwide.

References

1. Women's Role Takes Form in Business, Hartford Courant, June 27, 1982. newspapers.com

Mary Cummins of Cummins Real Estate is a certified residential licensed appraiser in Los Angeles, California. Mary Cummins is licensed by the California Bureau of Real Estate appraisers and has over 35 years of experience.


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