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and powered aircraft were built and tested, the flying being done by Early Bird A. W. Claverie. Whenever these experimental craft were flown at public events the performance always brought "gasps of wonder" from the audience. Merrill reportedly financed this research personally from the earnings of some of his inventions. 

After this project was terminated Merrill returned to Caltech where he remained until his retirement. During his last period at the Institute he built several wind tunnels for specific projects, one a subsonic type which was named "The Merrill Tunnel" in his honor on August 31st, 1950.

After gradually failing health Merrill passed away on June 1st, 1952 at his home in Pasadena, California at age 77. He was survived by his wife, and interment was private. He was a lover of music and was accomplished violinist for many years until the deafness prevented him from playing. 

Pioneer aviation enthusiast and professional aerodynamicist Albert A. Merrill devoted his entire lifetime to the promotion of aviation. As an eminent professor also engaged in aeronautic research, he left his mark on American aviation history. While he did very little flying his name appears on the Wright Memorial Plaque at Dayton as having graduated from the historic Wright Flying School.