Howard G. Fitzwater

Howard G. Fitzwater and Florence (Rayle) Fitzwater came to Henry County on December 7, 1938, from Continental, Ohio.

He came as an employee of the Henry County Review, a weekly newspaper, at Holgate, Ohio, when Harry and Thello Neily were the publishers. Mrs. Fitzwater joined the Review staff in 1940.

Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwater purchased the Henry County Review on October 1, 1950, and were its publishers until March 1, 1974, when they sold to Brewer, Bohlender Publishing Corporation. They served the area as publishers for twenty-three and a half years continuously, the longest period of service of any publishers in the 88 years the paper has been published.

Howard was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He began to learn his trade of printing in Wilson Jr. High in Cleveland. He worked in Oakwood, Ohio,

Continental, Ohio, and Wayne, Michigan, before coming to Holgate. He was a graduate of Oakwood High School.

Florence was born and raised in Putnam County and was graduated from Continental High School. She did secretarial work and was a clerk before their marriage July 4, 1937.

Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwater were originally of the United Brethren Church, but on coming to Holgate, they joined the Methodist Church.

The Fitzwaters are proud of the public recognition given at the time of their retirement March 1, 1974, by various organizations as well as the many sincere expressions of appreciation by their Review readers.

Mr. Fitzwater is a 32° Mason, Shriner, Past Master of Holgate Lodge No. 553 F. & A.M. and a number of Masonic bodies, Past Patron of Charity Chapter No. 142, O.E.S. and first president of the Fifth District Masonic Association. He also served as president of the Northwestern Ohio Newspaper Association, Holgate Lions Club, and Holgate Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Fitzwater is a member of the Soroptimist Club of Napoleon and Charity Chapter No. 142, O.E.S.

Submitted by Howard G. Fitzwater