Flashback Minis: John H. Fitch

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio– John H. Fitch, born on his family’s farm in Austintown in 1843, would climb the ladder to success in his younger years. He began working at a local Austintown grocery store at the age of 15. By the age of 22 he would be a part-owner of the store.

In 1885, Fitch expanded his grocery business into Youngstown. The John H. Fitch Co. was incorporated in 1901 and in 1902 Fitch would buy out a wholesale firm specializing in coffee and spices. That endeavor proved successful as the John H. Fitch Coffee Co. set up a plant and warehouses in Youngstown for the roasting and distributing of coffees and teas.

John Fitch is also the namesake of the YMCA’s Camp Fitch located on Lake Erie. Fitch donated money in 1918 to purchase a camp site on Little Beaver Creek, Camp Fitch’s original location.

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