COUNTDOWN TO THE MILLENNIUM--FACES WHO MADE NEWS IN THE 1900S--MONTE'S DR. FITZ
	There have been thousands of news stories that have appeared in The Vidette over the past 100 years. So, as we begin our count-down to the millennium, we have decided to run a weekly feature on influential people who made a name for themselves during the past century.
	If you were born in or around Montesano between 1906 and 1944 chances are you may have been among the 4,000 babies delivered by Montesano Dr. Joseph Fitz.
	Dr. Fitz, Montesano's beloved family doctor, was born in Panora, Iowa on Jan. 27, 1874. He grew up in Iowa, graduating from Gutherie County High School and the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1904, receiving B.S. and M.D. degrees.
	He came to Montesano in July 1904.
	During World War I Dr. Fitz served as captain, having received his commission directly from civilian life. While in the army he was stationed in Del Mar, Calif. in President McKinley's old regiment.
	Following the war, he served as city health care officer in Montesano as well as county health care officer.
	He married Della Hall on March 31, 1908 and the couple moved into a house located on Broadway and Fleet St. in 1910. Their daughter, Patsy, was born in one of the upstairs bedrooms of the home on May 8, 1915. The family lived in the home until 1918. The home which still stands today has been recently renovated.
	Dr. Fitz was Montesano's only practitioner for many years during his 40 year career here. In recognition of' his long service, he was elected to the office of Grays Harbor County coroner in 1942.
	During his term as county corner, he also served as acting Sheriff until the Grays Harbor Commissioners were able to fill the void.
	Upon his retirement at the age of 70 in July 1944, the Montesano Chamber of Commerce honored Dr. Fitz for his years of dedication as a physician and surgeon in the community.
	Following his retirement, Dr. Fitz moved to Berkeley, Calif. He died in June 1954 at the age of 90.
	Throughout his long distinguished career here he considered the people of Montesano to be among the friendliest people of the world and despite moving away after retiring, he always considered Montesano home.--The Montesano Vidette, February 25, 1999