Columbus philanthropist Fred Holdridge dies

Thursday, December 23, 2010 12:08 PM

By Michael Grossberg

The Columbus Dispatch

Fred Holdridge, the unofficial mayor of German Village, has died after decades of service to his neighborhood and central Ohio's broader arts scene.

Holdridge, 86, died Thursday morning in the Columbus area.

Holdridge and his life partner Howard Burns, who died in 2001, were major patrons and board presidents of CATCO (formerly Contemporary American Theatre Company), which developed into central Ohio's leading professional Equity theater company.

"Fred was down to earth, funny, and one of the most generous souls I know," said Geoffrey Nelson, who co-founded CATCO in 1985. Nelson met Holdridge and Burns in the early 1980s when they were movie reviewers for WOSU-AM, where Nelson worked.

"He made a difference in so many areas for so many people. I don't think I know anyone who was surrounded by more friends than Fred was."

"It wasn't just that they gave money to various causes. Both Fred and Howard were so personally supportive of the arts and of people. That made a great deal of difference."

Holdridge and Burns were the former owners of Hausfrau Haven, a popular card and novelty shop in German Village.

Mgrossberg@dispatch.com

Fred Holdridge Tom Dodge | Dispatch

Howard Burns and Fred Holdridge wear "tie" vests made by local artist.
Doral Chenoweth III | Dispatch

Fred Holdridge (left) and Howard Burns relax in front of Hausfrau Haven, a gift shop they operated for about 20 years.
Doral Chenoweth III | Dispatch

Fred Holdridge and Howard Burns at Hausfrau Haven in 1989. Fred and Howard were widely known in the Columbus community even then.
Mary Circelli | Dispatch