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THE UTAH NEWSPAPER HALL OF FAME he was called into the military as a Naval aviator at the outbreak of World War II, the fortunes of Rula Fuellenbach had improved greatly. But Fate had two more blows to deliver. Maurice was killed in an airplane crash. And after he'd returned to Richfield, where he was assisting with publication of the Reaper, Chester was killed in a freak swimming accident. Son Norman J., a law student at the University of Utah who'd returned from military service, came home to help his Mother through this latest crisis. Within three months he'd forgotten the study of law and had been swept up by the newspaper profession. A partnership was formed. Rula J. continued as publisher and manager, while Norman (Norm) took over advertising and sales. During her years at the helm of the Reaper, Mrs. Fuellenbach continually strived for improvement. She was never satisfied to stand still. Gradually, new equipment replaced the old; circulation began to climb; the paper went from eight pages to 12, to sixteen and sometimes twenty and advertising increased proportionately. A new, permanent home was found at 43 South Main in 1954. All the while she was building the Reaper into a modern, up-to-date publication, Mrs. Fuellenbach was equally busy being a mother, neighbor and church worker. She was involved heavily in civic activities, was honored by colleagues in her profession with recognition as an "outstanding publisher" in 1955; a listing in "Who's Who in the West" in 1948 and election as a director of the Utah State Press Association, one of only a handful of ladies to hold such an office in that era. Locally she was publicity chairman for virtually all civic clubs in the community, a dubious honor most publishers are accorded but never seek. But Mrs. Fuellenbach took all those appointments seriously and offered full coverage to every worthwhile project, no matter how large or small. If Rula Fuellenbach had a trademark with which people particularly associated her, it was an ever present notebook in 513 |
