Erwin "Erv" J. Kattus

Erwin Jacob Kattus (Erv) was one of 7 children born to Frank and Amelia on November 12, 1897 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Growing up on Linn Street about 4 blocks from Crosley Field, the original home of the Cincinnati Reds, he developed a love for the team that lasted his entire life. As a boy, he delivered the paper in his neighborhood. 

When Erv enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 20, his occupation was a student. He was honorably discharged December 20, 1918. 

Erv attended Miller Business College and Xavier University in Cincinnati and then briefly went to work at an advertising firm called Dun & Bradstreet. In August of 1923, Erv was hired by The Billboard. The Billboard started out as a publication promoting fairs, carnivals, circuses and live, travelling shows all across the U.S. - for which Erv sold advertising. They also covered radio airplay and popular music starting in the 1930's and became the modern Billboard magazine known today, which charts popular music (Billboard Hot 100 for songs/Billboard 200 for albums). 

Erv married Dorothy McNeill September 29, 1939. The 1940 census lists Erwin and Dorothy residing at the apartment building at 3786 Vine Street in Cincinnati and his occupation as a manager in advertising with an annual salary of $1800. Erv and Dorothy had two daughters, Marjorie Ellen, born February 24th, 1942 and Christine Anne, born November 5th, 1951. They eventually moved to a home at 2217 Suffolk St. in Mt. Washington.

Erv worked at The Billboard for over 50 years and was considered one of their most dedicated employees. He died November 19, 1978 after a lengthy illness.