Raymond L. ‘Ray’ Bywater
1911-1991. Economy Advertising president (1963-83), represents Mercer-Bywater family, owner-operators of the large local employer since its 1896 beginning. Grandson of founder Sam Mercer, Ray turned reins to his son, “Bill” (Willis), and Bill to son David in 2008 in a plant in southeast Iowa City. Later came LeRoy Mercer, Iowa legislator (1933-52) and Iowa City mayor (1954-57), for whom a local park is named. During 1923, Sam Mercer built a long-used company shop attached to Hotz & Geiger Brewery, 117 N. Linn St., now called Brewery Square. Ray headed the Iowa City Chamber in 1956.