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Although I have been able to find quite a few more pictures of and by the Ritter Brothers since I first lamented the lack of such several years ago, details about their later life are scarce. I did find a William A. Ritter the correct age living in Queens on the 1940 whose occupation was shown as a reporter for a credit agency. He had married June Hessener in 1937. By 1950, he had served in World War II and become a construction supervisor. I'm sure this is our man because he was shown as a child on the 1920 census in the same household with a Fred, and the mother's birthplace of Austria carries through. Fred was living at home with the brothers' parents in 1940, working as a Western Union telegraph operator. All this would indicate that the brothers' business had fallen by the wayside by 1940, despite the fact that William answered mail from fans and patrons, as above.
Where they practicing nudists?
ReplyDeleteNot that I know of.
DeleteLooked up his Astoria address on google maps, the brick dwelling is still there.
ReplyDeleteJerry, thank you for this info on the hard to trace Ritter brothers.
Where did you find this letter? I imagine both brothers must be deceased by now. Too bad they were never interviewed or recorded or did a bio book.
Did they photograph themselves with a camera and timer or hire a professional
or did both? So many questions. They really are physique pioneers, I'm sure that they inspired others in many ways. Whether it be aspiring physique photographers or guys getting into shape. Jerry, thank you for this entertaining series, so spot on. - Rj/IE
You're welcome, Rj. I found the letter on a memorabilia resale website. They were said to have used a timer to photograph themselves together.
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