William E. Ritchie
William E. Ritchie | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Edward Ritchie 11 October 1871 Philadelphia, US |
| Died | 12 May 1943 (aged 71) New York City, US |
| Resting place | Kensico Cemetery |
| Other names | Billy Ritchie |
| Occupation | Showman |
| Known for | Comedy tramp cyclist act |
| Spouse(s) | Liska, Madeleine |
William E. Ritchie was an American trick cyclist who performed around the world, including the United States,[1] England,[1][2] continental Europe,[1][3][4][5][6] Africa,[1] and Australia.[1] He was one of the first to use the tramp cyclist routine on stage, where he appeared in vaudeville with Will Rogers and W. C. Fields.[7] He is not to be confused with the tramp comedian William 'Billie' Ritchie.[8]
Early life
William Edward Ritchie was born in Philadelphia, United States, to George and Mary Ritchie (née May) on 11 October 1871.[9]
Career
He initially found fame in New York, appearing dressed as a tramp riding on various bicycles.[1] His main bicycle was a Cleveland,[10] possibly a model 69 made by H. A. Lazier Company.[11] In London in 1899, he appeared in two short films: Ritchie, Tramp Cyclist, produced by the Warwick Trading Company,[12] and Ritchie the Tramp Cyclist, produced by the British Mutoscope and Biograph Company.[13] In both 1917 and 1918, he appeared in the Ziegfeld Follies alongside W. C. Fields, Marilyn Miller, Will Rogers and Eddie Cantor.[7]
Death
On 12 May 1943, age 71, he died of a heart attack in his home at 2167 Haviland Avenue in the Bronx.[7][9]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Tindal, Marcus (December 1897). "The Tramp Cyclist". Pearson's Magazine. Vol. 4, no. 24.
- ↑ "LONDON VARIETY STAGE. THE PALACE". The Stage. No. 848. 17 June 1897. p. 14 – via Findmypast.
Mr. William E. Ritchie gave as smart and clever a comedy cycling act as we have seen yet.
- ↑ "Passport application by William E. Ritchie at U.S. Embassy in London for the purpose of travelling on the Continent", 27 May 1898. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Emergency Passport Applications (Issued Abroad), 1877-1907; Roll #: 45; Volume #: Volume 085: England - via Ancestry.com.
- ↑ "Passport application by William E. Ritchie at U.S. Consulate in Budapest for the purpose of travelling in Europe", 20 Feb 1901. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Emergency Passport Applications (Issued Abroad), 1877-1907; Roll #: 25; Volume #: Volume 042: Austria - via Ancestry.com.
- ↑ "Passport application by William E. Ritchie at U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona", 14 May 1903. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Emergency Passport Applications (Issued Abroad), 1877-1907; Roll #: 21; Volume #: Volume 035: Kingston, Jamaica to Montreal, Canada - via Ancestry.com.
- ↑ "Passport application by William E. Ritchie at U.S. Embassy in Berlin for the purpose of entering Russia", 18 March 1911. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: General Emergency Passport Applications, 1907-1923; Volume #: Volume 130: France to Korea - via Ancestry.com.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "WILLIAM E. RITCHIE, TRICK BICYCLIST, 71. Vaudeville and Revue Artist Dies Here - Had Played With Will Rogers, W. C. Fields. IN STAGE TEAM WITH WIFE. He and May Villion on Tour for Many Years - Were in 'The Follies' of 1917-1918". New York Times. 13 May 1943. p. 21. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
- ↑ "Death of Billie Ritchie". The Stage. No. 2, 106. 28 July 1921. p. 10 – via Findmypast.
The deceased gentleman must not, of course, be confused with Billy Ritchie, the well-known tramp cyclist, who is happily alive and well.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "1943 Death of William Ritchie, database 'New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949'". FamilySearch. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ↑ "That Cycling Tramp". Cycling. Vol. XIV, no. 351. 9 October 1897 – via Findmypast.
Ritchie's wheel is a Cleveland, bought and paid for, fitted with wood rims, and American single tube puncture proof tires, with five thicknesses on the tread
- ↑ "Cleveland Model 69 Bicycle, 1899". National Museum of American History. Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
- ↑ "Ritchie, Tramp Cyclist (1899)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
- ↑ "Ritchie the Tramp Cyclist (1899)". British Film Institute. Retrieved 1 August 2023.