An original press photograph from the archives of the venerable 150 year-old Star Tribune newspaper in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Type & Size: A 7.5x8.5" original photograph.
Condition: Photo from a working archive. May contain notes, marks, labels, clippings, and/or retouching by the staff at the time of publication. May contain issues associated with time, age, and use. Please see images for scans.
John (Fritz) Johnson is captured here alongside a woman, presumably his second wife, Nancy, as they walk in a snowy setting, likely in Omaha, Nebraska. Johnson, sporting a pipe and holding a paper bag, is at the center of a case involving a mysterious identity, suggesting he might also be Lawrence J. Bader, a missing Ohio salesman. The scene is set against a wintry backdrop with barren trees and snow-covered ground, which adds to the moment's somber tone.
John (Fritz) Johnson became the center of a bizarre case in the 1960s that questioned identity and memory. Initially living as Lawrence J. Bader in Ohio and disappearing in 1957, he reappeared years later as Johnson in Omaha. The case drew national attention as it explored themes of amnesia and dual lives, captivating the public and press.
Text present on photo:
ENGRAVING OFFICE
1965 FEB 18 AM 11:09
Thurs Star
1st Hour
2 x 5 1/2
2 x 4 1/2
Associated Press
‘DEAD RINGER’—A medical report on ‘dead ringer’ John (Fritz) Johnson (above) said today there is no indication that he ‘has any recollection’ of a life as an Ohio salesman who disappeared almost eight years ago. Johnson entered a hospital in Omaha, Neb., for the tests the day after his lawyer admitted an ‘inescapable conclusion’ that he and Lawrence J. Bader, the missing Ohioan, are the same man. Bader’s wife, Marylou, and four children still live in Akron. Johnson has two children by a second marriage in Omaha. Johnson, keeping his promise not to live with his pretty, 24-year-old second wife, Nancy, moved from their home Wednesday night and is staying with friends.
- - -
The press photo archives contained a mix of silver gelatin and wire photographs from sources such as Associated Press Wirephoto. Generally B&W images with no typed text on them in this archive are silver gelatin images, and photos with typed text are wire photos. All images are vintage and original to their era.
Related Items:
Vintage 1965 John Lindsay We Win New York City Mayoral Campaign Pinback Button
$24.99
John Rechy, Where are You Now? 1965 Gay Chicano Author Button Hustling P1772
$249.00
1965 John Johnson Nancy Omaha 7.5x8.5 Rare Vintage Original Press Photo
$30.00
