Schoharie County NYGenWeb Site

Arthur Holzel obituary

Arthur Vinton, Radio 'Shadow,' Dies;
Boyhood Resident of Middleburgh

     The Shadow is dead.
     Arthur R. Vinton, formerly of Little Britain, well-known radio and stage personality. died on Tuesday, Feb 26, 1963, at Guadalajara, Mexico.
     Mr. Vinton, widely known as "The Shadow," grew up in Middleburgh. His real name was Arthur Holzel, and his parents were Chris Holzel and Evelyn Schindley Holzel. They lived on Scribner Avenue in the house now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Victor Smith and family. His mother died a few years ago. She was living in the old hotel at Potter Hollow at the time of her death.
     His father was a butcher who, in partnership with Adelbert Schrom, operated a market on Railroad Avenue where Craig Turner's market is now located. In his dramatic career, Mr. Vinton gained nationwide recognition for his rich voice on the radio in the later 1920's and early '30's when he was identified as "The Shadow," a mysterious character who invariably caught up with the criminal before the end of the program.
     As a distinguished member of the legitimate stage, Mr. Vinton was seen in many Broadway plays. His final stage performance was in the role of Gen. George Washington, in "Arms and the Man."
     Retiring to his farm in Little Britain, Orange County, Mr. Vinton operated a highly scientific white turkey farm for several years. he also participated in Orange County politics, and was constantly called upon for public appearances in many county social and organizational functions.
     Fond of Mexico, Mr. Vinton made several visits to that land and made his home there in recent years prior to his death.
     He is survived by his widow, Marie E. Vinton and a brother, Farnum Holzel of New York City.

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