Richard Blow had three wives? That’s news to me.
A Society member recently flagged a claim about Richard Blow made in Alta Macadam’s 2003 Guidebook “Americans in Florence: A Complete Guide to the City and the Places Associated with Americans Past and Present.” According to guidebook author Macadam, “He (Blow) married three times…”
Do I think Richard actually had a third wife?
No, I don’t.
Unless Macadam can offer supporting evidence, I say Richard only had two wives – millionair heiress and debutante Eleanor Pettinois and Manhattan sculptor and socialite Marya Mannes.
If a third existed, I can only think of two candidates.
Muriel King would be the best bet.
Richard had a very close relationship with his PR Director. They vacationed in Europe together; and their personal letters suggest they were more than just friends. Did they quietly get married at some point? We didn’t find any smoking gun in the trunks of memorabilia Muriel left behind – no yellowed marriage license, no reference in their correspondence to a secret honeymoon in St. Tropez. Besides, both had failed marriages in their past; that can make one nervous about repeating the experience. Scratch her from the list.
How about an Italian wife?
Richard lived in Italy for many years. Urbane and cultured, he attracted beautiful women who undoubtedly found him, his Villa and his wealth a tempting combination. Did anyone catch him, even for a short time?
Very doubtful. Italy didn’t legally allow divorce until 1970. It’s hard to imagine Richard knowingly tying a knot he couldn’t untie. Further, he understood first-hand the risks if such a relationship went sour. His first wife Eleanor had been murdered by her jilted Italian lover, Cesare. When she tried to leave him, he confronted her, shot her twice with his Italian Army revolver, then killed himself. The passionate Italian is more than just a stereotype.
The final nail in the coffin? No mystery woman showed up at Richard’s death in 1983 to claim part of his inheritance.
My conclusion: There is no third wife.
Your move, Ms. Macadam.
Michael Schmicker