Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 191, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 August 1915 — POSED AS WOMAN SINCE CHILDHOOD. [ARTICLE]

POSED AS WOMAN SINCE CHILDHOOD.

“Blanche” Prefers Feminine Garments Because They Conceal Deformity. Wichita, Kans.—-Wearing woman’s attire to hide a bodily deformation, "Blanche” Vassar, aged 28, a man, was taken in charge by the police when he appeared on Douglas avenue. Later he was released at the recommendation of the police surgeon. Vassar was dressed in woman’s garments complete to a spring design hat. He said he had worn woman’s attire all his life. He has been employed as a cook at Alva, Okla., and says he Is on his way to join a carnival company in East St. Louis. He has just arrived in Wichita and expected to leave the next day. He was put under police surveilance. A pink bloom of fine powder and carefully applied rouge was on his face. In a purse he carried a woman’s toilet articles, even a powder cloth. Vassar said that he was dressed In girl’s clothes when a child and taught to act, walk and talk like a girl by his parents, who named him "Blanche.” He was born in Seattle, Wash. "I have never been bothered by the police in any other place excepting Wichita,” he said. 'I am known to the police of this city because in 1911 I was held for investigation by the Wichita police while I was passing through the city. A man had been found dead near a railroad here and there was a theory that I was the murderer, escaping in woman’s clothes. Vassar showed a statement signed by former Police Surgeon Warren, explaining the reason for wearing the attire. "Did any men ever try to flirt with you?” he was asked. « “Yes, several,” said Vassar. "But I either turned them down or knocked them down. It Is annoying to Have to wear these clothes and sometimes I feel bad about It, but I know It can’t be helped.” He was asked if he had trouble keeping his face in the “pink” of condition. He smiled and said “no.” He rarely needed a shave, he said. His black hair was dressed in the latest style. He wore a veil. Several diamond rings were on his fingers, his nails were manicured and he presented a well-groomed appears "ce. He said that he is able to escape readily from handcuffs or ropes and his talent in this line gained him the position with the carnival company to which he is going. He resided in Topeka, as a woman, for nine years, he said.