Ruthie the Duck Girl dies of cancer at 74
I dressed up as Ruthi this past year for Halloween and, after only skating a few short blocks in the Quarter I parked my ass on Molly’s bar stool in fear of busting my ass. Many rounds later, I was trying to skate to the bathroom and ended up doing just that, in front of groups of people who commented on my stupidity.
I don’t know how that little lady did it but she managed to spend a generation or two doing what I couldn’t do for one night – skating a diminutive frame around the crooked sidewalks and streets of the French Quarter wearing a wedding dress with ducks in tow. Everyone who has spent any time down there has a story about her it seems.
Eccentric New Orleans has a great page on Ruthie with detailed links along the side. They also have several pages on other Quarter characters over the years. I don’t see that crazy Hulk Hogan guy in there though. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him since before Katrina.
Erster’s got some more words and thoughts on Ruthie.
Again, adieu Duck Girl.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:00 pm - Edit
I can’t remember the last time I saw the Hulkster either… but I’m pretty sure it was post-flood. I’m looking around on that site for the stuffed animal man and the pie lady but I’m not sure she counts since she’s just a vendor. And I guess he is too…. sort of.
September 13th, 2008 at 2:18 pm - Edit
You mean the lady thats says, and I’m not sure I can get this in words, “Sweet Potato Piiie!” with a high note on the “pie”?
Selling art down there I have discovered there are many micro-characters, folks who don’t have the longevity of a Ruthie but perhaps if they stick around for a few decades might be regarded as a bonafide character. Nothing like Ruthie though, she was Elvis.