The card was interesting to me; first, because of the great studio photo of the man and his well-dressed, wooden partner; and second, the ventriloquist’s contact information, which included his 320 W. 22nd Street address in Lorain, Ohio.
As you can see from his card, Meluch billed himself as America's "natural" ventriloquist. He must have been pretty good, as the card also stated that no "cover up tricks” were used in his act. He was also quite versatile, as his other entertainment skills included juggling, mimicry, and fancy & trick rope spinning.
His obituary noted, "Mr. Meluch served with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II as a sergeant under General George Patton in Germany. His decorations and citations include the World War II Victory Medal, the EAME Victory Medal with one Bronze Star, Meritorious Unit Award, American Theatre Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
His obituary also includes a nice summary of his entertainment career.
It states, "At the age of 20, he was billed as “America’s Only National
Ventriloquist” and was known professionally as Don King. During the war, he and
his side-kick Jerry DuBerry entertained the troops.
"He later became a magician
specializing in illusion and slight-of-hand with coins, cards and ropes. His
coin tricks included using silver dollars that many other slight-of-hand
artists said were impossible.
"Other hobbies in his repertoire included
juggling, mimicry and rope spinning. He enjoyed performing locally in schools,
hospitals, various clubs and nursing homes.”
"A devoted husband and family man, he was someone who guided
and inspired. A true man of God, he healed hearts, souls, minds and bodies of
everyone he met by sharing gifts of humor and unyielding faith and hope, even
during the most challenging times. He believed anything was possible if you
worked at it and never gave up."
It sure sounds like he hit the big time to me.
****
I did a little research to find out more about Mr. Meluch. The promotional card seems to date from the late 1930s, since that’s when the city directories show him living at the 320 W. 22nd Street address.
Although there isn’t much of an internet footprint left by Mr. Meluch, I did find an article about one of his performances. The February 11, 1950 Sandusky Register included this article below. It reveals that he had several little buddies as part of his act, and that he had recently performed for Bill Veeck of the Cleveland Indians.
****
Seniors Sponsor Ventriloquist At Berlin Heights
BERLIN HEIGHTS, Feb. 10 — Don King, frequently billed as Don
King, America's Only Natural Ventriloquist will present
an interesting and unusual program at the Berlin Height's town hall Wednesday
at 8 p. m. The public is invited.
King has given his program in schools,
churches, and different organizations throughout the country. While in the air
force he appeared at army camp shows, billed by the USO, special services, and
American Red Cross. He also helped promote the sale of war bonds.
Last year his
act was selected to entertain Bill Veeck, president of the Cleveland Indians,
at a banquet held in Lorain. King performs with two dummies, Henry and his
heartbeat, Orpholin, at the same time. This is considered a rare and unusual
accomplishment in ventriloquism.
As an added feature, another figure, Jerry
DuBarry, mysteriously appears during the program to the delight of the
audience.
The program is being sponsored by the senior class of
Berlin Heights High School.
****
UPDATE (December 26, 2019)
Here's an article about Mr. Meluch that appeared in the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram on April 9, 1991.
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