Klaking with the Klak-Stik – October 1962

Have you ever heard of a Klak-Stick?

Neither have I. But it was the subject of the interesting article below, which appeared in the Journal back on October 20, 1962. 

So what is a Klak-Stik? As noted in the story, it is a novelty "twist" item, "a noise-producing piece of plastic which could catch the fancy of the dancing populace."

Lew Fox was the Lorain man behind the Klak-Stick. 

As the article notes, he came up with a bold idea to promote his invention: enlist the help of the Great One – Jackie Gleason. "It was on Oct. 9 when Fox came up with the idea of asking Jackie Gleason to help promote his new brainchild. That is when he started calling Gleason, person to person in New York."

After several calls, Fox did get a hold of Gleason's secretary, who recommended that he try writing to her boss. Fox sent a letter via air mail, along with a dozen Klak-Stiks.

Amazingly, a few days later he was contacted by Gleason's secretary, who put Gleason on the line. Gleason asked Fox if he could get to New York the next day for the taping of the next show.

Fox did just that, and as the article notes, "The Klak-Stik Kick," a song featuring the unique sound of Fox's invention, was performed on the show by Gleason's orchestra. The song had already been released as a promotion record.

"The record will be given away with every Klak-Stik sold," according to the article.

Here's a copy of the picture sleeve of the record.

The article notes the Klak-Stik's other heavy Northeast Ohio connections. "The Klak-Stik Kick" was arranged by Chuck Curtiss and performed on the record by the Al Serafini orchestra, with vocals by Lee Rand. By the way, "Chippewa Klak" was the flip side.

I'm not sure whatever happened to the Klak-Stik. Novelty tunes and fads often have a short life span. 

But sixty years ago, the Klak-Stik "clicked" with Jackie Gleason, making for an exciting time for a Lorain man, as well as the realization of his dream.