Background
Clark, Melville was born on September 12, 1883 in Syracuse, New York, United States. Son of George Waldo and Lillie L. (Becker) Clark.
Clark, Melville was born on September 12, 1883 in Syracuse, New York, United States. Son of George Waldo and Lillie L. (Becker) Clark.
Education high school and business college, Syracuse University.
In music business, Syracuse, since 1899. President, Clark Music Company. Invented improvements “which have made possible a perfect portable harp.
Developed improved method of pedaling concert harp.
Manufacturer Wurlitzer Concert Harp. Played over 6000 concerts in principal cities in the United States, Canada and England.
Engaged by the Board of Education of Syracuse to deliver a series of lecture concerts on “Musical Appreciation,” which were attended by 15,000 persons. First temporary president, National Association Harpists, Incorporated.
Secretary 12 years of Central New York Music Festival Association.
Founder Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. Gave several concerts for President Woodrow Wilson. Also gave concert for President and Mistress Franklin Doctorate. Roosevelt at White House, 1935.
Broadcasting, National Broadcasting Company, with Helen Jepson, Columbia, Mutual, WFBL (harp programs).
Received silver medal, Turin, Italy, 1911. Good Citizenship Medal awarded by American Legion, 1935.
Perfected plan for aero-stations presented to the war departments of both United States and Great Britain for distributing literature. Perfected and developed the Melville Clerk nylon harp string.
Invented a harp of plastic and nylon impervious to weather.
Advisory board National Association of Music Merchants. Member National Press Bureau, Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, Junior Chamber of Commerce (honorary), Inventor’s Congress, Phi Mu Alpha. Honorary member Veterans Foreign Wars.
Member National Press Bureau, Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, Junior Chamber of Commerce (honorary), Inventor’s Congress, Phi Mu Alpha. Member Veterans Foreign Wars. Clubs: Technology, Rotary (director and 1st vice president Syracuse club), Kiwanis (ex-president).
Mason (Scottish Rite).
Married Dorothy Speich, pianist, January 8, 1921.