Linda Pembroke Kaiser will give a talk about her book “Pulling Strings: The Legacy of Melville A. Clark” on Wednesday, June 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the Onondaga Historical Association in Syracuse. She will also sign copies of the book.
In “Pulling Strings” (Syracuse University Press, 2010), Kaiser explores the extraordinary career of Melville A. Clark (1883–1953), a Syracuse musician, inventor, entrepreneur, community leader and collector whose colorful story is largely unknown.
Beginning with an account of Clark’s musical family, Kaiser chronicles the founding in 1859 of the Clark Music Co., of which Melville Clark became president in 1919. Originally just a tinker’s shed, the business ultimately moved into a six-story building in the center of Syracuse. The music company celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2010. Clark also combined his talents as a gifted musician and astute entrepreneur to start the first Syracuse Symphony Orchestra.
Kaiser recounts the development of the Clark Irish harp, the first portable harp manufactured in the United States, which could easily play accidentals. Other Clark inventions include the first nylon strings for instruments. In addition, Clark designed balloons that the British used in 1918 to drop more than 1.25 million pamphlets over Germany. Clark’s story unfolds in fascinating detail: a musical encounter with President Woodrow Wilson, entertaining President Franklin Roosevelt, visiting Buckingham Palace to present Princess Elizabeth with a music box, and the journey of a Clark Irish harp to Antarctica with Admiral Byrd.
Lavishly illustrated, “Pulling Strings” not only uncovers the life of a musical genius but also sheds light on a forgotten chapter in Syracuse history.
Kaiser is a musician who performs on the harp, piano and guitar. She has published articles in the International Folk Harp Journal and has published and recorded an album of harp music, “Lullabies for Earth Children.”
Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff: With more and more community members receiving COVID-19 vaccinations and as infection rates on our campus gradually decline, Syracuse University is taking action to expand indoor, in-person dining options. Beginning at 11 a.m. on…
Cross-campus collaborations led by Syracuse University Libraries’ Digital Library Program has resulted in two Central New York Library Resources Council (CLRC) access and digitization grants. One grant is for $1,000 to create metadata for 200 objects from the collection of…
Dear Students: In anticipation of potentially receiving more vaccine in the coming days, the Barnes Center at The Arch is reopening the pre-registration form for those interested in receiving the vaccine on campus. Please complete the form to indicate your…
Dear Students, Families, Faculty and Staff: With less than 40 days to go in the spring semester, we are delighted to share positive news regarding Syracuse University’s 2021 Commencement. Earlier this week, New York State published statewide guidelines for graduation…
Dear Students and Families: The end of the spring semester is quickly approaching. In fact, it will conclude in a little over five weeks. It has been an experience unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, but together, everyone in our community…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
