The Great Lester

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The Great Lester (born Harry Szajkowski in 1878) was well known ventriloquist in Vaudeville. His dummy was Frank Byron, Jr. The figure was carved by Lester and now resides at Vent Haven Museum in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky. Lester claimed to be the first to drink while his dummy spoke, but Joe Laurie notes that this trick was first performed in 1821.

One of Lester's most noted acts was a bit where he called up Heaven and Hell in search of his sister. He was also the first ventriloquist to walk among the audience while his dummy whistled.

[edit] References

  • Laurie, Joe, Jr. Vaudeville: From the Honky-tonks to the Palace. New York: Henry Holt, 1953. p. 80, 254.


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