Charles Kellogg (naturalist)
Encyclopedia
Charles Kellogg was an American
vaudeville
performer who imitated bird song
s, and later a campaigner for the protection of the redwood forests of California
. He was born on a ranch in Susanville, California and grew up in the 1870's observing the animals and birds of the forests. He constructed a mobile home, called the "Travel Log" out of a redwood tree and drove it around the country to raise awareness of the plight of the California forests. Pat Foster of Hemmings Classic Car
magazine wrote "the vehicle itself was incredible, a monument to man and nature. It consisted of a huge chunk of giant redwood-said to be the single largest piece of hewn timber in the world-hollowed out and mounted on what was then the toughest, most rugged chassis on earth: the Nash Quad."
In 1911 Victor Records signed Kellogg to his first recording contract. He recorded with Victor Records until 1919, mostly singing classical and light classical pieces. Kellogg often performed an adaptation of Xaver Scharwenka
's Polish Dance No. 1 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 3, a popular piece for vaudeville actors to perform at that time.
's Ketzel Levine
focused on Kellogg in the first part of her three part radio story Big Trees and the Lives They've Changed.
In 2007 a musical play titled The Angel of Ever Ever was written in tribute Kellogg's life and accomplishments. Named after his California Ranch, the Ever Ever Ranch, it is centered around his relationship with his wife Sarah, and a rich heiress names Gertrude Strong Achilles.
In Episode 76 of MythBusters
, "Voice Flame Extinguisher," Kellogg was mentioned by name several times as his claim that he could extinguish a flame with only his voice was tested.
The myth was at the end of the episode busted.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
vaudeville
Vaudeville
Vaudeville was a theatrical genre of variety entertainment in the United States and Canada from the early 1880s until the early 1930s. Each performance was made up of a series of separate, unrelated acts grouped together on a common bill...
performer who imitated bird song
Bird song
Bird vocalization includes both bird calls and bird songs. In non-technical use, bird songs are the bird sounds that are melodious to the human ear. In ornithology and birding, songs are distinguished by function from calls.-Definition:The distinction between songs and calls is based upon...
s, and later a campaigner for the protection of the redwood forests of California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
. He was born on a ranch in Susanville, California and grew up in the 1870's observing the animals and birds of the forests. He constructed a mobile home, called the "Travel Log" out of a redwood tree and drove it around the country to raise awareness of the plight of the California forests. Pat Foster of Hemmings Classic Car
Hemmings Motor News
Hemmings Motor News is a monthly magazine catering to traders and collectors of antique, classic, and exotic sports cars. It is the largest and oldest publication of its type in the United States, with sales of 215,000 copies per month, and is best known for its large classified advertising sections...
magazine wrote "the vehicle itself was incredible, a monument to man and nature. It consisted of a huge chunk of giant redwood-said to be the single largest piece of hewn timber in the world-hollowed out and mounted on what was then the toughest, most rugged chassis on earth: the Nash Quad."
Career
During his childhood Kellogg developed the remarkable ability to perfectly imitate bird song. While bird song imitation was quite popular at the turn of the century, Kellogg's ability to sing from the throat instead of whistle the songs, was what gained him such national attention. By the time he was 22 was performing his bird songs on vaudeville tours around the country. By the time was in his forties he was traveling outside of the United States, performing for audiences throughout Europe.In 1911 Victor Records signed Kellogg to his first recording contract. He recorded with Victor Records until 1919, mostly singing classical and light classical pieces. Kellogg often performed an adaptation of Xaver Scharwenka
Xaver Scharwenka
Franz Xaver Scharwenka was a German pianist, composer and teacher. He was the brother of Philipp Scharwenka , who was also a composer and teacher of music.- Life and career :...
's Polish Dance No. 1 in E-Flat Minor, Op. 3, a popular piece for vaudeville actors to perform at that time.
In media
In 2003, NPRNPR
NPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting...
's Ketzel Levine
Ketzel Levine
Ketzel Levine is an American radio journalist who began her broadcast career in 1974. She joined National Public Radio in 1977 and worked, variously, as the network's arts producer, sports director, features reporter and garden expert. From 2000 through 2008, she was senior correspondent for the...
focused on Kellogg in the first part of her three part radio story Big Trees and the Lives They've Changed.
In 2007 a musical play titled The Angel of Ever Ever was written in tribute Kellogg's life and accomplishments. Named after his California Ranch, the Ever Ever Ranch, it is centered around his relationship with his wife Sarah, and a rich heiress names Gertrude Strong Achilles.
In Episode 76 of MythBusters
MythBusters
MythBusters is a science entertainment TV program created and produced by Beyond Television Productions for the Discovery Channel. The series is screened by numerous international broadcasters, including Discovery Channel Australia, Discovery Channel Latin America, Discovery Channel Canada, Quest...
, "Voice Flame Extinguisher," Kellogg was mentioned by name several times as his claim that he could extinguish a flame with only his voice was tested.
The myth was at the end of the episode busted.
External links
- Humboldt Redwoods Interpretive Association brochure about him
- Article on his "Travel Log" mobile home
- Article in New ScientistNew ScientistNew Scientist is a weekly non-peer-reviewed English-language international science magazine, which since 1996 has also run a website, covering recent developments in science and technology for a general audience. Founded in 1956, it is published by Reed Business Information Ltd, a subsidiary of...
- The Bird Singer and His Travel Log, NPR story, November 2003