Mel Ody was born Richard Luby in 1913 in San Francisco, CA. He began life as a professional juggler at age 17. He performed until the age of 59, performing all around the world. He juggled clubs and balls, spun a small tire on a parasol, did cigar box-like work with spools, balanced a bugle on his lips and played it, and did hat spinning. Mel performed a non-talking act, but it was filled with many sight gags. He passed away in 1976.

This is one of Mel Ody’s top hats. Donated by Jan Luby.