Born in Norway, Maine in the mid 1800’s, he spent most of his 70 odd years there.
Mellie Dunham was a farmer and Snowshoe maker besides being a fiddler. He made Snow Shoes used by Commodore Robert Perry in his North Pole expedition.
He played his fiddle extensively around Eastern United States, and after winning the title “Champion Fiddler of Maine”, he visited with Henry Ford of Michigan and embarked upon a series of Vaudeville Tours in Boston, New York City, and other New England States.
In appearance, he was described as a sawed off Mark Twain, which was perfect for the part.
His fiddling brought attention to the New England Fiddling Tradition and he made four records for Victor in 1926.
Mellie Dunham may not have become as famous as Rudy Vallee, or made as much money, but there is little doubt that he was one of the finest ambassadors the State of Maine has ever produce. He was more than a talented musician and fine performer. He was the embodiment of the typical Maine Farmer, and as such, he was loved wherever he went.
Mellie Dunham was inducted into the Maine Academy of Country Music's Hillbilly Heaven on September 25, 2004
