Frank Britton Wenzel
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[edit] Frank Britton Wenzel
Born Frank Wenzel in New York City in 1893.
In 1917, he changed his name to "Frank Britton" to form a double act (trombone and cornet) with Milt Britton. Originators of the "slapstick" orchestra, Britton's Orchestra became known in Europe and the United States as "America's Craziest Orchestra" and "The Mad Musical Maniacs." The band's routine was to begin playing a selection in the normal way, then about half way through the song, a musician would stumble and knock an instrument out of another's hand, thereby starting a melee of comedy. Their band played some Broadway shows, made tours of South America and the US, and made appearances in shorts and feature films. They are seen causing mayhem during the title song in Moonlight and Pretzels (1933).
During his heyday in Vaudville, he opened the original Brown Derby restaurant in Malverne, New York, suburban village on the south shore of Long Island. This establishment became a popular hang-out of vaudevillians such and Ole Olsen, Chic Johnson, and others.
He was elected mayor of Malverne in 1955. During his four year as mayor, he oversaw the construction of the Malverne Public Library and institution of the Malverne Little League. He also served as commander of American Legion Post 44 in Malverne.
Britton Circle in Malverne is named in his honor. The only address listed on that street is the Malverne Police Department.
He died at his home in Malverne at the age of 100 in 1993.
