MICHAEL FRANKLIN ELLIS
Michael Franklin Ellis was born June 11, 1896 and educated in Buffalo, NY, where he learned and then taught the art of advertising, publicity, public relations, and business...view moreMICHAEL FRANKLIN ELLIS
Michael Franklin Ellis was born June 11, 1896 and educated in Buffalo, NY, where he learned and then taught the art of advertising, publicity, public relations, and business administration. He went to Hutchinson Tech High School and then he got his start working under his very own father Newman Ellis, who had a smoking pipe company called The Ellis Pipe House. It was through promoting the company, that he got his start in advertising. He soon became a teacher and mentor to many throughout the advertising and public relations industry. He established Ellis Advertising Company in Buffalo in 1924—one of the first advertising companies in Western New York. Because Ellis had a humorous outlook on life, he was able to see the lighter side of every situation, which is captured in his many books of poetry. With book titles like: “Rhymes without Reason, Rhyme Doesn’t Pay, Ellis in Wonderland, Prhyme Ribs, Rhyme Marches On, A Rhyme A Dozen, In The Rhyme-Light,” etc., one can definitely gain a sense of Ellis’ sense of humor.
Ellis served as either an officer or on the board of over 20 community and civic institutions, and participated in dozens more clubs and organizations. His life is best described by the statement: “When you want something done and done well, ask the busiest man you know to do it.” That was Mike Ellis. To know Mike was to know a devoted husband and family man, a sports enthusiast, a poet, a comedian, a clever businessman, and community leader. One of the secrets to his success he attributed to his wife, Corinne (Eloskey) Ellis. She was his inspiration for life and work. Michael and Corinne had three children, who blessed them with eleven grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren and counting!
Michael F. Ellis seemed to have a secret supply of hours to accomplish all that his calendar demanded and still give time to others. His life is best described by the statement, “When you want something done and done well, ask the busiest man you know to do it.” That was Mike Ellis.view less