James
"Jimmy" Maitland Stewart
Marker Text: Legendary American actor, born & raised in this
town. During his long career, 1932-91, Jimmy Stewart achieved fame on stage,
screen, and
TV. He won an Academy Award
for his role in "The Philadelphia Story." Other films included "Mr. Smith Goes
to Washington," "It's a Wonderful Life," & "Harvey." He flew 20 combat missions
in World War II; rose to Brigadier General, Air Force Reserve; and received the
Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1985.
James "Jimmy" Maitland Stewart was born in Indiana, PA, on May 20, 1908. He was an internationally known motion picture star. His name and features are recognized in almost every country where movies are shown. He was born on the north side of Philadelphia Street. He played the accordion and made model airplanes when he was a child. He attended the INS model school then graduated in 1928 from Mercerburg Academy.
Jimmy also went to Princeton and graduated with the B.S. degree in architecture in 1932. When he graduated was the time of the depression and opportunities for architects were very rare. But he won a scholarship to Princeton Graduate School and decided to returned in the fall to work on a masters degree. During the summer he joined the University Players. By the time fall came he was offered minor roles in other Broadway plays and decided not to returned to Princeton.
The first major role he was ever in was "Yellow Jack," in which he played Sergeant O'Hara. Jimmy won a seven-year contract with MGM in 1935. Over the next five years he appeared in 24 movies. In 1940 he won an Academy Award for "The Philadelphia Story." Because Jimmy was one of Hollywood's few young bachelors, his name was high on the draft list. He was examined in 1941, but was rejected because he was under weight. "It's a Wonderful Life" was the first major motion picture he appeared in after the war. This was his favorite picture of all.
Jimmy married Gloria Hatrick McLean on August 9, 1949. On May 7, 1951, his twin daughters, Judy and Kelly, were born.
Stewart received a Life Achievement Award, on February 28, 1980, from the American Film institute. Other Awards he has received are Best Actor and an honorary Master of Arts degree from Princeton University. He was an honorary marshal of California's "Parade of Roses" and served on the Executive Board, Los Angeles Council, Boy Scouts of America. He donated $20,000 to the Indiana Hospital in July 1956 in memory of his late mother.
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Directions
to the Jimmy Stewart Historic Marker
Start at Indiana Courthouse (On Philadelphia Street between 8th and 9th)
Walk approx. 50 yards toward 9th street. Sign is located on the corner of 9th and Philadelphia Streets.
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