Harlem in Columbia County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Oliver Norvell Hardy

Photographed By David Tibbs, November 22, 2008

1. Oliver Norvell Hardy Marker

Inscription. Harlem became the birthplace of the rotund member of one of Hollywood's greatest comedy teams when Oliver Hardy was born January 18, 1892. After his father died and was buried in the Harlem Cemetery the year of Oliver's birth, Mrs. Hardy took the family to Milledgeville where she became the manager of the Baldwin Hotel. Young Oliver was enthralled by the visiting troupes of performers who stayed there. Later, as manager of the town's first movie theater, Hardy performed regularly.

After attending Georgia Military Academy, the Atlanta Conservatory of Music, and, for a short time, the Univ. of Georgia. Hardy left Georgia in 1913 for the newly established film colony in Jacksonville, Florida. After working at various studios on the east coast, he left for Hollywood in 1918.

"Babe", as Hardy became known to his friends, worked for several years as a supporting actor until he was accidentally teamed with a young Englishman, Stan Laurel. Laurel and Hardy remained partners and friends until Hardy's death in Hollywood in 1957.

Erected 1989 by Georgia Department of Natural Resources. (Marker Number 36-09.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment

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• Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1858.

Location. 33° 25.034′ N, 82° 18.713′ W. Marker is in Harlem, Georgia, in Columbia County. Marker is on N Louisville Street (Georgia Route 47), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 250 N Louisville St, Harlem GA 30814, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Oliver Hardy Residence (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Famous Indian Trail (approx. half a mile away); Noted Indian Trail (approx. 6.7 miles away); Paul Hamilton Hayne (approx. 6.9 miles away); Grovetown Centennial Monument (approx. 6.9 miles away); The Birthplace of George McDuffie (approx. 8.7 miles away); Rev. Daniel Marshall (approx. 8.9 miles away); Woodmen of the World Veterans Monument (approx. 8.9 miles away); Columbia County (approx. 8.9 miles away); Religious Liberty in Georgia (approx. 9.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harlem.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . .

Photographed By David Seibert, November 1990

2. Oliver Norvell Hardy Marker

This is the marker as it was originally erected at the Police Station in Harlem. It was moved to the museum (formerly the Post Office) after it opened in 2002.

1. Laurel & Hardy Museum. (Submitted on November 23, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)
2. City of Harlem. (Submitted on November 23, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)
3. Oliver Hardy From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Submitted on November 23, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)
4. L&H Official Website. (Submitted on November 23, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)

Photographed By David Seibert, July 17, 2005

3. Oliver Norvell Hardy Marker

The marker after the move from the Police Station to the new museum.