Bellefonte in Centre County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Mills Brothers

Photographed by Carolyn Martienssen, March 9, 2015

1. The Mills Brothers Marker

Inscription. Grandfather, William H. Mills, a local Jubilee Singer, had a barber shop here, 1871-1931. Father, John H., went to Ohio. Four sons, born there, formed first vocal group to overcome racial barriers, gaining a mass audience. Father was its bass, 1936-56; group endured, 1925-81.

Erected 1992 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list.

Location. 40° 54.71′ N, 77° 46.744′ W. Marker is in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, in Centre County. It is on High Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bellefonte PA 16823, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Petrikin Hall (a few steps from this marker); Anna Wagner Keichline (within shouting distance of this marker); Centre County Banking Co. Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bellefonte (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Brockerhoff House (about 300 feet

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away); Centre County (about 400 feet away); Andrew Gregg Curtin (about 400 feet away); Centre County Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellefonte.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. The Mills Brothers Markers

Also see . . .
1. The Mills Brothers. Official site for the group. (Submitted on June 3, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. Tiger Rag. One of the groups most remembered releases. Audio-visual hosted at YouTube. (Submitted on June 3, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

3. The Mills Brothers. Wikipedia article. (Submitted on June 3, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

4. Donald Mills at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on July 14, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
5. Herbert Mills at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on July 14, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
6. Harry F. Mills at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on July 14, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
7. John Mills, Jr. at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on July 14, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
8. MarkerQuest - The Mills Brothers. (Submitted on June 4, 2025, by Laura Klotz of Northampton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 23, 2009

2. The Mills Brothers Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,777 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 15, 2015, by Carolyn Martienssen of West Hazleton, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on June 3, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.