Bellefontaine in Logan County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Mills Brothers

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 29, 2008

1. The Mills Brothers Marker

Inscription. Born in Piqua, Ohio, the Mills Brothers grew up and attended school in Bellefontaine. The brothers -- John, Jr., Herbert, Harry, and Donald Mills -- were the first African-American vocal group to perform on a national radio broadcast and achieve commercial success. Enjoying worldwide fame throughout their career, the Mills Brothers popularized such hits as “Tiger Rag,” “Paper Doll,” and “You Always Hurt the One You Love.” After the death of John, Jr. in 1936, the remaining brothers were joined by their father, John, Sr. In all, the Mills Brothers recorded over 1,200 songs.

Erected 1999 by Ohio Bicentennial Commission, The Longaberger Company, Logan County Historical Society, and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 5-46.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 40° 21.75′ N, 83° 45.393′ W. Marker is in Bellefontaine, Ohio, in Logan County. It is at the intersection of Sandusky Avenue (Ohio Route 540) and

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Fountaine Place, on the left when traveling east on Sandusky Avenue. Marker is along the southern edge of Brown Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bellefontaine OH 43311, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Till Plains.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Clarence L Knowlton Library (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Holland Theatre (about 800 feet away); Bellefontaine World War I Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Honorable William Lawrence (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Dietrich Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients (approx. 0.2 miles away); Blue Jacket Town (approx. 0.2 miles away); William H. West (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellefontaine.

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

Additional commentary.
1.
This marker was originally installed at the Ampitheater in Southview Park. It was later moved to Brown Park, for security reasons.

— Submitted December 11, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio.

The Mills Brothers Marker in Brown Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., December 29, 2008

2. The Mills Brothers Marker in Brown Park

Looking north.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,755 times since then and 112 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.