Dyersburg in Dyer County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Emmett Kelly, Jr.

“America's Favorite Clown”

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 23, 2023

1. Emmett Kelly, Jr. Marker

Inscription. On November 13, 1924, the world received a smile. For it was on that day that Emmett Kelly, Jr. was born here in this humble building.

In the years since then, Emmett and his “Weary Willie” character have entertained and charmed millions of adoring fans all over the world. His popularity and place as an American icon will no doubt be cause for millions more to discover, and enjoy his character, and to guarantee to future generations the love that is Emmett Kelly, Jr.

So it is to Emmett, for his humanity, charm and love of life that this plaque is dedicated, November 24, 1998.

Erected 1998 by Dyersburg Museum of Magic & History.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. A significant historical date for this entry is November 13, 1924.

Location. 36° 2.06′ N, 89° 23.119′ W. Marker is in Dyersburg, Tennessee, in Dyer County. Marker is at the intersection of North Main Avenue and McGaughey Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 N Main Ave, Dyersburg TN 38024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First United Methodist Church, Dyersburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Minglewood and “The Minglewood Blues” (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line);

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

The Bank of Dyersburg (about 600 feet away); Dyer County Confederate Memorial (about 700 feet away); Dyer County in the War (about 700 feet away); Dyer County Korean War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Dyer County Walk of Fame (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dyer County Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dyersburg.

Regarding Emmett Kelly, Jr.. Kelly's father, Emmett Kelly, Sr., created the Weary Willie character and debuted him in 1933. Prior to that, Kelly Sr. and his wife Eva were trapeze artists with the John Robinson Circus, which was in Dyersburg when their son was born. Kelly Jr. began performing as Weary Willie in 1960 (four years after his father's retirement) and worked as a clown until 2004. He died in 2006.

Also see . . . Emmett Kelly Jr. Wikipedia entry on the second-generation clown, who didn't begin his performing career until his mid-30s. (Submitted on May 2, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 23, 2023

2. Emmett Kelly, Jr. Marker

Marker is at lower left corner.

Emmett Kelly, Jr. as Weary Willie image. Click for full size.

Claire CJS via Flickr (cropped) (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), September 1965

3. Emmett Kelly, Jr. as Weary Willie

The Original Weary Willie image. Click for full size.

Unknown for Pan American Coffee Bureau via Wikipedia (Public Domain), April 6, 1953

4. The Original Weary Willie

Emmett Kelly, Sr. debuted the iconic character on April 21, 1933 in Chicago.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 2, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 2, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.