Denison in Crawford County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Donna Reed Historic Site
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Donna Reed Historic Site Marker
This memorial marker sits 100 feet east of the birthplace and childhood home of film and television actress, Donna Reed.
Born as Donnabelle Mullenger on January 27, 1921, she was the oldest of William and Hazel Mullenger's five children and grew up on this farm. The farmhouse was lost to fire in 1983.
In 1938 Donna moved to Los Angeles to attend college. By 1954 she had won the Academy Award for her performance in the acclaimed film "From Here to Eternity." From 1958-1966 Donna co-produced and starred in her own television series, The Donna Reed Show. After her death in 1986, family and friends established The Donna Reed Foundation for the Performing Arts in her memory at the theater center in Denison.
Learn more about Donna Reed and her legacy at www.DonnaReed.org
Memorial constructed and designed by Pat Houston, Chris C. Petersen, and the Donna Reed Foundation - 2015.
Erected 2015 by Donna Reed Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is January 27, 1921.
Location. 41° 56.096′ N, 95° 18.339′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Western Iowa. 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Manilla Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial (approx. 4.9 miles away); S. E. Dow House (approx. 9.9 miles away); Shelby County Freedom Rock (approx. 12.6 miles away).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. - Hollywood YWCA sorority; and Beverly Hills High School location used in "It's a Wonderful Life".
Also see . . . www.DonnaReed.org. (Submitted on June 4, 2025.)
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Donna Reed Historic Site Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. Street Sign
from Wikimedia Commons
4. Donna Reed in "It's a Wonderful Life"
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 321 times since then and 96 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 4, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
