Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

La Verne Newsome

1907-2001

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

1. La Verne Newsome Marker

Inscription. La Verne Newsome graduated from Elgin High School in 1925, where he became a track and field star and received the nickname "Eight Ball." He studied music at Northwestern University, earning bachelors and masters degrees.

Following graduation, La, Verne taught music at Talladega College in Alabama from 1929 to 1937, where he met and married Maene|| Hamlin in 1940. During World War II, Newsome completed a tour of duty in Italy, serving as a Sergeant in the 371st Infantry Regiment of the 92nd "Buffalo" Division from 1942 to 1945. He was the assistant band leader for the Regiment in 1944.

After the war, Newsome returned briefly to Elgin and gave free violin recitals to standing-room-only crowds at his father's home at 703 Orange Street. Starting in 1937, La Verne lived in Indianapolis, Indiana teaching music at Crispús Attucks High School until 1974. He became 2nd Violin for the Indianapolis Philharmonic Orchestra-a position he held for 45 years from 1947 to 1992-and devoted much time to youth violin lessons.

La Verne earned numerous awards for his exemplary achievements in music, education, community service and leadership.

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He died in Indianapolis and is buried there. Married for 61 years, the Newsomes had no children.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Sports • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.

Location. 42° 2.521′ N, 88° 16.781′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue on Kimball Street. The marker is one of several in Newsome Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 280 Kimball Street, Elgin IL 60120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Phyllis Jones Tilley (here, next to this marker); Sherman Hunter (here,

Markers in Newsome Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026

2. Markers in Newsome Park

next to this marker); Mary Newsome Wheeler (here, next to this marker); Fremont Recreation Center / Second Baptist Church (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Newsome Park (here, next to this marker); Masjid Al-Wājidi (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away); Pioneer Log Cabin of the 1830s (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 23 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.