Rensselaer in Jasper County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

James Frederick Hanley

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 28, 2009

1. James Frederick Hanley Marker (Side A)

Inscription. Born February 17, 1892 in Rensselaer; became part of New York Tin Pan Alley music scene. Wrote for Broadway musicals such hits as "Second Hand Rose" (Grant Clarke, lyrics) for Fanny Brice (1921 Ziegfeld Follies) and "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" (1934), popularized by Judy Garland 1938. Wrote scores for many Hollywood musicals in early 1930s.

"(Back Home Again in) Indiana," by Hanley and Ballard MacDonald (lyrics), was hit in 1917, 1920s jazz classic recorded by Louis Armstrong, and a 1930s swing tune by Benny Goodman. Song has remained popular and has been performed at every Indianapolis 500 since 1946. Hanley died February 8, 1942 in New York; buried there in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Erected 2008 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Jasper County Historical Society. (Marker Number 37.2008.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1833.

Location. 40° 56.118′ N, 87° 9.179′ W. Marker is in Rensselaer, Indiana, in Jasper County. Marker is at the intersection of Washington Street (U.S. 231) and Front Street, on the left

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when traveling west on Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rensselaer IN 47978, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Cabin in Rensselaer (within shouting distance of this marker); Jasper County Veterans Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jasper County Courthouse (about 600 feet away); General Robert H. Milroy (about 600 feet away); James Van Rensselaer (approx. 0.2 miles away); Trinity United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rensselaer Power Plant (approx. 0.3 miles away); Memorial Park (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rensselaer.

Also see . . . James F. Hanley. (Submitted on February 19, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

James Frederick Hanley Marker (Side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 28, 2009

2. James Frederick Hanley Marker (Side B)

James Frederick Hanley Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 28, 2009

3. James Frederick Hanley Marker

Looking east along Washington Street toward Jasper County Courthouse (tower visible at top right distance).

Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,267 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 19, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.