Let’s take a trip back to Indiana, Pennsylvania, where on Jimmy Stewart’s 75th birthday, a crowd of about 3,000 fans and friends gathered outside the courthouse to celebrate this legendary actor. They sang a heartfelt “Happy Birthday” to a man who never lost his love for the small town where he grew up. Indiana, Pennsylvania, is proud of Jimmy Stewart, and Jimmy was equally proud to call it home.
A Museum and Monument Honoring Jimmy Stewart
Today, Indiana honors its famous son with a museum dedicated to his life, movie career, and war experiences. Right across the street from where his father’s hardware store once stood, there's a 9-foot-tall statue of Jimmy. The local airport is even named after the actor who flew 20 combat missions over enemy lines during WWII. These tributes remind us of Jimmy's enduring connection to his hometown and the values he cherished.
Jimmy’s Reflections on His Hometown
In 1983, on what would be his final visit home, Jimmy said, “This is where I sort of made up my mind about certain things.” He spoke about the importance of hard work, community spirit, family, and faith. These values became the foundation of his life and career, shaping the man we remember today. His words reflect the deep connection he felt to his roots, and it’s clear that Indiana left an indelible mark on him.
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A Town That Knew Its Neighbors
Indiana, located about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh, was the kind of place where everyone knew each other. Jimmy’s father, Alexander, ran J.M. Stewart, a three-story hardware store founded by Jimmy’s grandfather in 1853. “It was the centerpiece of downtown and sold a little bit of everything,” explains Janie McKirgan, executive director of the Jimmy Stewart Museum. The store was more than just a place to shop; it was a gathering spot where people came together to talk and share stories.
Family Life and Values
Alexander and Elizabeth Stewart raised Jimmy and his two younger sisters in a spacious Dutch Colonial home overlooking downtown. The family was deeply rooted in the community. “The whole family used to go to church every Sunday and then cross the street to his grandparents’ house for a meal afterward,” says McKirgan. Jimmy’s father sang in the church choir, and his mother sometimes played the organ during services. Jimmy credited his parents for teaching him faith, humility, and the importance of being a decent, gentlemanly man.
Early Days and Daydreams
Jimmy was an average student, but his imagination was anything but ordinary. He loved to doodle and often found himself daydreaming in class. His passion for aviation led him to spend countless hours in his basement building model airplanes. At 16, he worked at the Strand Theater, operating a hand-cranked film projector. While he practiced the accordion, acting wasn’t on his radar just yet.
Princeton and the Path to Hollywood
Jimmy’s father had big plans for him. He wanted Jimmy to attend Princeton, his alma mater, and eventually take over the family hardware business. Although Jimmy dreamed of attending the United States Naval Academy, he followed his father’s wishes. At Princeton, he studied architecture and electrical engineering but discovered his love for acting. “I didn’t care if I ever designed another building,” he admitted, “as long as I could get somewhere on stage.”
Returning to His Roots
Jimmy became a Hollywood icon and a war hero, but he never forgot Indiana. He maintained close ties with his childhood best friend, Bill Moorhead, and visited regularly. McKirgan recalls, “He would fly into our small local airport to see his family. His parents lived here until they passed away.” Jimmy often took walks around town, meeting people, signing autographs, and posing for pictures. He allowed his father to proudly display the Academy Award he won for The Philadelphia Story in the store’s front window.
A Legacy of Warmth and Values
Indiana, Pennsylvania, may not have been the fictional Bedford Falls from It’s a Wonderful Life, but it instilled in Jimmy the warmth, strong moral compass, and humor that made him a beloved American icon. “I want to be remembered as someone who believed in hard work and love of country,” he said, “love of family and love of community.” Jimmy Stewart’s legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of staying true to our roots and the values that define us.
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