The Charming Small Town In Pennsylvania That Was Home To Jimmy Stewart Once Upon A Time
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on April 14, 2024(Originally published August 10, 2022)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Nestled in Western Pennsylvania is a small town that might remind you of the famous fictional town of Bedford Falls, especially at Christmastime. It’s fitting, then, that this charming small town in Pennsylvania is the hometown of James Stewart, the actor known and loved the world over for countless roles, from Macaulay Connor in “The Philadelphia Story,” when he starred alongside fellow legends Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, to Jeff Jeffries in the Hitchcock classic “Rear Window.” However, he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of George Bailey in “It’s A Wonderful Life,” the beloved Christmas classic.
Just about 64 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, the darling town of Indiana is known for a few things – Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), the Christmas Tree Capital of the World (well, that’s all of Indiana County), and the hometown of World War II veteran and Hollywood actor Jimmy Stewart.
If you've wondered, "Where was Jimmy Stewart born," now you know he was born in the charming Western Pennsylvania town of Indiana on May 20, 1908. If you're not a fan of Jimmy Stewart yet, you'll leave one. He's been my favorite actor since my high school teacher had us watch "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington."
Although he passed away in July of 1997, Stewart’s presence remains ever strong in his hometown, where you’ll drive along Jimmy Stewart Boulevard and pass his statue in front of the courthouse on Philadelphia Street, erected in honor of the legend’s 75th birthday in 1983.
The statue is a popular spot for visitors to stop and take photos with Jimmy. While visiting Jimmy Stewart's hometown, you might even meet locals who remember when Jimmy's family lived in town or when Jimmy visited. I visited Indiana the weekend after he passed away and was lucky enough to chat with several people who knew his family decades ago.
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Philadelphia Street is also the home to The Jimmy Stewart Museum, a must-visit that offers a glimpse into the hometown hero’s rich and storied life – from his days growing up right here in Indiana to his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he became a brigadier general.
The museum gives a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most beloved celebrities from Pennsylvania. Definitely carve out a good hour or two to really soak up the experience.
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Stroll through the history of Hollywood film, too, as you explore the museum that’s brimming with memorabilia from all of Stewart’s classics. You might even run into the famous six-foot-tall rabbit, Harvey, beloved best friend of Elwood P. Dowd.
In addition to film posters, awards, and other memorabilia, the Jimmy Stewart Museum also shows his movies in its cozy theater. Check the museum's website for movies and times. Any time I go to the museum, I try to grab the seat next to Harvey. (Well, he's the stuffed version.)
Indiana’s a picture-perfect destination all year round, but try to visit during Christmastime when Philadelphia Street transforms into a real-life Bedford Falls during the annual “It’s A Wonderful Life" Festival.
The festival features a massive, glittering tree; fun activities like visits from Santa, and a few familiar sites – like the sign welcoming you to Bedford Falls. Wait until the sun sets to catch the town glittering in Christmas lights, and look for the lighted sign that declares "George Lassos The Moon."
While you’re in this enchanting Pennsylvania town, stroll through downtown, where you’ll find an eclectic selection of shops and restaurants.
Push the button at the crosswalk, so you can cross Philadelphia Street. You'll hear a familiar voice.
Summertime means a visit to the Indiana County/Jimmy Stewart Airport for the annual Jimmy Stewart Air Show, two jam-packed days of family-friendly activities.
If you're visiting during Christmastime, find the perfect Christmas tree at one of Indiana County’s Christmas tree farms. Mytrysak Family Tree Farm and Ruffing’s Tree Farm are a few of your choices.
Have you been to Jimmy Stewart’s hometown? What did you think of this darling small town in Pennsylvania? Share your experience in the comments. While you’re in Indiana County, visit Buttermilk Falls in New Florence. It’s got a connection to another favorite Pennsylvania son – Mister Rogers.
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Celebrities From Pennsylvania
Beth Price-Williams|July 27, 2023
Are there any other celebrities from Pennsylvania?
Jimmy Stewart is just one iconic celebrity from Western Pennsylvania, and we’re all probably quite familiar with another: Mister Rogers. We can, in fact, visit quite a few sites related to Mister Rogers, including:
The Mister Rogers Statue on the North Shore of Pittsburgh is an ideal spot to snap photos with everyone’s favorite neighbor and to look out over the Three Rivers.
Follow the Fred Rogers Trail that will take you to a variety of sites, including his hometown of Latrobe and the Heinz History Center.
Stroll along a scenic path to Buttermilk Falls, a towering waterfall that sits on land once owned by Mister Rogers’ grandfather. He donated it to the county for visitors to enjoy.
Idlewild Park & SoakZone is an old-fashioned amusement and water park in Ligonier. It’s also home to Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (formerly Mister Roger’s Neighborhood). Climb aboard a trolley to ride through the Land of Make Believe.
