James Byron Dean was born at the "Seven Gables" apartment house at the corner of 4th and McClure Streets in Marion, Indiana, ten miles north of Fairmount, on February 8, 1931. Jimmie was the only child of Winton Dean, who was a dental technician, and Mildred Wilson Dean. The family moved to Fairmount shortly after Dean's birth. During the five years they lived in Fairmount, they resided in three different homes within the town limits and a small home located at the north edge of the Winslow farm. The family left Indiana for California when Dean was five years old. When his mother died at an early age, nine-year-old James Dean was sent to Fairmount to be raised by his paternal aunt and uncle, Ortense Dean and Marcus Winslow. Dean's mother is buried in Grant Memorial Park in Marion.
James Dean started school at the Fairmount West Ward (Old Academy) and in 1945 went to Fairmount High School. He was an average student, but excelled in sports, art, drama and band. He was a member of the debate team and at the graduation exercises in May of 1949, he received the dramatic, art and athletic awards. He also placed first in the Indiana State Contest of the National Forensic League with this presentation of "The Madman" by Dickens, and sixth in the National Contest held at Longmont, Colorado.
After graduation Dean went to California where his father lived and attended Santa Monica City College, where he first majored in pre-law, and later UCLA, where he was a theater major. His first acting job was in a Pepsi commercial for which he earned $30. He got bit parts in a couple of movies, but wanted more important roles.
In September of 1951 James Dean left Hollywood for New York City to get into "serious" acting. He was cast in several live television dramas before being cast in his first Broadway play, "See the Jaguar."
It was in his second Broadway play, "The Immoralist," that he was spotted by director Elia Kazan, who had him screen tested and flown back to Hollywood to star in the leading role in John Steinbeck's classic, "East of Eden." He immediately went on to make "Rebel Without A Cause" with director Nick Ray and co-stars Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo.
His third film was the Edna Ferber epic, "Giant," which co-starred Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson. All three films were made within sixteen months.
On September 30, 1955, James Byron Dean was driving his new 550 Porsche Spyder to Salinas, California, where he planned to enter it in a race. At 5:45 p.m. at the intersection of Routes 466 and 41 near Cholame, a 1950 Ford turned in front of the sports car and Dean was unable to avoid a collision with it.
At the age of 24, with only "East of Eden" released to the public, James Dean was dead. "Rebel Without A Cause" would open one week later.
Dean's body was brought back to Fairmount and laid to rest in the Winslow family plot in Park Cemetery, one-half mile north of Fairmount, a short distance from the farm home where he grew up. Funeral services were held at the Friends Church, 124 W. First Street, Fairmount, on October 8, 1955.
Fairmount Historical Museum
203 East Washington Street
Fairmount, Indiana 46928
948-4555
Open Daily March thru November,
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, 12 noon-5 p.m.
Admission: $1 suggested donation
James Dean lives on at the Fairmount Historical Museum.
From his Fairmount childhood to his untimely death, his life can be traced through hundreds of rare photographs, his motorcycles, bongo drums, movie costumes, and countless keepsakes donated to the museum by his own family and close friends.
The James Dean Gallery
425 North Main Street
Fairmount, Indiana 46928
948-DEAN (3326)
Open Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving,Christmas and New Year's Day
Admission: $3.75, Adults; Children under 10, free
See the world's largest private collection of memorabilia and archives dealing with the short life and career of one of the most remembered personalities in film history. The Gallery traces Dean's achievements in sports and drama from his days at Fairmount High School to his years in New York and Hollywood which led to his international legendary status.
Among the items on display are items of clothing which were worn by Dean in his films, original movie posters, books, magazines and novelty items from over twenty different countries from around the world. Also, a screening room shows a 30 minute video of rare television appearances and screen tests.
James Dean Memorial Park
Corner of Second and Main Street, Fairmount.
Dedicated on September 30, 1995 to commemorate the 40-year anniversary of James Dean's death. The park features a monument with a larger than life size bronze bust of Dean done by Hollywood artist Kenneth Kendall.
James Dean Gravesite
Park Cemetery, Fairmount
Thousands of people visit James Dean's gravesite each year to pay their respects to one of the most remembered personalities in film history.
James Dean Boyhood Home-The Winslow Farm
County Road 150 East
Private home not open to the public. Pictures of the exterior of the home can be taken from road and driveway.
Carter's Motorcycle Shop
County Road 150 East
Not open to the public; the place where James Dean bought his first motorcycle.
Back Creek Friends Church
County Road 150 East
The location for the September 30 memorial service held each year.
Friends Church
124 W. First Street
Fairmount, Indiana 46928
On October 8, 1955, James Dean's funeral was held at this church. Hundreds of fans sobbed as they waited outside.
Old Fairmount High School
Vine Street, between Adams and Jefferson Streets
Fairmount, Indiana 46928
From 1945 until his graduation in 1949, Dean attended school here. The school closed in 1986.
James Dean Birthsite
Corner of Fourth and McClure Streets, Marion
At this corner stood the house where James Dean was born at 2 am on February 8, 1931. A stone with a plaque and a star in the sidewalk now commemorate the spot where the house, known as "The Seven Gables," once stood.
