Details for Birthplace of Babe Didrikson Zaharias

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5245010586

Data

Marker Number 10586
Atlas Number 5245010586
Marker Title Birthplace of Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Index Entry Zaharias, Babe Didrikson, Birthplace of
Address 2232 Seventh St.
City Port Arthur
County Jefferson
UTM Zone 15
UTM Easting 410772
UTM Northing 3306624
Subject Codes sheriffs; sports topics; women, women's history topics
Marker Year 1979
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text (June 26, 1911 - September 27, 1956) One of seven children, Mildred Ella "Babe" Didrikson was the daughter of Norwegian immigrants Hannah Marie (d. 1945) and Ole Didrikson (d. 1943). For the first several years of her life, the family occupied a frame house at this location. Later they moved to Beaumont. The Didriksons encouraged their children to develop their natural athletic abilities. Called "Baby" by her family, Mildred was later nicknamed "Babe" for baseball star Babe Ruth. Babe first demonstrated her athletic skill as a high school basketball star. After training in track and field events, she won two gold medals at the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. An exceptionally versatile athlete, Babe excelled in baseball, bowling, tennis, and other sports. Eventually she concentrated her efforts on golf and won many tournaments as both an amateur and a professional. The Associated Press named her the "Woman Athlete of the First Half of the 20th Century." In 1938 Babe married George Zaharias. Popular with sports fans for her skill and personality, she won further admiration during a long and courageous battle against cancer. She died in Galveston and was buried in Beaumont.