Vigo County Historical Society

McMillan sports a strong legacy in Terre Haute

One of Terre Haute’s most illustrious and effective mayors was Republican Vern R. McMillan, who served from 1944 to 1948.

He was born in Morril, Kan., on Sept. 15, 1892, and graduate from Baker University in 1913. He was captain of his college football team, participated in track events and was an early motorcycle enthusiast.

After coming to Terre Haute, he worked in his uncle’s bicycle shop. In 1926, he opened his own sporting goods store, first on Ninth Street, then Wabash and finally at 600 S. Third St.

He originated the famous slogan, "It Pays to Play." McMillan, along with Dell Humphrey, was involved in the invention and manufacture of football face guards. Table model inflators for footballs, basketballs and volleyballs was another of his inventions. The originator of a color size marking system for socks, McMillan designed and patented a belt without metal in the buckle for football and baseball players.

Employees at McMillan Sporting Goods shared in an innovative pension plan under his ownership. As commander of American Legion Post 40, he dedicated Sacred Heart School in spite of threats from Ku Klux Klan movements.

Many were surprised when he was elected mayor by an overwhelming majority. McMillan was instrumental in reducing gambling and houses of ill fame throughout the city. He made tremendous efforts in improving the park system, revitalized the health department by securing immunizations for all school children, providing treatment for syphilis and extending quarantine to tuberculosis patients.

Vern McMillan succeeded in interesting Anton Hulman Jr. in the city, which resulted in many improvements. During his administration, Memorial Stadium was completely remodeled.

Elected to the National Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame, McMillan also was a member of Terre Haute Rotary, American Legion, Elks Lodge, Zorah Shrine and Masonic Lodge.

After a long, productive life, McMillan died Dec. 1, 1968, at age 76. At the time of his death, he left behind three daughters, his wife having died previously. The city of Terre Haute lost a dynamic leader.

This picture was taken from the book, "Terre Haute, A Pictorial History" by Dorothy Jerse and Judith Calvert.