OHIO'S HISTORICAL MARKERS
Richland County
When acclaimed author Louis Bromfield returned to Ohio from Europe in 1938 the average annual salary was $1,368 and the US population was just over 123 million. All of his 30 books were best sellers which made his dream of creating Malabar possible.
He had developed a vision of farming in harmony with the environment; of soil restoration and new types of tillage. Inspired by his love of the land he created Malabar Farm with a 32-room home where his family, friends and neighbors could share the pleasure of life on the farm. (1)
The farm often hosted celebrities back then and is well known as the location of the wedding of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall of Hollywood fame in 1945. Bromfield died in 1956.
From 1958 to 1972 the farm was operated by a foundation and was nearing foreclosure. The state accepted the deed in August of that year and pledged to preserve the beauty and ecological value of the farm. In 1976 Malabar became one of Ohio's state parks.
Today the farm includes 875 acres of land and 3 acres of water.
This historical marker is located on a walkway between the modern visitor center and the Bromfield home and barn complex. (2)
(1) Malabar Foundation
(2) Malabar Farm ODNR homepage
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