Birthdays are a magical time for young and old alike, but the Centennial birthday of a small town is even more special as each candle on the community cake represents a year of growth, new business, new friendships, and yes, sadness as the old, and sometimes not so old, are laid to rest. The flickering flames of the birthday candles represent the ups and downs of the years and people making up the town.
   Small communities share a bond not known in cities, that of friendship and mutual concern for a neighbor's welfare. To an outsider, direct questions about a family member's health during time of illness or possible plans for the future may seem like interference. To residents familiar with such occurrences, they are accepted for what they are, honest and genuine concern.

   Bellwood's history reflects just such concern and unity, as its people joined together against depression, nature's whims and a human scoundrel or two. Where many small communities fall by the wayside, industry and commerce thrive, not only on the main street of town, but in many private homes in and around the village. In addition, the community is providing for its future through education of its young in a modern school and its churches.
   Your Centennial History Committee now invites you to share in the magical moments discovered in the preparation of this book, as you take a step back in time and a walk to the present and future of your community.

   The history committee has tried to make this book a reasonable accurate account of this community for the past hundred years. We have had to rely very much on the citizens of the community to supply information on past events and the people involved. Unfortunately, almost three decades of the Bellwood Gazette were not preserved. These could have supplied much more detailed information on some events that are touched on in this book.
   We wish this book to be more than just a record of people and events over the past hundred years. We also want it to be a book of remembrance of today's people and today's events for today's youth and their parents to recall in the decades ahead. That is one reason why the decision was made early in the planning meetings to include the centennial celebration in the book. The celebration proved to be a happy and very successful event so we are glad it is

being recorded here.
   The community spirit was high and the cooperation very good during the planning and carrying out of the celebration. But, as is usually the case, the heaviest load fell on a few shoulders. The centennial chairman provided much enthusiasm and good direction. Edna Hiller and Gussie Wilson were the real workhorses in getting this book prepared and to the printer. No one but they could guess the amount of time they have put in on this. The history committee is grateful to Viola Stack, Tena Beringer, and Rhoda Cook who helped as readers and also to Rita Hanus, Elaine Kyander, Janice Bohaty, Denise Wilson, Loris Raric, Janelle Schmale and Verla Wilson for their work as typists.

Robert M. Bell, Chairman
History Book Committee

To the Citizens of Bellwood

Rosalynn and I are pleased to congratulate you on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of your community.

We share your joy and pride as you commemorate this historical milestone. The values and ideals which have made your community grow and prosper have also contributed to the growth and prosperity of our entire Nation.

It is appropriate to reflect in these changing times on the spirit and vitality of those forebears whose devotion to God and country, to hard work and self-sacrifice has benefited us al I and enabled us to enjoy the blessings which come from living in the greatest Nation on earth.

I hope your celebration will inspire you to renew your commitment to help preserve, and beyond that, to enhance the heritage you will pass on to future generations.

TO THE CITIZENS OF BELLWOOD

          My sincere congratulations to all of you as you celebrate Bellwood's centennial.

          Not only will this year give you an opportunity to reflect on the past but a pause to plan for the future.

          The dreams of your ancestors should live on as you continue your efforts for the "good life."

          Best wishes, and God Bless!

JJE/en

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

From The Beginning
   (Community History). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

People Made It Happen
   (Family Histories). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

People Working Together
   (Organizational Histories). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

51

Industry Through The Years
   (Businesses). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

61

Spiritual Guidance
   (Churches). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

97

The Three Rs
   (Schools). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

103

All Work And No Play
   (Sports). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

115

Pictures Say A Lot
   (Special Photo Layouts). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

123

The Happy And Sad Times
   (Entertainment and Tragedy). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

127

Landmarks
   (Points Of Interest, Past And Present). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

139

Who's Who
   (Special Personalities). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

149

The 100th Birthday Party
   (Centennial Pictures). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

157