Centennial celebration for Bell’s Mill Park is Saturday

STRATFORD -- It’s been 100 years since the Bell's Mill Park was given to Hamilton County as a county park.

On Saturday, a date born in tradition for the Old Settler’s Reunions, there will be a celebration of this gift from Sarah Jane Bell (“Aunt Jen”), the wife of Jasper Newton Bell, which was gifted upon her death in 1926.

The second oldest park in the county, the century celebration combines with Bell's Bash, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday with a cornhole tournament. Live music will be held throughout the day featuring Rural Route and The Country Cousins.

The history and tours of the park will be told between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. At 4 p.m. raffle drawings will be held, with additional drawings held between band performances.

The name Mann-Bell Park was intended by Sarah Jane Bell, as described in the June 10 issue of The Stratford Courier. Although Sarah Jane was living when the gift was given, it appears the name was never changed on its signage.

In the article it reads, “The Mann-Bell park consists of some 10 or 12 acres of very pretty wooded ground south of the road and east of the river at Bell’s Mill. Ever since old settler’s annual picnics have been held in Hamilton county, they have been held in this park. It is a favorite picnic spot with Hamilton County and is picturesquely located in a bed of the Boon river with high wooded hills all around. It will make a fine memorial to Aunt Jen and Uncle Jas. Aunt Jen is not 84 years of age, while Uncle Jas has been dead for several years. Aunt Jen’s maiden name was Mann, hence the name Mann-Bell.

Uncle Jas. and Aunt Jen came to Hamilton county in 1853 and settled at the old Bell’s Mill, which was their home until the death of Uncle Jas, since which time Aunt Jen has lived in Webster City.”