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Twenty Below in 1899
It’s cold y’all, but not quite as cold as it got on February 14th, 1899 right here in Bell Buckle. Twenty below! How about all this snow? Think our snow is “such as would be legal tender in the Northwest”?! There were blizzard conditions in Bell Buckle on December 15th, 1886. Stay warm everyone!
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People’s Bank Hit By Tank
In 1927, the old People’s Bank building and all its fixtures were up for auction. The next mention of the building’s use was as City Hall in 1934. Elections were held there for mayor and alderman in October of that year. In July of 1936, a large fire started in David Bingham’s cafe next door…
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People’s Bank & Trust Co.
By the turn of the century, Bell Buckle’s population was up to around 665. Its location on the Nashville Chattanooga Railroad positioned it to be one of the largest shipping locations for livestock in the area. With the Bank of Bell Buckle having been successful for 22 years, it was decided that a second bank…
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Bank of Bell Buckle Robberies
The story of the Bank of Bell Buckle isn’t quite complete without mention of the infamous burglaries. It was robbed at least four times. Two of which were pretty incredible stories. In December of 1912, with just days until Christmas, two thieves quietly made their way into Bell Buckle during the early morning hours. They…
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The Bank of Bell Buckle
The town of Bell Buckle was booming in the late 1880s. Businesses were successful, the creamery was up and running, the Webb School had moved to town with premier education, and it was time for the next step. An ice cream shop! Priorities, right? While one was opened in 1887 by the managers of the…
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Bell Buckle Creamery
Bell Buckle butter. Now that’s not a common phrase heard these days. You might associate Bell Buckle with many things, but butter probably isn’t at the top of that list. Long before Bell Buckle was known for its Cafe or Bluebird Ice Cream Parlor, it was prominent for not only its cows and mules, but…
Welcome to Historic Bell Buckle!
Here you’ll find stories of old Bellbuckle. Yep, Bellbuckle – one word. The United States Postal Service didn’t officially add the space until 1935. I hope to share the history of this town, its people, and its structures. I am an unofficial historian with a passion for digging into times gone by. The FBI of the past, as I like to say. I am grateful to be a part of this community and live in a place that is brimming with untold stories yet to be discovered, and to be able share them with you.
Amy Edmiston
Creator & Resident Research Nerd
Efforts are underway to restore the old Bell Buckle school! This is going to be a wonderful space for the community and we are excited to see it brough back to life. Learn more about its history and how you can become a Friend of Historic Bell Buckle School here.
