Hotel, check. Funeral Home, check. What could be next for this old gal?
It was 1976 and the home was purchased by the Strobel family. Eugene and Katherine started to learn the quirks of their hotel turned funeral parlor and were ready to make this their family home. They did extensive renovations restoring things back to how it would have been originally and leaving some things the way they were.
A couple of years into their lives in Bell Buckle, both Eugene and Katherine became very involved with the town in several capacities and they played active roles in the revitalizing of the community. Eugene was elected mayor and served in that role for 3 terms. He was beloved by the town and instrumental in the forming of a Town Hall that is still used today. It was named in his honor. Eugene Strobel passed away in 2016 and his wife Katherine passed just last year. I had the honor of speaking with Katherine on a few occasions and I count it a joy to have been able to listen to her tell stories and to have witnessed her southern charm and spunk.
The home is still in the family and continues to be a private residence. It remains a treasured piece of Bell Buckle history and symbol of old Bellbuckle like no other.
I want to thank the Strobel family for sharing their knowledge with me and for their wonderful hospitality. This history has been a highlight in my Bell Buckle research!
Even with all that this home has seen, there’s more research to be done on this property. There are puzzle pieces in the 1870s, before it was the Linch Hotel, that have yet to be fit together. I will be sure to share any discoveries!
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