Ten years ago the City of Bellaire commemorated the centennial of our founding in 1908. We now mark another important milestone, the 100th anniversary of our incorporation as a city. On June 24, 1918, the people of Bellaire made their town official, and it was that defining act that makes us what we are still to this day. Though we didn’t attain full self-government until 1949 when the population reached 5,000 and adopted a home-rule charter, incorporation established Bellaire as its own independent city, free from annexation by Houston as both grew. (It didn’t stop West U. from trying, but that’s another story.)
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Special thanks to our community partners who kicked off the festivities this morning at Evelyn’s Park, complete with birthday cake and refreshments provided by H-E-B Bellaire Market. Photo courtesy of Dee Zunker Photography
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Incorporation was a coming of age for our small town, a significant achievement worthy of recognition this year. Starting next month we’ll also be celebrating the Bellaire Police Department’s own centennial, as it traces its roots to the appointment of the City’s first law enforcement officer two weeks after the local government was formed. The opening of our new City Hall later this summer, and Police and Courts building in the fall, also coincide nicely with these 100-year occasions.
This historic weekend, the weather has cleared up just in time for you to enjoy the self-guided Bellaire Centennial History Walk. Or take a Bellaire history bus tour. You can also read more about our early years in the Handbook of Texas online, and check out the Bellaire Historical Society when its programming resumes in September. Happy Birthday, Bellaire!
