Keith Wondra, curator at Boot Hill Museum and Vice President of the Western Cattle Trail Association, Dodge City Chapter, will delve into the vibrant life of the legendary Ham Bell, an epitome of the Wild West spirit. This special presentation of Ham Bell's life will be held during Dodge City Days on July 31 at Boot Hill Museum starting at 2:00 P.M. On April 4, 1947, Hamilton 'Ham' Bell passed away. According to his obituary, he was one of the most influential men who lived in early Dodge City, shaping the community we know today. Boot Hill Museum curator Keith Wondra will talk about the life of this Dodge City pioneer, shedding light on his contributions to our local history. Born as Hannibal Bettler Belts in Washington County, Maryland, Ham embarked on a journey to Dodge City, Kansas, leaving an indelible mark on its economic and cultural life. In his early life, Bell was a restless jewelry store salesman who had mastered cleaning clocks. This skill would later pave his way to Kansas. He took Horace Greeley's famous advice, "Go West, young man, go west and grow up with the country," and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention. Ham Bell's arrival in Dodge City marked the beginning of his various ventures. His first business, a sod livery stable, grew into the largest structure in Western Kansas. Known far and wide as the Elephant Livery Stable, it became a meeting point for people throughout the region. Bell's entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there. He opened a dance hall and was the first to introduce the exotic Can Can dance to Dodge City. The dance quickly became the talk of the town, bridging the cultural gap between the frontier and the East Coast. Not just an entrepreneur, Ham Bell was also a respected lawman. His career in law enforcement spanned an impressive 36 years. Ham Bell's rule of never shooting his gun garnered him respect and admiration. His strategy was to draw his weapon in time to make the other man freeze, an approach that contributed to his survival in the volatile environment of the Wild West. Bell's political career was also noteworthy. He served two terms as mayor of Dodge City and two as a Ford County Commissioner. His unique physical attributes and charisma undoubtedly contributed to his political success. Beyond politics and law enforcement, Bell made significant contributions to modernizing Dodge City. He introduced the first women's restroom on the Santa Fe Trail and the first motorized ambulance and hearse in Dodge City. He also operated a furniture store and mortuary business, leaving a floral tribute on the casket of anyone who passed away in the city. Bell's adventurous life didn't stop there. He owned the first car dealership in southwest Kansas and operated a pet shop. When he passed away in 1947 at 94, he left behind a rich legacy and many stories that continue to captivate those interested in the history of the Wild West. The life of Ham Bell, a true pioneer, serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Old West, painting a picture of a time of resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural evolution. This presentation coincides with a temporary exhibit on the life of Ham Bell. We invite you to come and grab a coffee or even a sarsaparilla and help celebrate Ham's 171st birthday. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about the life of a Wild West legend and explore Boot Hill Museum's special exhibit. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Author"THE MISSION OF THE WESTERN CATTLE TRAIL ASSOCIATION IS TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE THE WESTERN CATTLE TRAIL AND TO ACCURATELY PROMOTE AWARENESS OF IT'S HISTORICAL LEGACY." Archives
September 2024
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