No discussion of Bellevue, Ohio history can start without referencing the huge volume of work delivered by Bellevue's most noted historian, Bill Oddo. Bill's articles created the seed that led to the creation of this website. His articles and short stories about Flagler and Harkness helped many learn about these great families. He also helped noted authors like Pulitzer prize winner David Leon Chandler surface many previously unknown facts about the Harknesses and Flaglers time in Bellevue in his book Henry Flagler: The Astonishing Life and Times of the Visionary Robber Baron Who Founded Florida (Macmillan, 1986). Bill hosted Chandler when he visited Bellevue in the 1980's. The book "Flagler: Rockefeller Partner and Florida Baron" by Edward N. Akin also references many articles printed by Bill.
Bill was a well-respected member of Bellevue, Ohio, who contributed significantly to his community in various ways. He owned a popular barbershop on Main Street, which became a gathering place for local storytellers, fueling his interest in the town's history. In 1983, he began writing a weekly column in the Bellevue Gazette, focusing on the town's rich past, which quickly gained a loyal following.
Bill was an active member of his church and community, volunteering his time to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and working with the CYO. He also founded the Bellevue Boosters Club to support Bellevue City Schools and played a critical role in creating the Halls of Excellence program at the high school. Additionally, he was one of the founding members of the Bellevue Heritage Museum, which later became the Bellevue Historical Society.
One of Bill's biggest passions was the Tremont House Project, which he helped bring to fruition. As president of the Historical Society in 2002, he facilitated the purchase of the Tremont House building and authored the book, Bellevue - A Pictorial History, to raise funds for the project. He secured a grant for its publication and donated all profits to the initiative. In 2005, he also played a crucial role in getting the Tremont House listed on the National Register of Historic Places. All proceeds from his latest book, Stories of Old Bellevue – Vol. V, were dedicated to the Tremont House Project.
In 2010, Bill received the Individual Outstanding Achievement Award from the Ohio Association of Historic Societies and Museums in recognition of his exceptional contributions to local history preservation. At the awards ceremony, he was introduced as a historian who had brought the town's history to life for nearly 30 years.
We are grateful to Bill and his family for their exceptional work in documenting and preserving the rich history of Bellevue, Ohio.
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