928 BELLEVUE AVENUE
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
928 Bellevue was constructed in 1899 at a cost of $1,000 for Mary and William Bender. William was a painter, employed by Fuller and Pendergast. He married his wife, Mary, in 1885. The couple had no living children but lived happily at 928 Bellevue until 1927, the year William passed away. Mary remained in the house until she sold it in 1940 to Orville and Helen Gromer. Mary then moved to the apartments at 269-271 Douglas Avenue and passed away in 1960.
Orville Gromer was a carrier for the post office. He and his wife remained in the home until 1947 when they sold it to Edward and his second wife, Adah Hertell. The Hertells previously resided at 659 Chester Avenue. Edward was an immigrant of Germany born in 1889 whereas Adah was born in 1896 in Illinois. They lived on Bellevue until 1955, when they sold it to George and Lucy Betz. George was a United States World War II veteran and after returning from the war, he worked at Kimball Furniture. After a few years, he started his own business, Betz TV Service, operating it for many years until his retirement.
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
928 Bellevue Avenue is considered a significant structure to the historic integrity of this area. The two-story gable front house is graced by a large porch that extends across the east elevation and wraps around the south elevation. The porch roof is supported by large round columns on stone bases that match the foundation. Decorative shingle work on the front gable peak is reminiscent of the Victorian era and gives additional detail to a modest home.
TIMELINE OF PREVIOUS OWNERS
Sources: 2016 Heritage Plaque Application; Audio: TextAloud