Bruce Bellard papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-1149

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

This collection spans the dates from 1939 through the 2000s and includes correspondence, scrapbooks, newspaper clippings, awards, programs, photographs and personal items.

Dates

Creation: 1939-2000s, undated

Extent

5.53 Cubic Feet (6 manuscript boxes, 1 record carton, 4 flat boxes, 1 card box)

Creator

Bellard, Bruce, 1923-2010 (Person)

Scope and Contents

The collection begins with Bruce Bellard’s high school athletic career and follows him to BGSU, his coaching, teaching, retirement and his life as an elected official for the City of Bowling Green. The collection includes correspondence, faculty reports, mayoral reports, scrapbooks, campaign information, photos and awards.

Much of the correspondence to Federal and state elected officials involves financial contributions, his feelings on potential bills and tax proposals (Federal Aviation Administration and the IRS Project from the 1970s), and letters of recommendation for the Military Academy, as well as congratulations on reelection and retirement.

His papers include his research for his master’s thesis on physical education being mandatory for graduation, as well as some notes from classes he taught at BGSU. His coaching days are well represented with newspaper clippings and scrapbooks detailing wins. Bellard was also extremely involved in promoting Drivers Education and encouraging this to be a mandatory program for young drivers. Many of his papers and talks are included in the collection.

His letters from his positions on the city council and as mayor include personal correspondence, requests for public speaking, and personal views on potential voting in city affairs.

Biographical / Historical

Originally from Bellevue, Ohio, Bruce Bellard came to Bowling Green to attend the University, having participated in football, swimming and track in high school. He decided to attend BGSU because the excellence of the education and athletic programs would facilitate his dreams of becoming a coach. His college education was interrupted by four years of service in the United States Navy during World War II, volunteering the day after Pearl Harbor and called to duty three months later as an aircraft mechanic. He returned to BGSU in 1946 and received his bachelors’ degree while playing football. He was then hired by the University as a staff member in the Health and Physical Education and Athletic Department. He coached football from 1948-1960, and wrestling from the 1950s-1970s.

Upon his retirement from teaching full time at BGSU, Bellard pursued a second career in local government, running for City Council in 1972. He remained on the council until 1983 when he was appointed Mayor. His term as Mayor lasted until 1987 when he retired from his career as a politician.

Mr. Bellard is probably also well remembered for his efforts involving drivers’ education. He was a member of many local groups and associations and was presented with many awards for his achievements and service to the community. He died in 2010.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.