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Alphonzo Edward Bell (1875-1947)
| The founder of Bel-Air was a successful gentleman farmer named Alphonzo Bell. His farmland in Santa Fe Springs reaped an unexpected harvest when his earth produced oil, enabling him, in the early 1920's, to buy a large ranch with a main house atop what is now Bel-Air Road.
Bell was a religious and disciplined man. A recognized tennis champion, he was an imposing figure at 6'2". From his vista high on Bel-Air Road, he was overwhelmed with the natural beauty of the land and he saw the potential to develop the ranch land into a magnificent community with roads, and utilities, and generous lots for the early founders of Los Angeles.
He built a sales and development center in Stone Canyon and worked in an office which is now a large suite at the Hotel Bel-Air.
Mrs. Bell chose the Italian names for the streets.
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Minnewa Bell at the ring and show grounds just below the stables on Stone Canyon Road
| While he was subdividing the property, he built the Bel-Air Beach Club in Santa Monica, and the Bel-Air Country Club in 1924. Near his office in the 800 Block of Stone Canyon Road, he built stables and an equestrian track. Because he was worried that automobile traffic on Stone Canyon Road might frighten the horses, he built tunnels under the road for the riders. These hollows can been seen today as ponds on the east side of the hotel.
In 1931 Mrs. Bell organized the Bel-Air Garden Club to promote and maintain the beauty of the community and its gardens. In the same year, Bel-Air Woodland was opened for sale. It is known today as Stone Canyon. In 1937 Bel-Air was extended westward to Sepulveda Boulevard.
In 1945, Alphonzo Bell suffered several heart attacks and decided to transfer his interests to the Bel-Air Land Company, which continued development until 1952. In 1945, starting with the remodeling of the original development offices, construction began on the Hotel Bel-Air.
The Bel-Air Association office at the East Gate was originally a Bel-Air sales office.
Bellagio Road Gate
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A Brief History of Bel-Air is the title of a book given to each family when they become members. It contains a more detailed recital of our history and contains the names of many of the early pioneers. It covers the history of the Mexican Ranchos dating back to the early 1800's and the story of the Gabrielino Indians who came here centuries before to enjoy the lush greenery and the natural springs which supported their farms and villages.
Photographic archives covering the history of Bel-Air are maintained in our offices. If you have photos taken before 1952, please call the office and, with your permission we will | |
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