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Any photos not otherwise credited are from the personal collection of Frank Passic, Albion Historian.
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Morning Star, December 20, 2024, pg. 8 With the recent sale/return of Bellemont Manor by Albion College in November back to members of the Dean family, we are reminded of the heritage this family-clan has had in Albion, and its association with Albion College. Bellemont Manor is an eight-bedroom Georgian Colonial home, built in the late 1920s, located at 906 Haven Lane, at the top of the hill near Victory Park. For many years Bellemont served as the College's conference center, and numerous receptions, events, and other events were held here. Before the residence was donated to Albion College in 1962, it served as the home of George (1872-1932) and Belle (Clark) (1874-1961) Dean. George was president of Union Steel Products, a major Albion industry. He was a financial supporter of Albion College, his alma mater (Class of 1896). George was also a prominent contractor in town, and laid Albion's first concrete sidewalks in 1901. George built the present Victory Park waterfall in 1905, now in deteriorating condition after 119 years. The family also owned and operated the adjacent Haven Hills Dairy Farm, known for its prize-winning Guernsey cows and milk. The herd impressed the great retailer, James Cash Penney (1875-1971), himself a noted breeder of guernsey cattle. He visited Albion on June 12, 1935 to view the Haven Hills guernseys. The fact that Mr. Penney made a special visit to see the Haven Hills cattle is an indication of the fine reputation our local dairy had. Raising their family at Bellemont Manor, the Deans held many social events in their large home from the 1930s through 1950s. Christmas, of course, was a special time for family gatherings. From our Historical Notebook this week, courtesy of Annabelle Dean, we present a Christmas gathering of the Dean family clan from Christmas, 1950 there at Bellemont Manor. Front row, left to right: Ruth (Dean) Deal, Janet Deal, Reginald Smith, Stafford Smith, Ethel Smith, Belle (Clark) Dean, Clark Dean, Mate Dean, Helen (Dean) Ewbank, Jean (Devotie) Dean) holding Annabelle Dean, with Frank "Ned" Dean, Jr. in a small chair below. Second row: Robert Deal, Richard Deal, Frank Smith, Gordon Ketchum, Belle Ketchum Stahl, Dagmar (Dean) Ketchum, Phil Lange holding Eric "Rick" Lange, Ethel Belle (Dean) Lange holding Mark Lange, John Dean, Barry Ewbank, Paul Ewbank, Frank Dean. Top row: Paul Smith, Dean Smith, John Swanson, Jane Swanson. Here are some helpful hints for those taking photographs like the one featured this week. Try and have some actual prints made rather than just store them digitally. Be sure and label the identities on a piece of paper and fasten it to the back of the photo. Identify the persons row-by-row from left to right for future family generations to appreciate and enjoy. Your family descendants will be glad you did.  The Dean Family, Christmas, 1950 at Bellemont Manor
All text copyright, 2025 © all rights reserved Frank Passic
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