County, Meeker, Stories

What the White River Valley and Bel Air, Calif., have in common

The Buford school house was donated by Minewa Bell Roosevelt (wife of Elliott Roosevelt) to the White River community in 1953, in memory of her father, Alfonso Bell. Bell not only owned a significant amount of land in the White River valley, he founded the prestigious Bel Air community in California. Today the school house is used by the White River Community Association for their annual fish fry. Photo by Bobby Gutierrez

MEEKER I Taking time to listen often reveals unexpected information, as is the case with Rex Ross and his family history.
Ross is the son of Minnewa Bell. Bell was the daughter of Alfonzo Sr. and Minnewa Bell. Alfonzo Bell Sr., was farming his Sante Fe Springs land in 1921 when oil was discovered on his property. Almost instantaneously wealthy, he started buying real estate in California, as well as helping establish the Union Oil Company. In 1923, Bell founded a residential community 12 miles west of downtown Los Angeles,  Calif. He named the affluent community Bel Air.
After living in California for a couple years, he heard about ranches in the White River valley in Colorado. On his first trip to Colorado the roads weren’t in good condition and his Rolls Royce broke down in an Arizona river wash. He had to get a mechanic from California to come fix the car, creating a substantial delay.
When he arrived on the South Fork of the White River, Bell loved the area’s hunting and ranching opportunities. He purchased a tract of land now owned by Elk Creek Ranch as well as the Westlands Ranch. He owned the majority of the land along the South Fork except for the parcels belonging to Al White and the Dorch property. He also owned the mountain between the north and south forks of the river all the way  down to the North Fork that is currently owned by Westlands.
Alfonzo’s wife, Minnewa (Shoemaker), was originally from Kansas. She didn’t like her given name — Mary — so she changed it to Minnewa. The couple had a son and daughter the named Alfonzo Jr. and Minnewa. The children enjoyed spending time on their father’s ranch and later built themselves a lodge about four miles past Buford on the North Fork. The lodge is still used by Westlands ranch today.
The ranch was called the Bar Bell and it was more then just a getaway for the Bell family. It was a working ranch and a great place for friends to gather and enjoy the outdoors. Eventually, Minnewa bought out her brother and he bought a ranch on the square S on Piceance Creek.
In 1950, Minnewa married Elliot Roosevelt, son of  former President Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Following their marriage, the name of the ranch was changed from the Bar Bell to the Rolling R ranch. Minnewa became very good friends with Eleanor, even traveling with her to Japan. In one book about Eleanor Roosevelt, there are pictures of her at the Rolling R and she talks about the time she spent there. Eleanor Roosevelt was present for the dedication of the school house, which was donated by the ranch.
The major attraction to the White River area was the hunting, and friends and family of Elliot and Minnewa had many gatherings on the ranch, as they spent their summers here. They wanted to have a working ranch as well and hired ranch hands for the work.
June and Oma Graham were the first to work the ranch for them, they were there about a year and a half, followed by Claude and Adriane Lamb who also worked for them for about a year. When Dallas and Anna Collins started work at the ranch, Minnewa knew she had found the perfect match. The Collins family lived on the ranch full-time with their three children: Joe, Dick and Patty.
Rex Ross, Minnewa’s son, was the same age as Dick Collins and remembers the Collins being as much a family as anyone to him. He would ride and work with the kids, and he truly enjoyed the time he had on the ranch. Dallas managed the ranch, Anna took care of the grounds and ranch hands. She would cook for people and help when Minnewa and Elliot had guests to entertain. Dick and Joe both worked the ranch from a young age, helping their father, and Patty would help wherever necessary.  The Roosevelts did a great deal of entertaining, from horseback riding excursions to evening parties. Their social gatherings were known for being a lot of fun. Meeker locals were eager to participate, and did so on occasion. The ranch’s guest book is filled with a wonderful variety of names, from the former first lady, to well-known businessmen, to local friends.
Rex said, “Being a cowboy is hard, everything else seemed easy after that.” He spent summers with the Collins family from the time he was seven until he was 19 years old. “I liked it here, we all had fun and life was good,” he said, adding, “The White River and this area is the best, especially this time of year.”
Minnewa and Elliot divorced after 11 years of marriage when Rex was 18. The ranch once again became the Bar Bell. Rex still visits from time to time. He takes time to talk to the members of the Collins family  and has a great deal of appreciation for the time he spent growing up on the Bar Bell Ranch as “one of the kids.”
His memories encompass fame, fortune, and a second family in an area far from the big city, but close to his heart.
The Bel-Aire State Wildlife Area was a donation from Minnewa Bell, however a technicality demanded that a $1 charge be paid by the Division of Wildlife for the property. It was a fish hatchery until the mid-1970s. Many have questioned the correlation between the names of this area and the prestigious California neighborhood. Established by the same family, carrying the same name, and perhaps equally valued by the Bell family, albeit for different reasons.

2 Comments

  1. Hi Hallie,

    I found the above article that your wrote very interesting and informative. I am researching a painting by Frank Tenney Johnson that probably depicts the area around Alfonzo Bell’s Colorado ranch which the artist visited in the summer of 1929. The two were friends. I’m trying to figure out where in Colorado it is — the northwest part of the state? Would it have been on or near a National Forest?

    Thank you for your help with this.

  2. Hi Melissa,
    Alphonzo Bell’s ranch was in the northwest corner of Colorado, in Rio Blanco County, in or near the White River National Forest. You might email the White River Museum here in Meeker, as they have quite a bit of history related to Mr. Bell. ([email protected]) You can also check out this link, which has a map for Mr. Bell’s land patent: https://thelandpatents.com/owners/336343
    Good luck!
    Niki

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@ht.1885
  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
  • Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
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1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
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