Albion Interactive History / Bellemont

Albion Interactive History

Albion Interactive History / Buildings / <Albion College

Bellemont Manor, 1930s

Block +
US Census Block # 34-205

Builders +
David Lewis Trine, plasterer

Historic Designation +
Albion Area Historical Architectural Survey, 1985
Report of the Historic District Study Committee, 1976

Description
On November 2, 1962 the president announced at the Homecoming luncheon that”Haven Hills Home,” the estate of the late George Dean, had beendonated to the college by the UnionSteel Products company of Albion. Renamed Bellemont Manor, to honor BelleDean and the homes hilltop location, this gracious 30-room mansion servedthe college as a conference center for leaders in business, church, education,and other organizations as well as for numerous college functions. Under thecapable management of Morley Fraser, Michigan’s “Coach of the Year” in1961, Bellemont Manor retained the charm of the Dean family while stillproviding a gracious center for continuing education. During the Vulgamoreadministration Bellemont stopped being used as a conference center, andtoday occasionally hosts college related events.

Source: Keith Fennimore. The Albion College Sesquicentennial History. Albion, Michigan: Albion College. 1985.


Bellemont Manor, formerly the George Dean residence, which later served as the conference center for continuing eduction.


The Dean family of Albion, generous supporters and loyal friends of the college. (Note the George and Belle Dean portraits.)


From the Albion College Archives

Bellemont Manor

Haven Hills Home, former estate of the Dean Family, was donated to the College in 1962 by the Union Steel Foundation of Albion. The College renamed the home “Bellemont Manor” in honor of Belle Dean and in recognition of its hilltop location. (Fennimore, pp.640-41)

The 30-room mansion serves as a conference center not only for the College, but for business meetings, weddings, reunions and other events. It is also available to parents and alumni for lodging.

Rooms in the Manor House and its associated buildings can be reserved by calling Dining & Hospitality Services at 517/629-0318.

All photographs are from the Albion College Archives Photograph Files, unless otherwise noted.

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Networked Resources
http://www.albion.edu/tour/still/bellemo.asp
http://www.albion.edu/dining/lodging.asp
http://www.albion.edu/ac_map/still/bellemo2.asp

Source: Albion College Archives, 2003 [Downloaded July 3, 2003]

1 Comment

  1. It should be noted that Robert Immel was the original director of Bellemont Manor and over saw its renovation from private residence to in-residence conference center starting in 1963-64. President Norris brought Robert from MSU, Department of Continuing Education. He and his family resided in the adjacent carriage house

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