"Bellaire appears 'football minded' today as followers of the grid game wend their way to the 26th street grounds and turn their minds to the opening of a new athletic field and the launching of a new football season.

"The pledge to the flag and salute were given by Hays Marshall, president of the Big Reds Booster Club, and repeated in unison by many present.

"J. V. Nelson, superintendent of the schools, stood before the Bellaire section and made a short talk.  In part he said:

" 'Today a long cherished dream comes true in Bellaire.  For years, faithful fans have hoped for an athletic field owned by the school.  Now we are assembled here to witness the annual struggle between Bellaire and Shadyside on a field owned by the board of education.

" 'On January 6th, when George Branstroop came here to work with sixteen men, this field was covered with trees, thickets, weeds, higher than a man's head and several old shacks.  In general, the appearance of the field was exactly opposite of what it is today.  In eight months this transformation has taken place.  More than 6000 cubic yards of dirt have been moved, all debris has been moved away and a well planned field has been laid out, fencing has been provided, and proper drainage provided.

" 'The future possibilities of this field depends largely on the loyalty of the fans.  If you continue to patronize the games, we can go on improving the field.  Every one is pleased with what has been accomplished, but no one is satisfied with the field as it is.  Improvements will be made as rapidly as they can be safely and properly financed.  Let us all share today in this community enterprise, with a just feeling of pride with a full realization that the way to community betterment is through cooperation.'

"This was followed by the rendition of the Bellaire High school song by the students with band accompaniment.  These features concluded, the opposing grid teams took their position on the field and the first game on the new field was underway."

(Excerpts taken from an article dated Saturday, September 22, 1934 from The Bellaire Daily Leader, front page and page 8)

The game's final score was:  Shadyside - 7, Bellaire - 2.

(photo source unknown)
Nelson Field (circa 1970s)

photo ©2002 J.D. Kappler
Nelson Field bell