Saying goodbye to a cherished family home can be an emotional journey for anyone.
But for Annette Culp, granddaughter of James “Gib" Bell and Susie Bell, selling the historic house in which the family lived for generations represents the end of an era filled with a legacy of community service in Irricana.
As the Town’s website points out, Gib Bell, known as a prominent figure in Irricana's history, wore many hats around the community.
In addition to owning businesses, Bell served as the treasury branch agent for the Town, insurance agent, secretary-treasurer, and held various positions within the Irricana Mutual Telephone Co., as well as the school district and Lions Club.
Following in his father's footsteps, Fred Bell took over as the insurance and treasury branch agent and also operated the Canada Post office. Fred also contributed significantly to the Town, serving as secretary-treasurer for many years.
The character home, constructed by Gib Bell and his wife Susie in 1930, has been a cherished part of the Bell family for generations. According to Culp, now employed as the planning and development officer for the Town of Irricana, she even lived in the house during her childhood.
“The house has been kept in the family and is currently owned by my uncle, Jim Bell,” she explained. “It is being sold primarily for my uncle to downsize.”
According to Culp, the house's iconic white picket fence, enveloping the corner property, carries immense nostalgic value for both the Bell family and the community. In fact, she said, the fence even served as the inspiration for the Town of Irricana sign, which can be seen along the intersection of Second Street and Highway 9.
“I feel quite [melancholic] due to the end of an era of the Bell family owning property in Irricana,” Culp said. “Even though I lived on other properties in town, this property was home base. It will be strange not having that connection anymore.”
Recognizing the significant contributions of the Bell family to Irricana over the years, the Town even named a street in town as “Gib Bell Close.”
Despite feeling sad about selling their house, Culp said the Bell family remains deeply entrenched within their town. Their dedication is a testament to the strong bond they share with the community they love.
“My daughter got a summer student job with the municipality which made four generations of the family working for the Town of Irricana,” Culp said.
As the Bell family bids farewell to their ancestral home, the echoes of their legacy will forever resonate within the heart of Irricana. The house’s sale may represent the closing of a storied chapter, but it is also a testament to the enduring spirit of community service that has shaped the family's identity throughout the years.
