Belleville history: eight inspiring tales of transformation

This collection of stories highlights transformation through venues, businesses, and people in Belleville’s history.

Belle-Clair Fairgrounds reveals its Civil War history as a Union Army camp, once drawing a visit from Ulysses S. Grant. The Belleville Health and Fitness Club saved its venue from closure and now operates as a member-owned nonprofit. The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows holds memories for many, with stories of its popular soup-and-salad bar and holiday lights.

Patty Gregory, Belleville’s first female mayor, reflects on her term and the persistence required during the closure of major institutions.

Read the stories below.

A top-down drawing of the St. Clair County Fairgrounds in Belleville in 1867. The modern day Belle-Clair Fairgrounds is located in the same position.

NO. 1: BELLE-CLAIR FAIRGROUNDS WAS ONCE SITE OF UNION ARMY CAMP DURING THE CIVIL WAR

“Belleville is 210 years old. ... If no one tells the story, then no one hears the story,” said a local historian. | Published June 20, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bruce Darnell

The Shrine Restaurant plans to update its dinner menu but the soup and salad buffet will not change. By Mike Koziatek

NO. 2: WHAT MEMORIES OF THE SHRINE DO BELLEVILLE’S FAITHFUL CHERISH MOST? THE RESTAURANT, MOSTLY

“The Philly cheesesteak soup.... I’d give my right arm for that recipe.” What are your favorite memories? | Published July 11, 2024 | Read Full Story

Inside of Belleville Health and Sports Center, a gym facility owned and operated by Belleville Health and Fitness Club, a 501(C) nonprofit with a board of fitness-oriented citizens. By Joshua Carter

NO. 3: RESCUED FROM CLOSURE BY ITS MEMBERS, BELLEVILLE FITNESS CLUB HAS BECOME ITS OWN COMMUNITY

“Between the instructors and our members, there’s just a commitment to make this thing work,” said one of the nonprofit’s board members. | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joshua Carter

Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory smiles in between rows of artwork from previous Art on the Square shows on display in the lobby of City Hall, a week before her term as mayor is over. By Joshua Carter

NO. 4: GREGORY REFLECTS ON FOUR YEARS AS BELLEVILLE’S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR

Though not without controversy and conflict, she says her term will be marked by these accomplishments. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mike Koziatek

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.