Bell Town Heritage Area

May 28

Here’s a comprehensive overview of the history of Bell Town Heritage Area in Aquebogue, part of Riverhead, NY 🏡

🧭 Origins & Founding

Great Migration Arrival
In the early 1930s, four brothers—Mansfield, Condry, Ezekiel, and Melkiah Bell—descended from a self-taught Black farmer and were grandsons of slaves from Powhatan County, Virginia. They left Jim Crow–era Virginia as part of the Great Migration, moving north for better economic opportunities and to escape racial oppression. [riverheadn...review.com], [riverheadn...review.com]
Land Acquisition & Development
Upon settling in Aquebogue, they purchased approximately 16 acres on the north side of Hubbard Avenue (part of what was once owned by Walter S. Downs). The land was subdivided into 32 residential lots, now comprising Bell Avenue, Hobson Drive, and Zion Street, and were initially sold to family members and Virginia migrants. [riverheadlocal.com], [eastendbeacon.com]

Self-Contained Village
Bell Town thrived as a predominantly African American and Native American community, often likened to "Black Wall Street." Residents established businesses such as a bakehouse, dairy, smokehouse, poultry and pig houses, and masonry services. They supported each other in constructing homes, developed a community center, and achieved local economic independence. [riverheadlocal.com], [eastendbeacon.com]
Contributions to Local Institutions
The Bell family also supported the construction of significant African American churches in the area. They were instrumental in building the Second and Third First Baptist Church buildings on Raynor Avenue and Northville Turnpike, as well as the Friendship Baptist Church at the end of Bell Avenue. [eastendbeacon.com]

Heritage Area Designation (2021)
The Riverhead Town Board officially designated the region between Bell Avenue and Zion Street, north of Hubbard Avenue, as the Bell Town Heritage Area in February 2021. This marked the first heritage area in Riverhead—a distinction from historic districts, as it recognizes cultural history without imposing land-use restrictions. [riverheadlocal.com], [riverheadn...review.com]
Sign Unveiling & Community Celebration (May 2022)
On May 21, 2022, a sign unveiling ceremony took place along Hubbard Avenue. The event, organized by Marylin Banks-Winter (granddaughter of Mansfield Bell) and Rev. Mary Cooper (her mother), acknowledged the Bell brothers' legacy. Attendees included local, county, and state officials, and the program featured African American and Native American cultural tributes like dance, drumming, and spoken word. [riverheadlocal.com], [longisland...siness.com], [riverheadn...review.com]

Research & Documentation Efforts
The recognition process began around 2015, with Marylin Banks-Winter collecting oral histories, artifacts, census records, and documents. These efforts ensured the Bells’ role in Riverhead’s cultural history was preserved and shared. [riverheadlocal.com], [riverheadn...review.com]
Plans for Cultural Center
At the heritage area’s dedication, plans were unveiled for creating an African American and Black Native American cultural center and museum in Riverhead—intended to celebrate and preserve the broader Black and Native local history. [riverheadn...review.com]

Cultural Affirmation
Bell Town tells a story of resilience: descendants of slaves creating a prosperous, self-reliant community during an era when such achievements faced racial barriers.
Community & Economic Impact
Through entrepreneurship, mutual aid, and community building, the Bells catalyzed a vibrant neighborhood that supported its members’ livelihoods and well-being.
Historical Recognition
As Riverhead’s first heritage area, Bell Town brings overdue acknowledgment to the individual contributions of Black and Native American residents and enriches the town’s historic narrative.