Pharos Tribune: Former Hoosier Olympian Dr. Greg Bell Honored With Street Naming Ceremony
7/18/2024 5:00:00 PM | Track and Field
Josh Flynn
Staff reporter
Pharos Tribune
Dr. Greg Bell achieved another honor Monday afternoon when the City of Logansport renamed Westchester Drive to Dr. Greg Bell Way.
Mayor Chris Martin oversaw the small ceremony at the corner of Westchester and High Street, reading a proclamation that celebrated Dr. Bell's accomplishments and life.
Martin also dedicated the day—July 15—to Bell.
Dr. Bell was born on Nov. 7, 1930, and attended Terre Haute's Garfield High School where he was a member of the school's track and field team.
After serving in the army, he attended Indiana University where he excelled in track and field, never losing a collegiate long jump competition and winning two NCAA titles.
He almost broke Jesse Owens' world record of 26 feet and 8 inches on two occasions, coming up an inch short both times.
In 1956, he won the Olympic gold medal in the long jump at the Melbourne Olympics in Australia. He became the first Hoosier to win an individual gold medal in track and field.
Dr. Bell retired in 2020 at the age of 89 after a 50-year career as the director of dentistry at Logansport State Hospital.
"He's so humble," said Mayor Martin after the ceremony. "Coming from Indiana and being able to accomplish as much as he has is amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that him choosing Logansport as his home, why can't we make it a street? Forever we will have Dr. Greg Bell way."
Bell said the recognition meant a great deal, especially having close family and friends present for the moment.
"I know a lot of people in town know who I am because it is a small town and I had a dental practice here for quite a bit," he said. "So, it is very meaningful to me because it's been my hometown for (approximately 60 or 70 years)."
Dr. Bell said he's just one of the citizens of the community and has enjoyed living in Logansport.
"It's home," he said. "And I feel like it's home and for the people I live among to honor me like this is meaningful."
Proclamation and dedication to Dr. Greg Bell read by Mayor Martin, on behalf of the citizens of Logansport.
A member of the Logansport Street Department hands Dr. Greg Bell a replica of the street sign that replaced Westchester Drive. A small ceremony was held Monday afternoon to recognize the change and dedicate the day to Dr. Bell.
Where there's a Will, there's a Way!
Staff reporter
Pharos Tribune
Dr. Greg Bell achieved another honor Monday afternoon when the City of Logansport renamed Westchester Drive to Dr. Greg Bell Way.
Mayor Chris Martin oversaw the small ceremony at the corner of Westchester and High Street, reading a proclamation that celebrated Dr. Bell's accomplishments and life.
Martin also dedicated the day—July 15—to Bell.
Dr. Bell was born on Nov. 7, 1930, and attended Terre Haute's Garfield High School where he was a member of the school's track and field team.
After serving in the army, he attended Indiana University where he excelled in track and field, never losing a collegiate long jump competition and winning two NCAA titles.
He almost broke Jesse Owens' world record of 26 feet and 8 inches on two occasions, coming up an inch short both times.
In 1956, he won the Olympic gold medal in the long jump at the Melbourne Olympics in Australia. He became the first Hoosier to win an individual gold medal in track and field.
Dr. Bell retired in 2020 at the age of 89 after a 50-year career as the director of dentistry at Logansport State Hospital.
"He's so humble," said Mayor Martin after the ceremony. "Coming from Indiana and being able to accomplish as much as he has is amazing. There is no doubt in my mind that him choosing Logansport as his home, why can't we make it a street? Forever we will have Dr. Greg Bell way."
Bell said the recognition meant a great deal, especially having close family and friends present for the moment.
"I know a lot of people in town know who I am because it is a small town and I had a dental practice here for quite a bit," he said. "So, it is very meaningful to me because it's been my hometown for (approximately 60 or 70 years)."
Dr. Bell said he's just one of the citizens of the community and has enjoyed living in Logansport.
"It's home," he said. "And I feel like it's home and for the people I live among to honor me like this is meaningful."
Proclamation and dedication to Dr. Greg Bell read by Mayor Martin, on behalf of the citizens of Logansport.
A member of the Logansport Street Department hands Dr. Greg Bell a replica of the street sign that replaced Westchester Drive. A small ceremony was held Monday afternoon to recognize the change and dedicate the day to Dr. Bell.
Where there's a Will, there's a Way!
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