Historical society in Brewster receives donation
Wedding attire worn by Dominic and Evelyn Belloni of Brewster has been donated to the historical society by the Belloni and Strickling families. Also included in the display are some of Army veteran Dominic Belloni’s military items including a rare Arctic parka and his WWII footlocker.
The Brewster-Sugarcreek Township Historical Society is now displaying a number of treasures once owned by a couple known for their good works. Among the heirlooms on display is the wedding gown worn by Evelyn Eloise Morgenstern as she strode down the aisle on her way to becoming Mrs. Dominic Victor Belloni.
The items were donated to the historical society museum by the Belloni and Strickling families of Brewster. Patty Strickling, the daughter of Dominic and Evelyn Belloni, is married to Tom Strickling.
Dominic and Evelyn Belloni were the owners of Belloni Foods, originally Belloni IGA, a grocery store opened by Dominic Belloni’s father Marion “Buzz” Belloni in 1909. The couple also operated the Brewster Theater built by Buzz in the basement of the Wabash Avenue grocery store.
“Mom had always wanted her dress and Dad’s uniform to be donated to the Brewster Historical Society,” Patty Strickling said.
Evelyn Belloni’s ivory wedding gown came from Fineberg’s in Dover while her veil made its way to Brewster from New York City. Her husband donned his United States Army Air Corps uniform for the nuptials, which took place Jan. 17, 1943, while Dominic Belloni was home on a 12-day leave during World War II. The couple’s wedding cake topper also is included in the display.
Returning home as a first lieutenant, Dud Belloni joined his father at the grocery store he would eventually take over. But serving his country was never far from his mind, and he continued to serve as a life member of the Brewster American Legion Post 160 as the American Legion state commander from 1981-82 and as National Legislative Commission liaison to U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula. He also was a trustee of the American Legion Buckeye Boys State and co-chairman of the Ohio Legislative Commission.
Evelyn Belloni was accomplished in her own way. A 1938 graduate of Brewster High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio University, where she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Known for her green thumb, she was a life member of the Navarre Garden Club and belonged to the West Stark Republican Ladies, National First Ladies Library and many other organizations.
The Bellonis were a busy couple, but they found time for family, having two children, Patricia and Marion (Buzz), and two grandchildren, Ben and Chris Belloni.
Other notable items
Additional items on display are as follows:
—Arctic sheepskin and leather flight parka worn by Dud Belloni during the war. The coat was produced for one year (1941-42) due to the high cost of hand assembly. The warmth it provided was certainly needed at the air base where he was stationed in Greenland and when flying the planes as well.
—Portrait of Dud Belloni painted in oils by George Gray, a well-known artist who specialized in historical and military themes. “As you can see, Dad is wearing the coat, and the fur is really sticking out, and that was really cool,” Patty Strickling said.
—A WWII footlocker issued to Dud Belloni accompanied during his military travels from Gray’s Armory in Cleveland to Camp Lee, Virginia; Fort George Meade, Maryland; Narsarssuak Air Base, Greenland; and all points between. Dud Belloni added his own artistic flair to the footlocker.
—WWII Army Air Force aviator’s kit bag used by all members of U.S. air crews. The bag carried flight gear and a parachute.
Informational plaques inside the display cases provide additional details of each piece of memorabilia along with interesting tidbits about the lives of the Bellonis.
About the cases
The museum quality acrylic cases housing the Belloni family treasures were made by George Laurence, owner of Museum Acrylics in New Philadelphia.
“These are the same quality and the same kind of thing I’d give the Smithsonian,” Laurence said.
Laurence’s cases can be found in museums and science centers around the world.
The Brewster Historical Society is located at 45 S. Wabash Ave. and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours may vary. Visit Facebook or www.brewster-sugarcreektwp-hist.org or call 330-767-0045.