Bell Cottage • Built 1884
Bell Cottage / The Birthplace of Henry Fonda
Built in 1884 for William H. and Loretta (Howard) Hooper, this house later became a rental property under George B. and Emma (Howard) Bell, who lived next door. In May 1904, William Bruce Fonda and his wife, Herberta, rented the home, and it was here that their son Henry Fonda was born on May 16, 1905. Henry would go on to become a celebrated actor, appearing in over 100 films and television programs.
The Grand Island Catholic Diocese acquired the 600 block of West Division Street in 1963 and planned to demolish the house to build a new convent. When Henry Fonda learned of the plans, he generously paid to have the house moved to the Stuhr Museum, preserving this piece of his family history.
Renting in the 1900s
Renting a home like this in 1905 cost about $18 per month—roughly $642 in today’s dollars.
The Hoopers
William H. Hooper worked with his father, Edward Hooper, in the family foundry and machine shop. Edward Hooper also served two terms as Grand Island mayor and in the state legislature. Loretta’s father, Blake C. Howard, was the general foreman of the Union Pacific Railroad shops and a long-time school board member; Howard School was later named in his honor.
The Bells
George B. Bell, a cashier for the Grand Island Banking Company, married Emma Howard, Loretta’s sister. The Bells lived next door and maintained the house as a rental property, including for the Fondas, until they sold it in November 1911.