Bel-Nor
Bel-Nor was founded in 1932 as a village. Despite its small size, the municipality is home to historic St. Louis institutions, many of which predate Bel-Nor's founding. These include well-regarded St. Louis schools and a nationally recognized golf course. However, while it values its traditions, Bel-Nor is not wedded to the past. In 2015 the residents voted to become a full city. In doing so they took more control over their neighborhood and directed their energies toward building upon the new city's historic foundation. In pursuit of this, the city recently embarked on an ambitious plan to enhance the local park. As it approaches the hundredth anniversary of its founding Bel-Nor remains a vibrant closely-knit community proud of its heritage, and eagerly looking toward the future.
Bel-Nor 50th Anniversary Commemoration Plaque
In October of 1987, the Village of Bel-Nor unveiled this plaque commemorating the village's fiftieth anniversary. The plaque thanked the then-chairman for his stewardship. It reflected on the village's accomplishments over the preceding five decades and looked hopefully forward to what could be accomplished in the next fifty years.
Normandie Golf Clubhouse
Founded in 1901 the Normandie Golf Club is the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi. The clubhouse was constructed two years later, only to be torn down in the eighties. To this day the course is considered a seminal part of US golf history both due to its age and architecture.
Bel-Nor School
Bel-Nor Elementary was founded in 1927. It is the only elementary school within the Normandy School Collaborative (The Normandy School District). While it formally housed kindergartens and preschoolers recent reconfiguration of the district means that today it houses first through fifth graders. There are currently roughly three hundred students enrolled.
Centennial Hall: Incarnate Word
The land where Incarnate Word Academy stands was purchased by sisters of The Order of the Incarnate Word in Blessed Sacrament in 1921, to serve as a convent. During the Great Depression, the Sisters became convinced of the need for affordable schooling and opened their convent as Incarnate Word Academy in 1932. Today the school is part of St. Louis's extensive Private Catholic School System and as of 2023, the student population is 335 ranging from ninth through twelfth grade.
City Sign
Today Bel-Nor is a small city with a population of 1503 (according to the most recent data). It remains one of the only municipalities in St. Louis with a nearly even split between black and white residents. The spine of Bel-Nor is Natural Bridge Road along which most businesses, governmental buildings, and residencies sit.
Horatio Trail Sign
The Horatio Park Trail was the culmination of a governmental promise made in 2000 to enhance the city's parks. Work began in 2020 and continues. The Trail provides a scenic route for both leisure and as an alternative to walking on the side of the street as the city lacks sidewalks.
Gazebo Island Plan
As part of the plan to enhance the parks of the city the construction of a gazebo has been proposed. While plans have been drawn up no firm date to begin construction has been given.