Belle Brown was one of Marin’s hard-working and forward-thinking women. Her family settled on Magnolia Avenue in Larkspur in the early 1850s and Belle was born in 1863. Throughout her life, she combined her love of history with all of her endeavors. She accomplished so much by being active in civic and cultural affairs, and she was widely respected for her deep knowledge of local history.
After passing the county board examination to qualify as a teacher, she worked as a Marin County school teacher for 25 years. She first taught in San Rafael and would walk over Wolf Grade until she purchased a horse. She went on to serve several terms as Larkspur City Clerk and as City Treasurer. In addition, Belle was also a founding member of the Larkspur Women's Improvement Club and instrumental in the founding of the Larkspur Public Library.
In the early 1930s, Miss Brown served with historian and journalist Florence Donnelly on the local chapter of the California State Landmark Commission to mark historic sites across Marin. Official markers were placed on the site of Drake's Landing, the Reed Mill in Mill Valley, Mission San Rafael Archangel, and Olompali. Later, Ms. Donnelly would write:
“When our work was over, Miss Brown and I agreed that so much material had been gathered [while working on the Landmark Commission] and that there was so much to be done, we would organize an historical group... ” (Marin People, Volume I, 1971, p.1).
The Marin County Historical Society (which was later changed to Marin History Museum) was officially established on June 6, 1935, by descendants of pioneer Marin families who were committed to preserving their family legacies and the broader history of the county. Miss Brown served as President and Ms. Donnelly was the first Secretary and Treasurer. The first meeting was held at the Marin County Golf and Country Club (currently the Marin Yacht Club in San Rafael) featuring Mildred Brooks Hoover, the sister-in-law of Herbert Hoover. Apparently, Miss Belle had collaborated with Mrs. Hoover when she wrote a book on historic spots in California.
Ms. Belle died in 1940 leaving behind a legacy built on community, wisdom ("smarts") and knowing how to get the job done.