The Heatherington Collection
Bellaire Public Library currently houses a selection of furniture that originally resided in the famed House That Jack Built. Also within the library is the original keystone of the Heatherington family home, complete with image of Jack the mule himself, the inspiration for our library mascot, Jack the Book Burro!
John Bowman Scale Model Steamboat Collection
Over his lifetime, John Bowman (1940-2023) built over fifty authentic steamboat models for individual collectors and museums. Among his steamboat enthusiast peers, Bowman was considered the most prolific steamboat model builder the time. Bellaire Public Library is fortunate to have several of his scale model steamboats on display. These models represent boats that have connections to the Bellaire wharf and the Ohio River.
John Edward Doughty Scale Model Wagon Collection
Our library is also fortunate to house a collection of meticulously crafted miniature woodwork and historical replicas created by John “Edward” Doughty, Sr. (1933–2024), a master carpenter and artist from Martins Ferry, Ohio. These incredibly detailed scale models include historically accurate trains, stagecoaches, Conestoga wagons, antique fire engines, and carriages.
