Brownsburg in Hendricks County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Howdy Bell
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 16, 2026
1. Howdy Bell Marker
Raided on Indianapolis’ North Side, Howard Billeisen Jr. aspired to follow his father in operating the family pharmacy. And though being shot in a robbery attempt didn’t dissuade him, a difficult Butler University chemistry course did. Then fate intervened. Radio personality, Tom Carnegie, taught a broadcasting course there. His interest pricked, Howard enrolled. After graduation, he landed at a small Indiana radio station before his obvious talent took him to the Indianapolis market
At Indy’s WIRE, Howard acquired the now famous name, Howdy Bell, and a phone call changed the course of his life. Sid Collins invited him to join the World Wide Indianapolis 500 Network. An avid race fan, he didn’t hesitate. What was to be a one-race fill in for Make Ahern, became a hall of fame career, with 42 consecutive years on the 500 broadcast, and 10 years of Brickyard 400 coverage. A man of robust faith, Howdy feels humbly blessed with a fulfilled life pursuing the profession he’s so passionate about.
Erected by Indiana Racing Memorial Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
this page online
Location. 39° 50.683′ N, 86° 23.837′ W. Marker is in Brownsburg, Indiana, in Hendricks County. It is on North Green Street north of West Vermont Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 N Green St, Brownsburg IN 46112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and specifically in Greater Indianapolis. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dick Jordan (approx. ¼ mile away); Timeline of Events September 11, 2001 (approx. ¼ mile away); The 9/11 Attack on America – We Will Not Forget (approx. ¼ mile away);
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 16, 2026
2. Howdy Bell Marker (Side 2)
Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 16, 2026
3. Howdy Bell Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
