Bell Fuels History

Three Generations of Family Tradition

1898 The streets of Chicago were not paved. Horse and pedestrian traffic on the dirt-covered Chicago streets created intolerable dust conditions. Seeing an opportunity, H.J. Troch began his "water-wagon" business, sprinkling the streets to keep the dust down.

Early 1940's The Troch Coal Company moved to its present location at 4116 West Peterson Avenue, and the Troch coal trucks became a familiar sight on the streets of Chicago.

1951 The coal business went into serious decline as many homes and businesses converted to more economical and efficient oil furnaces. Bob, Sr. sold the coal business and began to supply oil exclusively.

1958 Bob, Jr., the current President of Bell Fuels, ended his tour of duty with the Navy and joined his father in the family basis.

1964 R.W. Troch Oil Company acquired Bell Oil Company and became a major fuel distributor in the Chicago and Midwest markets.

1990's and beyond Bell Fuels, Inc. continues to meet the challenge of the ever changing world with innovations and new approaches to petroleum marketing.