Dr. William "Bill" Bazzelle’s 
childhood was shaped by the distinct communities of Rosston and Hope, Arkansas. He split his early life between weekdays in Rosston and weekends in Hope (pictured, right). Both of his parents taught at the Oak Grove School in Rosston. During the week, they and the other teachers lived in two-room cottages across the street from the school. Most teachers returned to their homes on the weekends including the Bazzelles who regularly traveled 20 miles back to their home in Hope.
Hope had a different atmosphere from Rosston. The town benefitted from a small but active Black business community, with a hotel, restaurant, and pool hall serving Black citizens. Still, the realities of racial segregation affected daily life. Separate water fountains, restrooms, and public facilities reinforced the barriers between Black and White Hope residents. The Bazzelle family would often shop in the nearby city of Prescott where the shopkeepers welcomed customers regardless of their race.
Bill Bazzelle thrived as a student. He started first grade at the Oak Grove School early at five years old. Soon after, Bill was moved up to second grade, completing two years of school in one. His success in the classroom continued as he moved into middle and high school.
It was during his years at Oak Grove High School that Bill discovered a love for the sciences, chemistry in particular. By the time he graduated high school at the age of 16 as the class valedictorian, Bill Bazzelle had decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at college.
In this excerpt from Dr. William E. Bazzelle Sr.: A Life of Science & Service, Dr. Bazzelle discusses growing up in segregated Arkansas:
Introduction | Heritage | Growing Up | College | Graduate School | DuPont Years | Family | STEM Mentorship | Philanthropy