Here's the scoop: White Cottage ice cream shop on Lebanon Avenu...

That's a shame. They had the best ice cream in town. Used to go there as a kid with my parents. It was a real treat to there in the summer time.

I suspected that Belleville's decline had something to do with the closing of White Cottage, and it appears to be the case.

In a News-Democrat article dated April 17, 2008, the current owner of the business, Lonnie Cleveland, is quoted as saying that he decided to close because it was failing, and that he didn't feel that the neighbor around it was safe.

Interestingly enough, he has opened a location in Smithton (before closing the Belleville branch), and hopes to open locations in two additional "white flight" towns, Freeburg and Millstadt.

The Thinker wrote:

I suspected that Belleville's decline had something to do with the closing of White Cottage, and it appears to be the case.
In a News-Democrat article dated April 17, 2008, the current owner of the business, Lonnie Cleveland, is quoted as saying that he decided to close because it was failing, and that he didn't feel that the neighbor around it was safe.
Interestingly enough, he has opened a location in Smithton (before closing the Belleville branch), and hopes to open locations in two additional "white flight" towns, Freeburg and Millstadt.

I see where he's coming from with the surrounding area falling down hill. Can't really blame the guy. But, I'm happy you mentioned that they have a place in Smithton. Why, that would be a great little ride on the ol' Hog on a warm summer day. Thanks for info.

MushyMushy wrote:

<quoted text>I see where he's coming from with the surrounding area falling down hill. Can't really blame the guy. But, I'm happy you mentioned that they have a place in Smithton. Why, that would be a great little ride on the ol' Hog on a warm summer day. Thanks for info.

"A ride on the old Hog" are you talking about a motorcycle, or what your old man does as little as humanly possible? Belly up to that trough SUEYY-ha ha hi ha ha ha ha

whitey wrote:

<quoted text>
"A ride on the old Hog" are you talking about a motorcycle, or what your old man does as little as humanly possible? Belly up to that trough SUEYY-ha ha hi ha ha ha ha

A Harely Davidson you imbecile. But, I must admit. Your joke was pretty funny. LOL.

I'm just glad that I work in smithton so I can enjoy White Cottage's ice cream whenever. I just wish they will start cooking their full menue not just this 'n that off of it.

urgegrl wrote:

I'm just glad that I work in smithton so I can enjoy White Cottage's ice cream whenever. I just wish they will start cooking their full menue not just this 'n that off of it.

I remember white cottage's ice cream. It was the best. I hope it has remained the same. I heard they used to have good fish?

The Thinker wrote:

I suspected that Belleville's decline had something to do with the closing of White Cottage, and it appears to be the case.
In a News-Democrat article dated April 17, 2008, the current owner of the business, Lonnie Cleveland, is quoted as saying that he decided to close because it was failing, and that he didn't feel that the neighbor around it was safe.
Interestingly enough, he has opened a location in Smithton (before closing the Belleville branch), and hopes to open locations in two additional "white flight" towns, Freeburg and Millstadt.

As a fan of White Cottage for years, I can honestly say that when Mr. Cleveland took over from the previous couple, the service and product went downhill quickly. It wasn't the surrounding community! I live just a few blocks away and while I admit that it's not the Belleville from 40 years ago, it isn't as unsafe as you make it sound. His ice cream products were simply not as good and the kids he had working for him weren't very friendly. Word of mouth is what did him in.

livesinbelleville wrote:

<quoted text>
As a fan of White Cottage for years, I can honestly say that when Mr. Cleveland took over from the previous couple, the service and product went downhill quickly. It wasn't the surrounding community! I live just a few blocks away and while I admit that it's not the Belleville from 40 years ago, it isn't as unsafe as you make it sound. His ice cream products were simply not as good and the kids he had working for him weren't very friendly. Word of mouth is what did him in.

I can't say that I stopped in there during Mr. Cleveland's ownership, so I can't comment on the quality of the product.

It was Mr. Cleveland's statement that the area around the Lebanon Avenue establishment was unsafe.

At the time of the article, he was very happy with the amount of business he was doing at the Smithton location, and, also hoped to open shops in the other "white flight" towns of Freeburg and Millstadt.

The Thinker wrote:

<quoted text>
I can't say that I stopped in there during Mr. Cleveland's ownership, so I can't comment on the quality of the product.
It was Mr. Cleveland's statement that the area around the Lebanon Avenue establishment was unsafe.
At the time of the article, he was very happy with the amount of business he was doing at the Smithton location, and, also hoped to open shops in the other "white flight" towns of Freeburg and Millstadt.

You need to read the article again, "white flight" was pulled out of your ass. Aren't there some kids you can chase off your lawn?

We have a full menu of food. And that famous home made ice cream everyone's been hootin' and hollerin' about too.

However, finding the location is tricky because people expect to see WHITE COTTAGE in your face. We are hidden in the ZX Gas Station which is part of White Cottage as well.

Call ahead and ask if the kitchen is open would be your best bet.