Twenty years ago this summer, one of the most famous residents in Bellflower passed away.

Vivian Layer, who played a big impact in the city of Bellflower for most of her life, died on Aug. 6, 2006 from complications from a gas explosion at her home that happened six weeks before on June 21.

Now, daughters Amy Worsham and Jeanne See are determined to make sure that their mother’s legacy stays alive. They are planning a special family reunion on Aug. 15 at 1298 Farnen in Montgomery City. The starting time for the event is 3 p.m.

“It’s been 20 years and it’s kind of a milestone to me, plus the fact it’s been so long since people have heard anything about her,” Worsham said. “I don’t want that name to completely disappear.”

Layer was well known as Bellflower’s unofficial historian. She was an active member of the Bellflower Cemetery Association, coordinated yearly fundraising pageants in Bellflower, worked as Bellflower’s telephone operator for 10 years and wrote a book about the history of Bellflower that was published in 1976. She was also a member of the Montgomery County Old Threshers Association.

The gas explosion that destroyed Layer’s home was big news around Bellflower as well as Montgomery County. Layer was sitting in a chair inside when the house exploded. Rescuers found her 20 feet from where she was sitting. Community and historical records, clippings and memorabilia were gone.

Layer was airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis after suffering numerous injuries. Her husband was also admitted to the hospital, but was later released.
Worsham said her mother and step-father were scheduled to be the grand marshals of the Fourth of July parade in Bellflower before plans were changed due to the explosion.

“They had everything ready,” Worsham said. “All of their clothes were ready, but it didn’t happen, of course.”

Born Vivian Virginia Young, Layer grew up in Truxton. Her mother died when she was a child. She was raised by her father and two older sisters.
Layer married Al Clark and raised five children – including Worsham and See – on a farm west of Bellflower before moving to Bellflower in 1959. At that time, Layer operated the Bellflower switchboard in her home.

The switchboard and the only public telephone in Bellflower were located in Layer’s home, allowing Layer to help residents in trouble and provide accommodations to visitors such as giving them a place to stay and food to eat.

“She moved into the house where the switchboard was from the farm,” See said. “That’s when she moved to Bellflower when she moved into the house and ran the switchboard. That was part of the deal with running the switchboard.”
Layer married her second husband, Mick, in 1971, two years after her first husband died. After they tied the knot, they became very active in the community. They built a historic museum near their home where they gave tours at community events, chaired the Bicentennial celebration, were co-owners and operators of the one-room school house (which is now located at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds) and participated in patriotic celebrations.
Layer also created and performed for the Elderberries, which was a kitchen band.
“It was a fun thing,” Worsham said. “They played at nursing homes. They were always in the parades. But the big deal was at Old Threshers.”
Worsham said even though her mother has been gone for 20 years, most Bellflower residents have never forgotten about her. The city park is dedicated to Layer and her husband, Mick, who passed away in 2007. Also, there is a street outside of town that is named after her.