The charming and family oriented community of Bellmore is an unincorporated area in the town of Hempstead.  Bellmore is reviving its rich history, reclaiming yesterday's glory with an old-world village district setting for the downtown business district.  Vintage colors, period awnings, and hand-carved gold leaf designs are an ideal complement to the area's fine neighborhoods and handsome homes.  Single-family homes dominate the housing selection, ranging in style from Cape Cods to exclusive waterfront mansions.  First settled by the Dutch in the 1600s, this community went through a number of name changes including Smithville for the many residents named Smith.  Today's residents are able to celebrate the legacy of this colorful past each year during the Bellmore Family Street Festival.  For more than a decade, thousands have turned out for this old-fashioned event that provides entertainment for all ages.