Norwich Fire Department fire bell from 1898 is back on display
The Norwich Fire Department on Main Street has its 1898 bell back after a few years in storage. The structure holding it was rebuilt and illumination will be added next. (Photo by Kelli Miller)
NORWICH — The Norwich Fire Department located at 31 East Main Street has its bell back on display after a few years in storage. The old structure holding the bell had rotted underground and caused the heavy bell to nearly collapse.
City of Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino said, “The bell is in the same location now that it was a few years ago and we are excited to have it back on display for sure. Next, will come the lighting.”
Papelino said, “One Friday evening as I was leaving the station, I noticed the previous bell tower appeared to be leaning toward East Main Street. I measured the corner of the roof structure to the masonry surrounding base and noted the distance.”
He said the following Monday morning when he returned to work, he measured the structure in the same area. The corner that he measured had dropped 1.5 inches over the weekend and it became imperative to get the bell removed from the tower so the structure didn't collapse and damage the bell.
Papelino said “With the assistance of the City Department of Public Works crew, the bell was removed from the structure and placed on a pallet for safe keeping and ease of moving it around as we knew eventually we would work to get it back on display.”
He explained after the bell was removed, the structure it hung from was also removed. The wooden pole that was closest to East Main Street had rotted underground and could no longer support the weight of the bell, which was the reason it was leaning.
Retired Norwich Fire Chief and Maydole Hose Company President Pat Ford said the project was quite involved and they had to come up with a plan. One of the members helped out and first they had to reach out to the railroad for permission to put the bell where it’s now located, as that property is part of the railroad. After quite some time they gave permission.
“Next was to find funding and that wasn’t cheap. I reached out to independent businesses and individuals, requesting donations. We’re still requesting donations as we’re going to illuminate the bell and will need funds for the plaque which will be presented at the official late spring dedication,” said Ford.
Ford said the bell tower was erected in 1898 and cost the city $450.00 It was made by the Cincinnati Bell company from Cincinnati Ohio. The bell used to be under a dome on the second story in the early 1900’s and then when the Fire Department added a third story, it was moved up but was taken down in the early 70’s due to improved electronics ending the ringing of the bell.
For further information or to donate call Pat Ford at 607-316-3489.
City of Norwich Fire Chief Jan Papelino said, “The bell is in the same location now that it was a few years ago and we are excited to have it back on display for sure. Next, will come the lighting.”
Papelino said, “One Friday evening as I was leaving the station, I noticed the previous bell tower appeared to be leaning toward East Main Street. I measured the corner of the roof structure to the masonry surrounding base and noted the distance.”
He said the following Monday morning when he returned to work, he measured the structure in the same area. The corner that he measured had dropped 1.5 inches over the weekend and it became imperative to get the bell removed from the tower so the structure didn't collapse and damage the bell.
Papelino said “With the assistance of the City Department of Public Works crew, the bell was removed from the structure and placed on a pallet for safe keeping and ease of moving it around as we knew eventually we would work to get it back on display.”
He explained after the bell was removed, the structure it hung from was also removed. The wooden pole that was closest to East Main Street had rotted underground and could no longer support the weight of the bell, which was the reason it was leaning.
Retired Norwich Fire Chief and Maydole Hose Company President Pat Ford said the project was quite involved and they had to come up with a plan. One of the members helped out and first they had to reach out to the railroad for permission to put the bell where it’s now located, as that property is part of the railroad. After quite some time they gave permission.
“Next was to find funding and that wasn’t cheap. I reached out to independent businesses and individuals, requesting donations. We’re still requesting donations as we’re going to illuminate the bell and will need funds for the plaque which will be presented at the official late spring dedication,” said Ford.
Ford said the bell tower was erected in 1898 and cost the city $450.00 It was made by the Cincinnati Bell company from Cincinnati Ohio. The bell used to be under a dome on the second story in the early 1900’s and then when the Fire Department added a third story, it was moved up but was taken down in the early 70’s due to improved electronics ending the ringing of the bell.
For further information or to donate call Pat Ford at 607-316-3489.
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