The iconic town bell standing proudly beside the Central Library in Burlington holds a treasure trove of historical significance, serving as a tangible link to the town’s past. Commissioned by the Town Council in 1894, the bell’s original purpose was to summon volunteer firemen in times of need. Over the years, its role expanded, becoming a symbol of timekeeping and community rhythm.
Historical Significance and Usage
Initially designated for fire alerts, the town bell soon took on multiple functions. It became a timekeeper, chiming at 7 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 6 p.m., marking the beginning and end of the workday as well as the lunch break. The distinct manner of ringing differentiated between urgent fire alarms and routine timekeeping, ensuring clarity and efficiency in its communication.
The Bell and Its Keepers
The responsibility of ringing the bell fell upon individuals like James Powell, the first official bell ringer who received an annual payment of $50. Subsequently, the role merged with the duties of the Town Hall custodian, with notable figures like Arthur Turcotte taking up the mantle of bell ringing in later years.
Relocation and Adventures
As Burlington’s landscape evolved, so did the whereabouts of the town bell. Originally housed in the bell tower of the Town Hall on Elizabeth Street, it journeyed to different locations with the shifting town services. Notably, in 1952, when the Town Hall relocated to Brant Street, the bell found temporary residence at the Boy Scout Camp near Lowville.
The Great Bell Heist and Return
A curious incident unfolded when the bell was stolen from its temporary home, sparking a search by local law enforcement. A vigilant patrol officer intercepted the thieves, noticing their car weighed down by the stolen bell. The bell was swiftly recovered, returning to its rightful place behind the Works Department building until its final relocation.
Restoration and Legacy
In the early 1960s, efforts spearheaded by William Gilbert, Chairman of the Library Board, led to the bell’s restoration and installation beside the Elizabeth Street library in 1962. Its journey continued as it adorned the front entrance of the new Central Library on New Street in 1970, where it rang proudly to mark significant events like the library’s reopening in 2005.
Present Display and Symbolism
Today, the town bell stands as a symbol of Burlington’s heritage and resilience, displayed outside the north entrance of the Central Library. Its chiming not only echoes the passage of time but also resonates with the community’s shared memories and traditions, bridging the gap between past and present for generations to come.
