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Bells, bells and more bells

The bell is a simple device dating back to ancient times.  It is a percussion instrument and is usually an open-ended hollow drum which resonates when being struck.  There are famous bells dating back to the 1500s that are still in use today.  Bells are made of many materials, i.e. cast metal, glass, ceramic, brass, crystal, etc.  They range from very large to minute with some weighing 200,000 lbs. contrasting with beautiful dainty crystal hand bells.

Bells have been used on a daily basis throughout history as they are today.  Church bells, town bells, clock bells, temple bells, palace bells, and many more types and varieties are presently used and can be heard from long distances.  Bells were very important years ago at a time when people could not afford clocks. When clocks were too expensive for widespread use the town folk and people in out lying areas could hear the bells strike resonating their sound throughout the land, and therefore, know what time of day it was.

Of course a very important bell in our history is the Liberty Bell.  It is now located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but previously hung in Independence Hall.  Its original casting was by Whitechapel Foundry in 1752, tuned in E-flat and weighed 2080 lbs.  It was rung July 4^th, 1776 to mark American independence.  Inspiring the cause of freedom and “proclaiming liberty”, the Bell traveled to multiple cities throughout the land starting in the 1880’s. In September of 1920 it was brought to Independence Hall.

There is prevalent disagreement on when the first crack appeared in the Bell.  However, it is agreed that the final expansion of the crack was on Washington’s Birthday in 1846.  The crack is approximately ½” wide and 24 ½” long.  As you can see, bells have quite a history.

As you enjoy your bell chimes, step back in time, think of our Founding Fathers, and appreciate the “Liberty” we celebrate today.