On April 1, 1884 the Vigilant Fire Company had their new bell placed above the Council House. The bell was cast at the McShane’s foundry in Baltimore Maryland, and has inscribed on it in raised letters the name and date of the organization of the company. The bell weighs about 500 pounds. After installing, the bell was rung for the first time and answered by the Cumberland Valley Fire Company’s bell.Just like other days in the past there has been working incidents occur on this day, but since I started posting about the firehouses I thought I would stay on that line of thought. I don't know how many of you out there are interested in these items but I know Kevin will be reading today and appreciate today's post.
10 comments:
I like the history of the fire service. The different vehicles and stations. The bells of Shippensburg and area is different and people don't understand the big part of the fire service they played. Keep up the good work.
Brad,
This has nothing to do with bells. I am on the run and thought this was quickest way to find you. Headed for D.C. and CFSI. Tonya will be in for CFSI Dinner. She is coming up to the Burg for the weekend. Try and hook up with her. I will be with her in D.C. but not coming up. I have to get back to Minnesota Friday morning. We are doing major Ethanol training this weekend in Rochester, MN
C.W.
Brad,
I, for one, enjoy the little historical tid-bits that you post. Some of the young-bucks were curious if the bell in question is the same bell that currently sits atop the firehouse.
TJ
Thanks for the kind words guys. I really enjoy doing this site, I spent many years researching the information and its no fun if I can't pass it on and educate others.
Yes T.J. it should be the same bell that site atop the station today. I assume that the CV bell I posted about last month is still in their tower.
Crawford I am able to track your location by a program I have attatched to the site. I knwe when you left sunny Florida and got back to chilly Mn. I would like to catch up with Tonya and will try. I will be spending Saturday in DC so maybe Sunday. I guess we have have to wait and hook up at Child's Dream weekend.
Bradley
I read everything you write on here. I balanced myself (white knuckled) on the roof almost 3 yrs ago to get some pics of the bell and the mounting. You can read "Henry ..." and "Baltimore..." on the back side and "...Co." "Feb'y 22d 1843" on the front.
I sometimes 'borrow' facts like this, from you, for my our files, thanks
I knew you kept much of the inforamation and that is fine, it ios here for peoples use Kevin. Maybe one of these days I get up I can make a trip to the roof and see what there is to photograph. All those years at the Viggies and never onece did I step foot on the roof. Maybe it's because I am scared of heights.
Brad, Yes the same bell is still atop the 53 house. I was up there about a year ago to see the manufacturer and such. We were curious the worth of it for insurance.
Cressler
I've never heard the Vigilant's bell but I know Merv use to love to ring the CV Bell.
He would ring it for every parade and sometimes if he was bored and near the rope in the engine bay.
Cressler
In the early 70`s we use to ring the bell at the Vigilants 30 minutes prior to the company meeting.
The older guys used to joke about ringing the bell (Ted Wise) that we better be careful Roy Dubbs might come running up the street thinking there was a fire.
I also remember rining of the bell during the passing of some notable members( John Snyder and Glenn Bitner)
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