The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-29

THE OID BELL HOUSE.
After Thorough Overhaul ing 1t Is Again
Occupied as an Arsenal.

The old bell house I'm Capitol Square
has just been thoroughly renovated and
repaired. and Armorcr Snyder yesterday
began 10 move back into the structure
all the stores belonging 70 the State which
are left in his custody.
The Legislature during It's last session
appropriated the sum of 800 for repairs
10 the building. and this amount not Delng
quite sufficient, the Governor ADDED the
balance needed about fifty dollars from
the contingent fund
by inserting an additional floor the two
old rooms of the building nave peen
} turned into three and all the floors have
been renewed. New light ana water TX
lures have been provided and new WIN
dows have been put in the mouse. An
elevator serves as means OF coIhmuhch-
ton between the three stories, anu ample
room has been secured 10 store all me
State property including the tents, ~hlch
heretofore were Kept In the hegiinehtal
armory.
In order to make the outward appear
ance Of the building less obnoxious, IL
has been given O. new coat OF paint,
light gray, 10 match the color OF the
Capitol building. Otherwise, no changes
in the exterior of the building have been
made. II being the desire Of the state
authorities TO retain the old historic relic
as far as possible In its original form
IN 1880 the directors Of the public build
ingS were authorized TO purchase at the
public expense a TT and sufficient bell for
the use Of the Capitol" This bell was
hung In small wooden, Imprinted build
ing that stood Immediately In front OF
the portico Of lhe Capitol. When It was
taken down cannot be ascertained at this
time.
Near the site Of the tower. ever known
as tie bell house. stood a much more
ancient building. IN regard 10 which the
following enactment was passed in March
THAT the Executive be. and they are
hereby, authorized to have the house.
commonly called the Barracks, now stand
inC on the northwest corner Of the Capl-
tOl square. sold at public auction, and 70
have small twO-stOried house, with
cupalO for bell not exceeding twenty
feet square, erected for the accommoda-
ton Of the guard stationed for the pro
lection Of the Capitol. on or near the site
Of the said barracks"
The present structure is always affec-
tiJnateiy called the cold bell house by
the "old Richmond boys" and Il is cor
secTated in their memories Of the trying
times from 1861 10 1850 as IS no other Cd
ject connected with the Confederacy. The
bell was then indeed an alarm bell. and
whenever It's well-knoWn peal rang out
three quick taps and an MISUNDERSTANDING
by day or night the rallying hosts OF
soldiers and citizens. old men and boys
rushed with a common impulse TO the
rendezvous appointed with the resolution
of stout hearts for the defence Of the city
On the day still remembered as paw
nee Sunday" when tdings came that the
Federal gun-boat "Pawnee" had passed
the distractions in the river and was
fast approaching the city. the old ben
clattered IT'S alarm as never before during
the hours Of divine service. Instantly the
congregations rushed from the churches.
becoming the Church militant indeed,
and every weapon Of defence In Richmond
was soon in eager and valiant hands.
The rally" was to the old bell house.
and had the "Pawnee" appeared and its
crew venturcd ashore II would certainly
have met with a very warm reception.
IT IS also reported that the old bell rang
en- alarm at the time OF the NAT Turner"
remuneration