The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1904-06-24
Fire Alarm System viii Be
Changed Until Such Time as
New Engine House Is Built.
GONG WHISTLE TO BE USED
History fthe Famous Old Bell,
Which Is to Be Stored Away
After Twenty-seven
Years of Service.

Full many day vii pass ere tn
big fire bell rings again Its warning
to the people who are so familiar witt
It's musical tone. Yesterday unfeelini
carpenters. men employed by Con
tractor Lebeck. removed the old bel
from its midair position and 1t vii
now be stored away In the temporar,
jail. to remain until such time as ths
council feels financially able to buiit
. reputable engine house and provide
q bell tower.
Excepting the bell at St Mary's
Catholic church. the old FIRE bell d
the most musical in this part Of the
country. Its tone Is decidedly odd
When 1t tolled the funeral knell Of
some prominent citizen. It's tone was
extremely sad. Proper manipulation
OF the bell could call up ones most
tender sentiment. or fill him with the
widest alarm. 1t is truly wonderful
bell. and 1t has an interesting history.
When the bell was lowered to the
ground yesterday Chief Of Police Hal
lock. observing a newspaper represen-
tative. FASTENED to him to suggest that
he read the inscription on the bell.
@Yes; read it." urged Fire Chief Stock
ton. Hallock and Stockton were both
much younger and better looking when
the bell was first raised at the rear
Of the old city hall. and. as both were
more or less instrumental in its pur-
chase, its temporary removal called up
sentiment of years long gone by.
This is the inscription which appears
In clear-cut letters on the top of the
bell:
Presented to the Astoria Fire De-
partment by the Ladies and Citizens
Of Astoria, Oregon, Through the Efforts
Of the Firemen's Bazarr and Fair
February 20 and 21, 1873 oregon Brass
Works, Makers, Portland. Oregon"
History of the Bell.
Prior to the year 1877 Astoria de-
pended for fire protection upon the
activity of what was practically a
bucket brigade. In 1877 a regular de-
partment was organized. The need of
a bell was at once apparent. and the
enthusiasts determined that a bell
should be secured. The meeting at
which this decision was reached was
held in what is now the Gem saloon,
a resort then conducted by Peter Will
helm. Fire Chief Stockton was among
those present, at 1.-The meeting, and
when the crowd left the place and
went upon the street the enthusiasts
were prepared for Immediate action.
An old-time character named Van. who
used to push handcart around town,
happened by, and the cart was taken
from him by the men, who went about
the city collecting stuff suitable for
an exhibit at a hremen's fair. The
fair was helped along by the ladies
of the city and sum sfficient to pay
for the bell was raised. The bell cost
$3.50.
The Oregon Brass Works secured the
contract for casting the bell, and a
committee was sent to Portland to
see that the work was properly done.
The first bell cast did not give out the
sound which the Astorians wanted, so
another bell was cast. This, too, failed
to produce the melody desired, but the
third trial resulted in success When
the metal was heated the Astorians
threw considerable amount Of silver
into the pot, and it is related that
Hon. John C. TruIlinger, since de-
ceased, who was member Of the CONF