RUSSELL - 1927, FIRE HALL

TOWN BELL

OUR BELLS
Town Bell
The old town bell still rings strong and true! (1967) Who, having been away from Russell for a time, does not have a nostalgic feeling on again hearing the old town bell? Seventy years or more it has directed our comings and goings.

The present tower of the town bell was originally the windmill tower of the Barnardo Home. David Dunn Sr. bought it from the Home. It then went to town to cradle the bell which had hung first in the belfry of the old fire hall and town office - across the road south from the Queen's Hotel. Previous to that, before 1900, it had hung in a short tower above a small building that housed the first fire engine. This was behind Graham Boulton's store.

School Bell
This is the same bell that was on the first and second schools in Russell and still proclaims the school hour from its third home. It has passed through 80 years of our history so we claim a place in our roll of honour for the old school bell.

Curling Rink Bell
This was donated by Charlie (Butch) McIntyre to announce the time for the draws. It belonged to his father, Adam McIntyre, auctioneer, who would have a boy ring it through the streets to advertise a sale in the 1920's.

Anglican Church Bell
The sweet-toned bell of the Anglican church since, 1897 has not only been calling its parishioners to services but has been proclaiming the Sabbath day to all of Russell. Long may it continue to do so!

Tod Bell
Some will remember the curfew bell of the Tod family. Mothers would warn their young offspring. "Now when you hear Tod's Bell, you come home." That would be 9:00 p.m. (Speaking of curfews - from the 1920's to the 50's Russell enforced a curfew - all children 14 years and under, unattended by an adult must be off the streets by 9:00 p.m. in the summer and 8:00 p.m. in the winter.)

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