Bell tower groundbreaking The Motley Area Historical Society is in the process of placing a 14- foot tall bell tower in Veteran A large cast-iron bell, which once rang out from the old brick schoolhouse in Motley during much of the 1900s, will soon be on display in Motley’s Veteran’s Park.

The bell, which is 30 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 300 pounds, has been in storage since the school (which was built in approximately 1907) was torn down in 1975.

Thanks to efforts of the Motley Area Historical Society, as well as donations from local individuals and businesses, a 14-foot tall bell tower is being erected and will be placed in Veteran’s Park on a large cement platform.

The dedication of the bell will be held Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m., at Veteran’s Park. It will be the kick-off to an event called, “The Gathering. A Celebration of our Heritage,” co-sponsored by the Morrison County Historical Society and the Morrison County Genealogical Society.

Old bell For nearly 70 years, the Motley school bell was rung four times a day. Since the old brick school was torn down in 1975, the cast iron bell (which weighs approximately 300 pounds and measures 30 inches in diameter) has remained in storage. Thanks to efforts of the Motley Area Historical Society, a 14-foot tall bell tower (plans pictured below) has been built and will be erected in Motley “We’re expecting hundreds of people to attend The Gathering,” said Linda Townsend, secretary of the MAHS. “We are very excited about this event.”

Years ago, the bell was a fixture in the community.

Townsend said that the bell meant a lot to the Motley students and the town because it was rung four times a day - twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon.

“The bell had a loud clang itself, but the sound was even louder because it was on top of the twostory building but had to be rung by pulling a chain in the school basement,” Townsend said. “That chain ran through a conduit and made a real clatter as it was pulled and the echo through the conduit increased everything.”

According to Townsend, the bell has known quite a few homes in Motley since 1975.

After the school was torn down, the bell was in storage for many years until Eldon Morey, Motley, asked the school board if it could be donated to the MAHS.

Morey stored the bell for a short time, Townsend said; and then moved it by cart to Bud Welle’s farm of rural Motley.

After Welle died, it was moved to Bill Berndt’s place, then out to Marvin Swecker’s barn for awhile.

Last year, plans began to fall in place for finding the bell a permanent home in Veteran’s Park.

Many people have stepped forward to help with this project.

Shawn Ward built an iron framework for the bell tower, Greg Townsend made a roof for it; and Jim Greig sandblasted and painted the tower.

Recently, MAHS members Duane Strack, Greg Townsend and Gordon Martin dug a hole at the park for the cement platform. The platform will be installed by Shawn Jordahl of Jordahl Concrete of Motley.

“Next, Brichacek Stone is going to make a beautiful granite plaque for the tower and mount it for us,” Linda Townsend said.

Once everything is ready, the City of Motley’s maintenance department will put up the tower.

“We have received many donations for this event,” Linda said, adding that the MAHS is grateful for the generosity of so many people, businesses and organizations. “Especially the Motley Lions...they have been terrific,” she added.

Donations are still being accepted for the Motley Bell Tower Project; and can be sent to P.O. Box 7 in Motley, 56466.

The dedication of the bell Sept. 4

will be a special event, Linda said. “The Honor Guard, Motley dignitaries

and the school band will be performing. Then food and other events will start at 1 p.m. at the Motley Fair Grounds,” she added.

Linda reports that several genealogy classes have been held this past year to help Motley area people research their history. “Ella Topp, Motley Historian, will be assisting some 50 families who will be displaying their historical photos and memorabilia at the Motley Fairgrounds that day.”