The Mitchell County Historical Society recognizes these historical bells in Mitchell County to honor America’s 250th. In the last 250 years of the United States existence, bells have symbolized freedom. FREEDOM to be rung for all people of these United States calling them to church, school, emergency, aid and gathering of those they have the FREEDOM to choose.
This is a self-guided driving tour. Most of these bells are on private property, please be respectful. A “Bells of Mitchell County” sign will be at each site with a QR code that will send you to more information about each bell.
602 Lake Drive, Cawker City, 67430
The “Solomon Valley Pioneer” arrived by rail to Beloit then by wagon to Cawker City by March 29, 1879 from HENRY MC SHANE & CO. BALTIMORE, MD. It cost $160.00. It survived two fires, look for the damage on the backside.
7th St & Lake Dr, Cawker City, KS 67430
This fire bell was bought in 1914 for about $100 and was mounted on the 1910 water tower which was razed November 2024. This bell was replaced by a city siren in 1940 when a new fire station, built of native stone, was completed as a National Youth Administration project. The siren was controlled at the telephone office. The bell was moved to the museum in 1976.
913 7th St, Cawker City, KS 67430
Originally bought about 1901 for the Fourth Ward School, this bell was moved to these school grounds when the new brick High School building was completed in 1908.
201 Hobart St, Glen Elder, KS 67446
The Ladies Aid Society of the Christian Church purchased the bell in December 1888. It weighs 1100 pounds. It sets in the church’s tour
116 N. Nash St, Glen Elder, KS 67446
This bell was purchased in June of 1886 and weighs 328 pounds. It originally hung in the tower at the Methodist Episcopal limestone church which was block west of this site. It was sold for scrap in 1917 to E.F. Sutton for $70.00 to help fund the present church. In 1928, it was sold to Ernie Norris and then to Max Porter, who gave it back to the church.
1915 N. Independence, Beloit, KS 67420
This bell hung in the Methodist Church at Simpson. It was purchased in 1908 and used until it was donated to the museum in 1984.
Highway 24 on the north side of Beloit
The bell in Honey Creek School is from 1942. The large bell West of the school house is the original Beloit High School bell that was purchased in 1890 and moved to the park in 1979.
621. N Mill St, Beloit, KS 67420
Louisa Runft donated this bell to the church in 1900. It hung in the old stone church tower until it was torn down and the new church was built. The bell was hung in the current tower in 1993.
111 S. Hersey St, Beloit, KS 67420
The 1500 pound bell sets in the tower of the court house and still strikes noon. It was installed in 1902. It is viewable for tours by appointment at the court house.
321 E. Main Street, Beloit, KS 67420
This church bell is one of six replicas cast of the Liberty Bell during the 1876 Centennial and the only replica west of the Mississippi River. It is an exact four-fifths replica of the liberty bell. It was hung at the church in 1879 and was used as the Beloit fire bell from 1879-1886.
701 E. Court Street, Beloit, KS 67420
In 1878, the church bought a 1000 pound cast bronze bell. In 1953, four bronze bells were donated in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Eresch by their children. The largest weighs 3,500 pounds and they all were imported from Aarle-Hizter, Holland. These bells are not viewable in their tower.
2320 Commercial Ave, Scottsville, KS
This bell was dedicated on September 8, 1901 by the Scottsville Methodist Church. The Church merged with the Presbyterian in 1923 and then again with the Community Church in 1978.
102 4th Street, Hunter, KS 67452
The “Silent Workers Class” of the Grace Chapel raised the funds for this 1400 pound bell. It was placed on a tower East of the church in 1922. It was later placed in its current location when the tower became unsafe.
308 Gambrinus Street, Tipton, KS 67485
The church burnt in 1952 and its original bell melted in that fire. The current church was dedicated in 1954 and three bronze bells were added to the tower in 1963.
602 Main Street, Tipton, KS 67485
The large bell inside this museum was located in the Shockley School that sat 3 miles South of Tipton. The school was built in 1872 and the bell purchased in 1874 by C.P. Houghton.
Collector America 250 T shirts for Waconda Lakefest are now available for order and delivery by Lakefest. Check out the styles and designs! Our Lady Liberty design is on a blue shirt. George Washington is on beige, either t shirt or tank top. Wear our history for years to come!
About the Exhibition:
When the Declaration of Independence was issued, the idea that “all men are created equal” was revolutionary. With this seminal document, the Founding Fathers unleashed an open-ended driving force that would shape modern history. Around the world, other countries have declared independence taking the US Declaration of 1776 as a model. This exhibition uses primary sources to illustrate how Americans and people across the world have been inspired by the Declaration in their pursuit of equality and self-determination. A special exhibit panel on “Kansas” in 1776 is also included.
You can find more information on the website linked below!
Learn more about Beloit, Cawker City, Glen Elder, Hunter, Scottsville, Simpson, and Tipton!
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