Since the early 1970's I've had an old cast iron bell knocking around the farm. I bought it at a flea market for $30, and Monte dutifully made a post and set it up at the old farmhouse across the road. When we moved from that side over here, the bell went with us, but I'd never gotten around to re-planting it. So, it's been languishing in various corners of the farm, gathering cobwebs and providing wasp-houses. Finally, I decided it needed a permanent home.
Enter one bracket: (plus a husband willing to dig a hole, plant a post, and chainsaw-shape it to the requirements of the bell)
and one BIG BELL with fist-sized clapper (15-inch diameter at the bottom).
Add paint to spruce it up a bit; then mount it on the post...
And we have the best calling center one could imagine! Of course, it only does high speed interfarm, rather than internet. And it doesn't do email. Only Amail (auditory mail).
Posts
Elora -- Lucky you to have such a wonderful bell to
ReplyDeletering at your pleasure. If I had that bell I would ring it just to hear its sound and envision the folks that came home from its "calling." MM did wonderful work on installing it in your yard. -- barbara
Oh, I love bells...I always have. When I was nine and started making money from summer farm work, I actually bought my own bell to ring, which I could with abandon, as we lived way out in the country. And since then, I've always installed bells where we've lived, though I just realized that we've been here for three years and still have no bell! Maybe because I still don't feel at home here...
ReplyDeleteYour bell is beautiful, Elora. I can see it must have a clear and resounding clang. Your husband did a fine job installing it. Ring it proudly and often!
My husband has a bell like yours that he says he will get hung this spring by our cabin, I will see. He has so many projects that need his attention and back. linda
ReplyDeleteGreat bell! We have one on our front porch that I used to use to call the kids when they'd gone exploring up the mountain.
ReplyDeleteThat beats my (door)bell which is a 6 inch bronze bell hanging next to the front door. Probably a cow bell but you never know, it could be a Roman relic!
ReplyDeleteI am doing just that, Barbara! Clang! Clang! The dogs are amazed. Haven't checked with the cows, yet, to see what they think! Linda, great to hear from you! We, too, have so many "projects" but this spring we sat down and made a To Do list of all the started projects that need to be finished. The bell was only one of about 20!! We'll "get 'er done" soon, we hope! Check with us about September!! ;-) And, Vicki, they couldn't deny hearing it, ever, could they!! Neat idea for a doorbell, Ruta. We have a bronze one we brought with us off the sailboat when we moved ashore. I'll have to look into getting it mounted as a doorbell! Great idea!!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for you comments. I've been totally wrapped up in "Japan."
Elora
Beth,
ReplyDeleteYou and me, both! I think bells are the classiest of musical instruments. If we segue to the side a bit, don't you adore the bells that are played at Christmas time? I think they are the coolest! It's such a "wintry" sound! If you're staying, get a bell! Actually, they have cow bells at the feed store and they have a nice generous clank! Great to hear from you, girl!
Elora
This is so neat! I loved reading about your bell and seeing the accompanying photo-essay. :-)
ReplyDeleteDarla,
ReplyDeleteYou are so much fun! Thanks much! It was so much fun to finally get the "big gong" up and standing proudly, after all these years!
Elora