Angels Camp in Calaveras County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Bells

Photographed by James King, December 24, 2016

1. Bells Marker

Inscription. Fashioned as either small ornaments or large enough to be heard for miles, bells have long been a part of human history and culture. First appearing around 2000 B.C. as simple percussion instruments, they continue to celebrate special events to this day with their sweet melodic ring. The largest bell displayed here was made in Sheffield, England in 1860 and is so marked all around the outside cast in steel, by Naylor, Vickers & Co. This 27" diameter bell still retains its original headstock and wheel with the company's signature curlicue spokes. This company advertised their bells to "have a very pure melodious sound, peculiar to cast steel; and as the elasticity of this material seems to produce more powerful vibrations, their sound penetrates to a greater distance." Our example was most likely intended for a church. The smaller 25" diameter cast steel bell is unmarked and represents the kinds of bells used by schools to call students to class or signal fires and emergencies. The smallest bell is made of bronze and was most likely used on a ranch, school or possibly to signal activity at a mine.

Erected by Angels

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Camp Museum.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Communications • Education • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list.

Location. 38° 4.534′ N, 120° 32.745′ W. Marker is in Angels Camp, California, in Calaveras County. It is on South Main Street (State Highway 49), on the right when traveling north. This marker and the subject are in the "garden" area to the south of the museum building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 753 South Main Street, Angels Camp CA 95222, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Gold Country

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Signal Cannon/Utica Mine Ore Car/Arrastra Model

Bells Display image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James King, December 24, 2016

2. Bells Display

(here, next to this marker); Camp 9 Powerhouse Pelton Wheel (a few steps from this marker); Ol' Beth (a few steps from this marker); Serpentine Drill Core Section (a few steps from this marker); Stalactite/Stalagmite (a few steps from this marker); Just Jenny (a few steps from this marker); Hogarth Stamp Mill (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Hogarth Stamp Mill (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angels Camp.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2017, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 633 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2017, by James King of San Miguel, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.