Normal in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Van Leer's Broadview Mansion Bell

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

1. Van Leer's Broadview Mansion Bell Marker

left plaque

Inscription.

(left plaque:)

The following inscription was engraved on one of the original bells that hung in the Broadview Mansion Bell Tower:

"Dedicated to the glory of God
and in loving memory of
Bird Colladay Van Leer, 1867-1933
by his wife
Margaret Langstaff Van Leer, 1939
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord
Come before his presence with singing."

(right plaque:)

This bell, cast in 1868, formerly hung in the bell tower of Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, Illinois. The bell is representative of one of the largest bells that previously hung in the Broadview Mansion Bell Tower, which was built in 1939.

Thank you to the church and the Meek family for their support.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 40° 29.787′ N, 88° 59.258′ W. Marker is in Normal, Illinois, in McLean County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of South Fell Avenue and Highland Avenue. Marker is on the grounds of the Broadview Mansion. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1301 S Fell Ave, Normal IL 61761, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. Cedar Crest Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Highland Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away); Historic Camelback Bridge (approx. ¼ mile away); Home of Joseph W. Fifer (approx. 0.7 miles away); Florence Fifer Bohrer (approx. 0.7 miles away); Franklin Square Historic District (approx. 0.7 miles away); Home of Adlai E. Stevenson I (approx. 0.7 miles away); Robert Greenlee House (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Normal.

Regarding Van Leer's Broadview Mansion Bell. Please keep in mind that though no one lives here, it is considered private property and it is best to get permission from one of the directors before accessing the property.

Also see . . .
1. Broadview Mansion on Wikipedia. Formerly known as the VanLeer Mansion, this twenty-two room house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#16000327) on June 7, 2016. (Submitted on December 18, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

2. Broadview Mansion/Immanuel Bible Foundation. More information about the mansion, which has tours and hosts many private events. (Submitted on December 18, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

2. Van Leer's Broadview Mansion Bell Marker

right plaque

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

3. Van Leer's Broadview Mansion Bell Marker

Plaques below the bell

Van Leer's Broadview Mansion Bell Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

4. Van Leer's Broadview Mansion Bell Tower

Bell is below it

Broadview Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, September 29, 2020

5. Broadview Mansion

The marker, bell and the tower are on the grounds behind the mansion.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 261 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 18, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.