Meneely Bell Foundry

Meneely Bell Foundry. , The Meneely Bell Foundry was established in 1826 by Andrew Meneely, a former apprentice in the foundry of Julius Hanks. Meneely was one of the greatest bell makers in American History. More than 65,000 bells were cast under the Meneely brand between 1826 and 1951, when the business closed. Upon the death of Andrew in 1851, his sons took over the business and the family continued to cast Meneely bells for another 100 years. , Andrew Meneely was a silversmith by training, and a chemist who mastered the mix of copper (78%), tin (22%) and molten heat to produce bells of elemental beauty and functionality. The bells were revered for the quality of their rich tones. , The original factory produced clocks, engineering instruments and bells. By 1836, the foundry became one of the largest and most acclaimed bell foundries in the country. Soon its reputation spread internationally. Its bells were loaded on barges and ships on the Erie Canal and the Hudson River near the foundry and were sent around the world. , Meneely manufactured a variety of church, academy; factory, depot, fire alarm, steamboat, ship, locomotive, plantation, fire engine, light house and other bells. These bells included chimola and carillons. Foreign competition which offered cheaper labor costs and cast iron bells, and the unavailability of metals, due to World War II, were all factors in the closing of the foundry in 1951. , This display was erected June 2021.