Grapevine in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Grapevine Fire Bell
Photographed by Thomas Smith, March 6, 2022
1. The Grapevine Fire Bell Marker
This bell was cast in 1886 and used during the early 1900s to alert the 13 members of the all-volunteer "Bucket Brigade," which was established in May 1907.
Fire calls were received by Grapevine's telephone operator, known as "Central". The telephone operator was the person responsible for ringing the bell which hung on Jenkins Street to alert the volunteers when a fire was reported.
After the first fire alert siren was installed in 1928, the bell was given to former Mayor Benjamin R. Wall and remained with his family until it was donated to the Grapevine Historical Society.
This significant bell in the history of Grapevine is mounted in honor and with deep gratitude to all firefighters, past, present, and future. Who gallantly serve and protect the Grapevine community and its citizens.
Erected 2014 by The Grapevine Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 32° 56.07′ N, 97° 4.768′ W. Marker is in Grapevine, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is on West Hudgins Street 0.1 miles east of South Church Street, on the right when traveling west
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Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Prairie Water (a few steps from this marker); Grapevine Cotton Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker); Cotton Belt Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Land Patent Office (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Grapevine Dairy Producers Building (about 300 feet away); The Founders Building (about 400 feet away); Willy Majors (about 400 feet away); Nat Barrett (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grapevine.
Photographed by Thomas Smith, March 6, 2022
2. The Grapevine Fire Bell and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 305 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 12, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
