Fire Bell

Fire Bell. . This Fire Bell was located in the bell tower of the City Hall Building constructed on this site in 1896. Upon the reporting of a fire, the bell was rung for fifteen seconds followed by one, two, three or four strokes to indicate the Ward location of the fire. Volunteer firemen responded and mounted the fire wagon. Horses were released from stalls and took their places on each side of the wagon tongue. The harness was dropped into place and connected, and all were ready to proceed to the fire., The first floor of City Hall included the city clerk’s and city collector’s office, the marshal’s office, city jail, fire wagon and horse stalls. The second floor included the fire chief’s living quarters, water plant offices, mayor’s office and the city court room., The building remained intact until 1982 when it was purchased by Trenton Trust Company.