Trenton Township in Grundy County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Fire Bell

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 15, 2021

1. Fire Bell Marker

Inscription. 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.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 40° 4.457′ N, 93° 37.063′ W. Marker is in Trenton, Missouri, in Grundy County. It is in Trenton Township. It is on East 9th Street (State Highway 6) just west of Washington Street

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, on the left when traveling west. Marker and bell are on exhibit in the parking lot at the southwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Trenton MO 64683, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Missouri. It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Five Points Flag Pole (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trenton (about 400 feet away); Grundy County Jewett Norris Library (approx. 0.3 miles away); Harris Log House (approx. 12 miles away).

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 15, 2021

2. Fire Bell & Marker

(looking southwest from East 9th Street)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 15, 2021

3. Fire Bell

Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 182 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.